Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.



Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is committed to furthering diversity, equity and inclusion because all young people deserve the right to be themselves, to feel a sense of belonging, and to have access to opportunities that support their great future.


Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Recognizes Black Leaders

February 25, 2025

Celebrating the Contributions of Today's Leaders During Black History Month.

To celebrate Black History Month, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is recognizing the contributions of Black leaders shaping our Clubs and communities. 


Tomeka Cole is the organization’s Vice President of Development and Communications. She’s a Hartford native and has dedicated more than 20 years to youth development, philanthropy and community impact. Her fundraising and strategic communication leadership plays a critical role in ensuring that every child who walks through our doors has access to opportunities that can uplift and empower them. 


One person who understands the importance of that access is Joseph Bumpers, III. He’s a former Club kid who now helps lead Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s operations team as the Director of Operations. As part of that role, Joe oversees the organization’s facilities ensuring all members have a safe and vibrant place to go after school. Joe has spent more than 20 years with the organization, holding numerous leadership roles, but always continuing to put kids first. 


At Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford every day is an opportunity to celebrate Black history, leadership and excellence. 

By ASteffen March 10, 2025
Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford has named the 2025 Youth and Junior Youth of the Year. These Club members demonstrate leadership, academic success and what it means to be a Club kid. They will serve as Club ambassadors for the next year
By ASteffen February 20, 2025
Winsome Bingham Shares "The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll)"
By ASteffen February 13, 2025
Hartford Winners Will Advance to National Competition
By ASteffen February 11, 2025
Jeffery Brings Extensive Youth Development Experience to the Organization
October 23, 2024
Kaycia Narine Named Boys & Girls Club Hartford Youth of the Year
By Nicholas Ricard October 23, 2024
Bruschi Speech Inspires Young Men at Boy’s & Girls Clubs of Hartford ‘Boys to Men’ Event
October 23, 2024
Thank you for attending the 36th Annual U.S. Bank Golf Classic!
October 23, 2024
We look forward to seeing you for the 2025 GREAT Futures Celebration marking our 165th Anniversary! 
October 23, 2024
At the age of seven, Armando’s family moved to Hartford’s Southend, and his neighbor (a fellow club Alumnus) invited him to visit the Southwest Club. Armando instantly fell in love with the club and its variety of fun and educational activities. Armando took full advantage of club programs such as Power Hour, which helps Club members with their homework and participated in Money Matters, where he learned about money management and even opened his first bank account. Armando was active in the Keystone Club, a teen-leadership program that allowed him to “get out and explore.” Through the Keystone Club, Armando worked on community service projects, which taught him how to be a team player and illustrated the importance of giving back. He had the opportunity to visit colleges, travel to new areas of the country and gain confidence in the college application process. As a result of his hard work and the skills learned at the Boys & Girls Club, Armando became a Travelers EDGE Scholar and earned his Bachelors of Science in Management Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut ’13. After graduation, he relocated to Washington, D.C. to begin his career as a consultant for the United States Marine Corps. In 2015, Armando transitioned into business development and partnership success at Management Leadership for Tomorrow, an organization focused on the professional development of African Americans, Hispanics, and Native American rising leaders. Armando recently started a new career as Associate Director of Employer Partnerships at the Yale School of Management. Armando walked into the Boys & Girls Club looking to make new friends and have fun. He ended up learning valuable life and leadership skills that have helped him become the person he is today. According to Armando: “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford will forever be one of the elements that make me, who I am. Every donation to these Clubs and their programs are making futures brighter for our young people.” 
October 23, 2024
Michael Savage is not a stranger to Hartford, or the Boys & Girls Clubs. A member since he was in 4th grade, Savage started his journey with BGCH at West Middle School, and when the Asylum Hill Boys & Girl Club opened in 2004, he was thrilled to be a part of such a monumental moment in the organization’s history. “The Club has changed my life in so many ways,” Savage said. Savage is now a proud college graduate and works as a Student Engagement Specialist at Hartford Public High School, supporting, advocating, and finding resources for teenagers who have trouble navigating through their high school experience. “ Thanks to the support I received at the Club, I went from a youth who was troubled and was disinterested in doing anything positive, to make my mark in my community and change the world,” he said. Savage credits his pursuit of higher education and his career path to his positive experiences at the Club. “The Club not only provided a safe place for me to after school, it gave me hope, a second home, and it made me feel like I finally belonged. I was given numerous opportunities to travel outside of Hartford which gave me the chance to experience other lifestyles. I went on hikes, whitewater rafted, and even took a trip to Disneyland,” he said. “I took my education seriously and was provided with tutors who helped me when I hit obstacles and wanted to give up. It was the positive mentors in my corner who encouraged me to the best me I could be. They were the driving force to obtain my college degree from Southern Connecticut State University in 2013,” Savage recalled. After college, Savage pursued his passion for helping people as a Therapeutic Foster Care Social Worker, working and inspiring disenfranchised youth find their voices, and a home where they belonged. Now working for Hartford Public Schools, Savage feels blessed to be living and working in the community where he grew up. “I am a product of my environment. Anything is achievable with the right team of support, hard work and dedication. I want people to believe in themselves and know that they are a valued member of society, no matter their background.” 
More Posts
Share by: