Remodeled Space Supports College, Career and Leadership Programs While Doubling Capacity to Serve Youths
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., April 23, 2025 – The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has debuted its new Mascaro Clubhouse Teen Center, home to programs and services that support career development, college prep and leadership initiatives while doubling its capacity to serve youths and equip them for bright futures.
The transformational renovation, celebrated at a ribbon-cutting attended by about 50 dignitaries on April 21, 2025, was made possible through a generous grant from New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayer.
“This Teen Center will have a profound positive impact on the lives of our teens and serve as an innovative safe haven for our young people,” said Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “They deserve a space that reflects their potential, and that’s exactly what this vision and renovation represent.”
“This renovation truly transforms this space and creates incredible opportunities for the young people in this community,” Senator Mayer told attendees. “I’m proud to have played a role in helping bring it to life and I always strive to support projects that have a meaningful and lasting impact. We’re committed to ensuring that every young person feels supported, inspired and valued in the environments where they learn and grow.”
Originally donated by the Ricci family in 1926, the Mascaro Clubhouse began as a residential home before being destroyed by a fire in the late 1970s and rebuilt in the 1980s. Today, the 22,000-square-foot facility serves as a cornerstone, along with the Club’s Remington Clubhouse, of youth development in New Rochelle. The Mascaro renovations are components of a larger capital project that will continue to unfold in future years.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by elected officials and community stakeholders, including New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert and City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent Dr. Corey W. Reynolds. These leaders joined others in recognizing the Club’s ongoing commitment to expanding resources and opportunities for youth in New Rochelle.
Mayor Ramos-Herbert congratulated the Boys & Girls Club on the opening, emphasizing the importance of the Club’s expanded programming. “The new Teen Center is more than just a space; it’s a launchpad for our youth,” she said. “The programs housed here will open doors for teens to explore careers, prepare for college and build confidence in a safe, innovative environment. We’re proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle as it continues to invest in the future of our city’s young people.”
New Rochelle High School senior Alexa Arias, a Club member, shared her excitement about the new space. “This new Teen Center represents growth for our Clubhouse and opens up so many new possibilities to grow both academically and socially. I’m so excited to be able to use this space,” she said.
Last year, Mascaro served 164 teens through its various programs; this year, with the expanded Teen Center and new resources, the Club anticipates doubling that number, offering even more local youth access to vital programs such as Diplomas to Degrees and Career Launch. The expanded space hosts cutting-edge technology and a broader range of services to better prepare teens for academic and professional success.
A centerpiece of the remodeling is Mascaro’s College and Career Center, a dedicated space where teens can explore post-secondary pathways, receive individualized guidance and participate in programs that support their long-term goals. Equipped with laptops, research tools and staff support, the Center fosters academic achievement, goal-setting and real-world readiness.“This is the most significant renovation this building has seen to date,” said Boys & Girls Club Chief Program Officer William Iannuzzi. “Creating a space like this for the teens in our community has long been a dream of mine. We’re not only expanding our capacity, we’re reimagining how we serve youth by integrating cutting-edge technology, leadership development and workforce-readiness programs. This space is truly transformational.”The new Teen Lounge will host an array of impactful programs aimed at empowering youth, including:
- Diplomas to Degrees, a college preparation program designed to guide students through the path to higher education.
- Career Launch, a career-readiness initiative that helps teens gain valuable work skills and explore career paths.
- Youth of the Year, a leadership-development program recognizing exceptional teens who demonstrate outstanding character and community service.
- Youth Civics Council and Civics Day, fostering civic engagement and leadership.
- TLC: Think, Learn, Create Change, focused on developing critical thinking, creativity and social-change leadership.
- Mariano Workforce Tracks, offered in partnership with The Mariano Rivera Public Foundation, prepares teens for future careers through mentorship, hands-on experience and access to internships and job opportunities. The program helps youths build skills, explore career paths and gain real-world experience to support long-term success.
- Summer Camp and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) and college-application workshops, providing further academic and career support.
The Teen Center renovation is part of a larger capital project focused on modernizing and expanding the Mascaro Clubhouse. Several key safety and infrastructure upgrades were completed in 2024, including a new roof, fireproof doors and a state-of-the-art security system, thanks in large part to the leadership of City Manager Wilfred Meléndez. Additional upgrades, including a new boiler and elevator slated for installation in 2025 by the City of New Rochelle, will further enhance the building’s accessibility, safety, functionality and efficiency. Those upgrades, currently in the design stage, include:
- Renovating the second floor.
- Adding a new program room.
- Installing 10 windows to increase natural light.
New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who has been instrumental in securing funding for the next phase of upgrades, thoroughly supports the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s mission. “This milestone reflects lives changed and futures shaped. The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is a vital cornerstone of youth development in Westchester, and I’m proud to support its continued growth. These upgrades will ensure even more young people have access to the opportunities they deserve,” she said.
In the long term, additional upgrades will enhance the gym with new flooring, LED lighting, bathroom retiling and energy-efficient lighting throughout the building.
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 10,000 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective, and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States. Learn more at BGCNR.org.
