While New Year’s Day marks the start of the calendar year and often invites personal resolutions, September and October often feel like a time to reset and refresh. There’s an energy in the air and, for many, new notebooks and planners to inspire getting organized, getting involved, working hard and embracing both challenge and change. This is definitely the vibe these days at A Better Chance Wilton (ABC of Wilton)!
ABC of Wilton, an independent community school program of the national non-profit A Better Chance, gives hard-working and high-achieving young women from underserved communities the opportunity to attend Wilton High School. The scholars live in Wilton and take part fully in high school and community life. To date, 58 young people have graduated from the program.
This coming year marks the organization’s 30th year here in Wilton and there is a lot to celebrate. To start, there is a new residential director, Yanny Garcia, herself an alumna of ABC of Wilton. The residential director lives in the house with the girls, guiding them, helping them stay centered and on-track, and being there for them in myriad ways, big and small. Garcia provides gravity and comfort in a fast-paced world, and as a former scholar, she is uniquely qualified to relate to the girls and their concerns.
Another exciting change is the addition of an executive director to ABC of Wilton’s leadership. Julie Fowler stepped off the Board of Directors and into the role. Following in the footsteps of neighboring programs, ABC of Wilton created the position in order to streamline the activities of the Board’s various committees, assume the operational management of the program and look strategically to the future.
Fowler, a wife, mother of two boys at WHS and a Wilton resident for 15 years, is a licensed social worker (LMSW) and has worked for 23 years in the non-profit sector in youth programming and advocacy. Prior to becoming ABC of Wilton’s executive director, Julie served on the ABC’s Board of Directors as the Life Skills Chair.
“A Better Chance is the definition of opportunity,” Fowler said. “The scholars have worked so hard to get here. They are motivated, brave, resilient, curious, trusting in kindness and grateful for this transformative experience. It is an honor for me to be a part of their journey and the work of A Better Chance of Wilton.”
“As we move into our 30th year, ABC of Wilton — its Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and supporters — doubles down on its dedication to advance its mission to effectuate positive change through education and to grow our relationships within the Wilton community.”
ABC of Wilton also welcomes Amanda Van Heyst and Shannon MacDonald as its new co-presidents. As board veterans, they bring both experience and fresh energy to the shared job. Backed by an effective and dedicated Board of Directors, they see this year and the years ahead as an opportunity to build on the organization’s accomplishments and strengths, while deepening its roots in the community and strategizing for a dynamic future. When you meet the scholars, it’s no wonder what fuels their drive.
Rounding out the menu, ABC also welcomed a new chef! No one can deny the importance of well prepared, nutritious food and shared meals, and that is what Sarah Boatwalla brings to ABC of Wilton’s table. In addition to delicious food, Boatwalla strives to incorporate varied cultural flavors and recipes that feed both body and soul. When she is not wearing her apron and chef’s toque, Boatwalla also works as ABC of Wilton’s Academic Coordinator, supporting the scholars in setting and keeping positive study habits and schedules.
As it often does, time is flying by and carrying the school year along, but ABC of Wilton and the program’s scholars are keeping pace. Sophomores Caylee and Chinemerem and junior Tifany round out their academics with Model U.N., Yearbook, managing the volleyball team, Wilton Go Green, fundraising for WHS’ spring music adjudication trip, swimming lessons at the YMCA and numerous volunteer activities in and around Wilton. Host family weekends offer scholars relationship building and memory making. It’s a full schedule, often made possible by the volunteer drivers, tutors and college coaches committed to the mission, but these girls are driven, outgoing and inspired to succeed, and they are holistically supported by ABC of Wilton’s staff, board and team of volunteers.
The Wilton community is key to this success, past, present and future. Coming off the heels of a successful fall raffle, ABC of Wilton is grateful for the support through ticket sales and to the sponsors of the event: Citi Field, Greybarns and Outdoor Sports.
Looking ahead, the Board of Directors invites the community to join in support of ABC of Wilton through the Annual Appeal, arriving in mailboxes in early November. Until then, learn more about the organization, including how to get involved, by visiting the ABC of Wilton website or by emailing Fowler.