To always welcome and connect young people and families to opportunities that embrace diversity, nurture growth, and inspire success.
$5 MEMBERSHIP PER SCHOOL YEAR 3 CLUBHOUSES
200+ PROGRAMS AVAILABLE THOUSANDS OF YOUTH SERVED
As we reflect on 2025, we do so with deep gratitude and immense pride for all that we have accomplished at Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD). This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for our organization as we continue to grow. Together, we have supported our community with the expansion of programs and created pathways to brighter futures for thousands of youth. One of the greatest milestones was breaking ground on The FieldHouse+, a 75,000 SF space which will be our fourth Clubhouse opening in spring of 2027.
Your generosity and belief have been a beacon for our mission and have made 2025 a year of impact and hope. We have been able to expand access to critical services, strengthen family support, and help young people build confidence, resilience, and access opportunities. From education and mental health support to financial literacy, athletics, leadership development, arts and more, our programs have enhanced our youth in meaningful and lasting ways.
These accomplishments would not have been possible without our remarkable staff, many of whom have been a part of BGCD since childhood. The commitment, compassion, and excitement they bring to the Club every day is remarkable to watch. They lead with heart, professionalism, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every young person. We are deeply grateful for their tireless work and the trust they build in our community.
We are also profoundly thankful to our board, donors, partners, volunteers, and advocates. Your support fuels everything we do. You make it possible for us to dream bigger, reach further, and respond to the growing needs of our community with care.
We welcome you to please come visit our Clubs to “Find Out What’s Inside” of our Clubs and in our youth. You will experience a unique, warm and welcoming environment that helps support this vibrant community.
With sincere gratitude,
Bob Scannell President & CEO
Lee Michael Kennedy Board Chair
BGCD offers more than 200 youth and family programs in the areas of education, art, music, career prep, character and leadership development, health and life skills, athletics, aquatics, social recreation, early education & care, summer programs, behavioral health services, and family engagement.
Here is what BGCD members shared when surveyed by the annual BGCA National Youth Outcomes Initiative Member Survey in March 2025:
Safety
of members said, “I feel safe being myself at the Club.”
of members said, “People at the Club accept me for who I am.”
of members said, “I get to explore new things at the Club.”
Since 1974, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester has served the youth of Boston’s largest and most diverse neighborhood through an array of life-changing programs, offered at three strategically placed Clubhouses throughout the city. We positively impact thousands of youth from nearly 300 different schools annually.
Of members that responded:
80% came from low-income households
32% lived in single-parent households
Be a part of our community!
We encourage Healthy Lifestyles among our youth through programs that promote healthy living, enhance life skills, and build strong nutritional habits. Our programs serve as motivational tools which provide the building blocks for setting individual goals and making positive life choices. Programs include athletics, aquatics, wellness classes, cooking and nutrition classes, and mental health support.
Our Education Programs support youth from kindergarten through high school and include enrichment activities focused on literacy, STEM, and college and career preparation. Throughout the year, the Club offers a variety of services designed to encourage, inspire and help our members develop stronger study skills, improve their academic achievement, and grow into lifelong learners.
25% of our FY25 members had a disability or an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Our award-winning Project BIND (Boston Inclusion Network for Disabilities) initiative fosters the inclusion of youth of all abilities in programs Club-wide to provide meaningful opportunities for all children to participate and succeed. A unique partnership with the Martin Richard Foundation allows our members to participate in four seasons of Martin Richard Challenger Sports Leagues, music therapy, “tween” groups, family swim, and more.
We offer a full range of arts programs which allow our members to exercise their creativity while appreciating a wide spectrum of artistic expression. We offer a vast array of programming including visual arts, media arts, music lessons, dance, film and many other activities that keep members engaged, stimulated and eager to come back for more. We encourage our young artists to incorporate their culture, traditions, experiences, and individual personalities into the work they create, and to celebrate each other’s unique forms of expression.
BGCD is unique in that it offers Early Education & Care to infants beginning at two months of age through kindergarten enrollment. Early Education and Care is unique to BGCD. The program provides parents with highquality, affordable childcare that supports the academic, social-emotional, and physical development of young children to fully prepare them to successfully enter kindergarten.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, BGCD has witnessed a decline in the mental health of our youth, coupled with a decrease in the availability of supportive youth mental health services in our community. In response, we launched BGCD’s Behavioral Health Services program. This program provides social, emotional, and mental health support through individual, group, and family treatment on-site at our Clubhouses with licensed, highly qualified clinicians.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester (BGCD) and the Martin Richard Foundation (MRF) have joined forces and are building partnerships throughout the Commonwealth to reshape youth development programming in Dorchester and beyond. Our vision for this neighborhood, one of Boston’s most diverse and under-resourced neighborhoods, holds the potential to generate lifetime benefits for Dorchester’s children, their families, and greater Boston.
