Boys & Girls Club Of New Rochelle Debuts Mascaro Clubhouse Teen Center

"The new Teen Center is more than just a space; it's a launchpad for our youth," Mayor Ramos-Herbert 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."

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. BGCNR says that the 22,000-square-foot facility now serves as a cornerstone, along with the club's Remington Clubhouse, of youth development in New Rochelle.
 

"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," Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of BGCNR, said. "They deserve a space that reflects their potential, and that’s exactly what this vision and renovation represent."

In 2024, Mascaro served 164 teens through its various programs. This year, with the expanded Teen Center and new resources, BGCNR expects to double that number, with even more local youth access to vital programs such as Diplomas to Degrees and Career Launch. The organization says that the expanded space will host cutting-edge technology and a broader range of services to better prepare teens for academic and professional success.

"This new Teen Center represents growth for our Clubhouse and opens up so many new possibilities to grow both academically and socially," NRHS senior Alexa Arias said. "I’m so excited to be able to use this space."

Mascaro's College and Career Center is a dedicated space where teens can explore post-secondary pathways, receive individualized guidance and participate in programs that support their long-term goals. With laptops, research tools and staff support, the center will be help foster academic achievement, goal-setting and real-world readiness.

"This is the most significant renovation this building has seen to date," BGCNR Chief Program Officer William Iannuzzi said. "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 a variety of programs for youth:

• Diplomas to Degrees: a college prep 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, 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, with the help of City Manager Wilfred Meléndez. Additional upgrades, including a new boiler and an elevator slated for installation in 2025 by the City of New Rochelle, will further improve the building's accessibility, safety, functionality and efficiency. Upgrades also include renovating the second floor, adding a new program room, and installing 10 windows to increase natural light.

BGCNR said that NYS Senator Nathalia Fernandez has been instrumental in securing funding for the next phase of upgrades.

"This milestone reflects lives changed and futures shaped," Fernandez said. "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."

In the future, 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 the BGCNR website.