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Community Connections

Shining a local light on:

ABC in Darien

Proudly serving:

Learn more about their charity:

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Community Connections

Community Connections shines a light on local charities whose compassion, service, and dedication strengthen the fabric of our community. By sharing their stories, we hope to inspire others and help the spirit of giving spread throughout our towns.

Under the spotlight today: A Better Chance Darien

An interview with Annie Hughes, ABC in Darien

How do you brighten our community?

ABC Darien brightens our community by offering talented young women of color full residential scholarships to live together and attend Darien High School, fostering academic excellence and leadership. Through supportive housing, tutoring, extracurricular participation, and strong community volunteer involvement, the program helps scholars thrive and contribute locally. Graduates go on to selective colleges and leadership roles, enriching both Darien and their future communities. ABC Darien also connects scholars with host families and volunteers, strengthening community bonds and promoting diversity and inclusion.

Who do you serve in our community?

ABC Darien serves young women of color, from low income, minority high schools in underserved communities. They are talented, driven, and capable, but simply do not have the same opportunities as their peers. The scholars are all high school students and come from the tri-state area and Massachusetts. They speak several languages including: Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Akan.

What are you most proud of?

We are most proud that 100% of the scholars who have come through our doors have been accepted into a four-year college or university with enough scholarship money to attend. Our scholars receive a rigorous education at Darien High School which prepares them for success in college and beyond. They learn important leadership skills which serve them throughout their careers. They become successful role models and give back to their communities.

What was the spark that started your organization?

What is one of your future impact goals?

How did you change a life?

Niya’s experience with ABC Darien was truly transformative. Her time at the house opened up new opportunities that would have never been possible. The program prepared her for the academic rigor of university and gave her the confidence to apply to her dream college, Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. There, she majored in Communications and Theater, graduated with honors, and had gone on to pitch television episodes that are currently streaming on Netflix. She is one example of the many alumnae whose lives are forever changed because of ABC Darien.

Who are your community partners?

Local-Insta thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Community Connections series possible!
Celebrating the charities that make our community stronger.

Read about other Community Spotlights

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