Our young people deserve a place to call their own, a safe place where all kids and teens are welcome to express themselves openly and freely, be with their friends and connect with role models and mentors who truly care about their well-being. This incredible 75,000 square foot all-inclusive recreation, arts and enrichment facility will be an accessible and flexible youth development hub. Inside will host a full complement of BGCD programs and an array of services designed to support every aspect of youth development and family engagement. The space will include athletic facilities, a space for theatre arts, a music studio, a teaching kitchen, and an outdoor and community space, all intentionally designed with the input and vision from our youth and community.
On April 17th, The FieldHouse+ project broke ground at 301 Mt. Vernon Street in Harbor Point. It was a dream come true for so many who want to help the next generation find a place to call their own.
“This is the work we can feel good about,” Bob Scannell, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester, says. “Kids are the ones who will lead us to a brighter future.”
“The FieldHouse+ was born of necessity, of parents who wanted better for their kids,” Bill Richard, Founder & Director of the Martin Richard Foundation says. “The need was there, but it just took someone passionate to say, ‘Let’s go for it.’”
Without our supporters’ belief in our work to bring a state-of-the-art recreation and enrichment facility to Dorchester, none of this would be possible. Your support will have a lasting impact on generations of families from Dorchester, Boston and beyond. We are thrilled to be moving forward with construction and The FieldHouse+ is set to open in spring of 2027.
Mollie and John Antonelli were starting an exciting chapter as new parents when they joined the Boys & Girls of Dorchester (BGCD) family. A Dorchester native who grew up not too far from the Club, Mollie knew, at only four months pregnant, that she had to get baby Nora on the BGCD Early Childhood Education and Care Program’s waitlist. In August 2019, Nora was enrolled at 8 months old and since then, The Club has been there for many more pivotal moments in their lives.
Watching Nora flourish and make friends as she developed into a kind, intelligent and shy but curious child, Mollie and John knew BGCD was the right place for their family. When they became pregnant with their son Jack, there wasn’t a doubt that he would go to the place where their family had experienced support, community and happiness. With Nora just 18 months old, the newest “baby” Antonelli was added to the infant waitlist.
In June 2020 the Antonelli’s lives changed forever when John was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After a brief and courageous battle, John passed away six weeks before Jack was born. Reflecting on that time and the whirlwind of emotions she felt, Mollie remembers John often asking about Nora and feeling comfort in knowing that she was at the Club.
“If I would say something about Nora he would look at me and say ‘is she at school?’ That’s the last place I think he could picture her being. It’s like my ‘still’ connection with him and all the wonderful things like the staff that keep me here,” said Mollie.
In honor of John, Mollie has generously donated funds to help build a splash pad at the McLaughlin Clubhouse playground. The splash pad reminds her of Johnny, as she endearingly calls him, and how he would play at their home water table with Nora for hours when Mollie was pregnant with Jack. That time at the water table brought both John and Nora immense joy. A joy she hopes to bring to countless BGCD members. Mollie’s generosity is a powerful reflection of who she is — someone who leads with compassion even in the midst of heartbreak. Stories forged out of unthinkable circumstances shine a light on a person’s character and Mollie’s shines bright as ever.
The Music Clubhouse Program, led by Music Director Carleton Burke, is a comprehensive music education hub for youth 7 18 years of age. Burke, a Berklee College of Music graduate, seasoned multi-instrumentalist and educator, joined BGCD in 2013 and grew the program from a small, volunteer-run effort to a dynamic program offering 20 different types of group and individual instruction from beginner to advanced. He oversees a diverse team of instructors and partners, including three key staff members who are proud BGCD alumni.
Carleton is quoted by saying “I find myself thinking all the time, I wish there was something like this when I was a kid. I would have loved to have a place like BGCD and access to all of the programs offered here.”
