Community
Empowering Connections, Creating Opportunities
A Community Hub for Opportunities and Support
At Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL), we are committed to serving as a central hub for resources, opportunities, and partnerships that empower our community. By collaborating with local organizations and offering a platform to connect families with vital support, BCYL ensures that the Bridgeport community thrives together.
In addition to our programming, BCYL emphasizes the importance of giving back. Through annual events and initiatives, we instill in our youth and families the value of generosity, compassion, and community service. Together, we are building a culture of care, resilience, and impact.
Ways We Give Back
Annual Food and Toy Drives
During the holiday season, BCYL children and families come together to spread joy by donating toys and food. These donations are delivered to local shelters and food pantries, brightening lives and meeting critical needs in our community.
Voter Registration Drives
BCYL promotes civic engagement by conducting voter registration drives. These events educate parents and eligible youth about the power of voting and encourage them to make their voices heard in shaping the future.
Neighborhood/Park Cleanup
Each year, BCYL youth and families roll up their sleeves for neighborhood and park cleanups. These efforts instill a sense of pride and ownership in participants while creating cleaner, greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Bone Marrow Drive
In memory of A.J. Saez, a beloved BCYL youth who passed away from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia at just 12 years old, BCYL has hosted an annual Bone Marrow Drive since 2010. This initiative has registered over 200 BCYL and community members as potential bone marrow donors, giving hope to patients in need.
Caribe Day
Our Youth Council hosts the annual Caribe Day Carnival in June, a joyous celebration for BCYL families and the Bridgeport community. This free event features games, food, music, and fun for everyone, fostering connections and strengthening community bonds.
Caribe Annual Family Banquets
Our family banquets are a cherished tradition, celebrating the achievements of BCYL participants and their families across our sports, education, and community programs.
Family Day Banquet (August): Held at Lake Quassy, this festive event celebrates youth accomplishments in a day of fun and togetherness.
Fall/Winter Banquet (January): Hosted at the University of Bridgeport, this event honors participants in our seasonal programs.
Graduation Celebration (Spring): A formal event at Vazzano’s Four Seasons recognizing scholarship recipients, graduates, and scholastic achievements.
Community Stories
Behind every program is a story of transformation. Meet participants like Natasha Rivers, who has made a lasting impact through our in-school tutoring initiatives, and families who have found hope and opportunity through BCYL’s efforts.
Be Part of the Change
BCYL is dedicated to creating opportunities for families and youth to connect, give back, and thrive. By partnering with local organizations and hosting impactful events, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community.
For more information or to collaborate with BCYL as a partner, email us at [email protected] or follow us on social media:
Together, we can create a brighter future for Bridgeport!
Giving is an easy way to make an impact.
Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders depends on the generosity of those who understand our mission and our children and families' great capacity and potential. Our effort is to use contributions effectively and strategically to build tomorrow’s leaders. To that end, our families pay for the services and programs they receive, but you supplement the costs to make them affordable.