The Music Program has become one of BGCD’s most popular and restorative spaces for our youth. A major milestone was the launch of the Head Start Music Boston Program in November 2024, made possible through a partnership with the Never Lose Your Drive Foundation, led by world-renowned saxophonist Elon Trotman. Head Start serves 17 BGCD members ages 10–14 with weekly beginner instruction in woodwind, brass, and percussion, as well as ensemble participation and public performance opportunities. The partnership provides funding for two dedicated support staff positions and high-quality instruments, ensuring equitable access to music education. The program’s impact was highlighted in a WBZ feature showcasing the Concert Band and amplifying youth voices.
Lee Michael Kennedy, Chair
Robert A. Scannell, Jr., President & CEO
David E. Hughes, Vice Chair
Robert Hatch, Treasurer
Daniel F. Marr, III, Clerk
Maureen A. Peterson, Immediate Past Chair
Tome Barros
Joseph J. Brodigan, Esq.
Tim Burnieika
Scott Carpenter
Derica Carty
Kevin Chapman
Jack Corbett
Jennifer Corcoran
Katherine Craven
Tony Dang
John W. DiNicola, II
Hon. Linda Dorcena Forry
Therese Fitzgerald, PhD, MSW
Paul Gannon
Andrew Graff
Jonathan C. Keith
Senam Kumahia
David B. Marr, Sr.
Jeffrey T. Marr
Stephen P. Marr
Kerr Mone
Gerald J. Morrissey, Jr.
Michael O’Brien
Jane Panariello
Bill Richard
Robert K. Sheridan
Aimee Southworth
Marie St. Fleur
Lynda Thomas
Carmelo Travieso
Kimberley Williams
Larry Bird
James T. Brett
Michael Brodigan
Joseph D’Arrigo
Brian Driscoll
Steve Durant
William Gardiner, Esq.
Maciej Godlewski
Chet E. Homer, III
Lee M. Kennedy Sr.
Hon. Stephen F. Lynch
Sean McDonough
Mark Wahlberg
Nancy Woods
Generations of New Englanders know that the Roche family name stands for quality and community, thanks to their signature neighborhood-centric Roche Bros. Supermarkets. Now, a new generation of kids in Dorchester are learning of the Roche family’s generosity and commitment to inclusion thanks to a meaningful grant from the Eileen Patricia Roche Foundation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester last spring.
The Eileen Patricia Roche Foundation donated funds to the Victoria McGrath Memorial Playground at the McLaughlin Center to invest in making the playground a more accessible space for kids of all abilities. A splash pad was also added for Club kids to use during warmer days to create new and exciting memories for many more years. Fifty-five infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in the Clubs’ Early Education program will be the most frequent and grateful recipients of this support, using the space daily as weather allows, with hundreds more kids utilizing the upgraded playground each year.
Amanda Stahl, the granddaughter of Buddy and Eileen Roche, sees how this gift connects her family’s legacy to the Club community: "We were delighted to contribute to this wonderful playground enhancement in memory of my grandmother, Eileen. Herself a Dorchester kid, Eileen loved children and believed deeply in creating inclusive spaces where all kids feel welcome. I'm so happy to know that her memory is forever connected to this joyful place where kids are encouraged to have fun, learn about themselves and others, and grow up to be caring adults."
Named as a tribute to Eileen's nickname, "Spike's Splash Pad" will serve as a respite during the hot days of summer to countless youth in Dorchester for years to come!
$1,000,000+
Joseph E. & Rosemarie Corcoran Family
Charitable Foundation
MA Department of Housing & Urban Development
MA Executive Office of Administration & Finance
New Balance Foundation
$250,000 - $999,999
City of Boston Office of Youth Employment
& Opportunity
Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development
Harbor Point Apts Co.
Lee Kennedy Co., Inc.
The Lynch Foundation
Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation
$100,000 - $249,999
Anonymous
Herb Chambers
The CSL Foundation
The Don & Marilyn Rodman Foundation
Eileen Patricia Roche Foundation
Liberty Mutual Foundation
MA Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
MA Department of Public Health
Dora Ullian
Webster Bank Charitable Foundation
$50,000 - $99,999
Arthur F. Blanchard Trust
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Charles Hayden Foundation
Franklin Square House Foundation
Janey Fund Charitable Trust
J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation
MA Dept of Elementary & Secondary Education
Marr Charitable Foundation
Martin Richard Foundation
Massachusetts Association for Mental Health
Gerry & Joanne Morrissey
Old Dorchester Post
Paul & Jane Panariello
Rodman for Kids
SNAVE Foundation
United Way of Mass Bay Yawkey Foundation
$25,000 - $49,999
Anonymous
Mark Andrew
Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation
City of Boston, Office of Workforce Development
City of Boston, Swim Safe Boston
Committee to Elect Martin J. Walsh
Joseph & Gayle Corcoran
Kathryn Corcoran
Michael & Linda Corcoran
Fidelity Investments
Amos & Barbara W. Hostetter
Jeff & Nancy Levinson
Loomis Sayles & Co.
MA Executive Office of Public Safety & Security
Marr Companies
Jeffrey & Deborah Marr
Brendan & Luisa McDonough
New England Patriots Charitable Foundation
Robert & Cynthia Marr Charitable Foundation
Sincere Foundation
State Street Corporation
Thomas E. Smith Foundation
The TJX Foundation
Tufts Medical Center
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
$10,000 - $24,999
Anonymous AMG
Arbella Insurance Foundation
Bob's Discount Furniture
Boston Athletic Association
Boston State Community Trust, Inc.
Bushrod H. Campbell & Adah F. Hall Charity Fund
K. Douglas Briggs
Bunzl Distribution
City of Boston, Jobs & Community Service
Copeland Family Foundation
Corcoran Jennison Companies
DCU for Kids
John & Elissa DiCarlo
DiNicola Law Group, LLC
Eli Lilly & Company
Enterprise Mobility Foundation
Frank Reed & Margaret Jane Peters Memorial Fund
Thomas Gannon
Annissa & Douglas Essaibi George
Gratis Foundation
The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation
Bob Hatch
David & Jacqueline Hughes
The Ireland Funds of America
Jill & Fergus Shiel Foundation
JJC Company
John C. & Eunice B. Morrison Charitable Foundation
Joy in Childhood Foundation
Deirdre Karle
Nicholas & Tanya Laidlaw
Lincoln & Therese Filene Foundation
Macy's Corporate Giving
MA Department of Conservation & Recreation
Daniel & Claire Marr
Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation
Mildred's Dream Foundation
M&T Bank/Charitable Foundation
Needham Bank
Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation
Papa Johns Foundation
Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Brian Roche
Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation
RODE Architects, Inc.
Schrafft Charitable Trust
Robert & Jean Sheridan
TD Charitable Foundation
T.G. Gallagher, Inc.
John Unni
Voya Foundation
Wynn Resorts Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
Anonymous
ATS Equipment, Inc.
The Barking Crab
Boston Bruins
Boston Financial
Boston Trust
Brodigan & Gardiner, LLP
Timothy & Mary Burnieika
Canyon Ranch
Scott & Colleen Carpenter
Charles Cox Charitable Trust
Charles D. Sheehy Company
Christmas Tree For Me
Communities Rising Together, Inc.
Constance Corcoran
Tom & Line Corcoran
Coverys
CW Advisors
Joseph & Mary D'Arrigo
Michael Davis
Kevin & Jennifer Deabler
John & Brigette DiNicola
Andrew Dupee
Ellenzweig
EternalHealth
Eversource Energy Foundation, Inc.
EY
Fallon Health
Jennifer & Patrick Merrigan Fay
FMC Ice Sports
Chris Foley
Fresh Food Generation
Bruce & Kristine Ginsberg
The Glynn Family Foundation
Jamie Hunsicker
Alan Issokson
Jauron Family Foundation
Connor Joyce
Mike Joyce
Jack Karle
The Kelliher Corbett Group at Morgan Stanley
Josh Kraft
Andrew & Margaret Levy
Mals Pals Foundation
David & Jennifer Marr
Jeff Marr Jr.
Massachusetts Biotechnology Council
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Massachusetts Port Authority
Mary Martini
Douglas & Wendy May
Karen Moran
Eva Nesline
Brian Potter
Procter & Gamble Corporate Giving Fund
Rasky Partners
Grace Cotter Regan
Denise & Bill Richard
Markus Schmidt
Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center
S & F Concrete
Tommy Southworth
STAG Industrial, Inc.
Stran Promotional Solutions
TD Garden Neighborhood Charities
Thomas & Jennifer Weldon
Jayden Young
Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester is extremely grateful for every donation made in support of our members and families.
gifts were received between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. We have made every effort to include all gifts. If we have made an error, please accept our apologies and inform the Development Office at (617) 288-7120.
Dorchester, MA 02125 (617)
