Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation

Working together, building community

Brighton Future Forward

About Brighton Future Forward (BFF)

ABCDC’s Brighton Future Forward (BFF) Program is dedicated to delivering innovative and comprehensive youth development programming for young people residing at two Boston Housing Authority developments in Brighton: Commonwealth Development/Fidelis Way and Faneuil Gardens. The BFF program focuses on fostering academic success, social-emotional growth, leadership skills, and community engagement through a wide range of creative and educational activities. 

Our current programming, designed to meet the diverse needs of youth ages 7 to 14, includes interactive workshops on topics like news literacy, public speaking, and environmental awareness, as well as artistic projects such as bead animals, vision boards, and tissue paper crafts. Social-emotional learning is integrated through team-building exercises, community love letters, and self-expression activities. We also emphasize physical wellness and outdoor recreation with activities such as dance, relay races, kickball, and other engaging challenges that promote collaboration! Each day, we dedicate time to snack breaks and homework support, ensuring that youth have the nourishment and academic assistance they need to accomplish physical, emotional, and intellectual success.  Additionally, we are proud to collaborate with the Harvard Ed Portal, which provides weekly lessons that enrich our youth’s learning experiences with new perspectives and skills.  

Through these initiatives, the BFF program continues to nurture a supportive environment that empowers young individuals to build confidence, connect with their community, and explore their potential.  

 

To learn more about BFF, please contact our Youth Program Coordinator:

Emma Galletta, [email protected] or 857-242-1123

Meet Our Staff

Emma Galletta: Youth Program Coordinator

Emma J. Galletta (she/they) is a passionate advocate for community engagement and youth empowerment. Originally from Syracuse, NY, Emma recently earned a Master’s in Global Developmental Policy from Boston University in December 2024. With extensive experience working with youth, including as a Youth Employment Mentor with the Broome-Tioga Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in Upstate New York, Emma is dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and their families to thrive. Currently, Emma serves on the executive board of BU’s Urban Refuge under the guidance of Dr. Noora Lori, contributing to research and operations to support displaced and refuge-seeking populations in urban areas. Outside of work, Emma enjoys practicing yoga and pilates, cooking creatively, and spending quality time with their beloved cat.

Julia Miller: Youth Program Support Specialists

Julia Miller (she/her) is originally from California and is currently pursuing her Masters of Public Health at BU, focusing on health communication & promotion and mental health & substance use. She has extensive experience working with youth, including her role as a Community Wellness Specialist at Sycamores, an intensive mental health organization in Los Angeles. Julia is passionate about early prevention and creating positive opportunities for youth to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and cheering on her favorite Formula 1 drivers!

Skye Nuñez: Youth Program Support Specialists

Skye Nuñez (she/her) is originally from Dorchester but has been living in Roxbury for the past 10+ years. She has experience working

with students of all ages — as a teacher’s assistant, she’s worked with students from age 3 to 17. At the moment, she is working on completing her Bachelor of Psychology at UMass Boston. Her next steps include a plan to further her education at Lesley University, where she will pursue a masters in mental health and counseling for children. In her free time, Skye enjoys reading, going on walks with her fur friend Toby, and spending time with loved ones!

Dillon Rodgers: Youth Program Support Specialists

Dillon Rodgers (she/her) is originally from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services with a minor in Dance at UMass Boston. She has gained valuable experience working in community-focused roles across Boston – including Dorchester, the Harbor Islands, East Boston, and Charlestown. As a new resident of Brighton, she is excited to connect more with the people and organizations that make this neighborhood so great! She is deeply passionate about community engagement and creating inclusive spaces where people can come together, support one another, and thrive. In her free time, Dillon loves to dance, take walks, and hang out with friends!

Register Your Child

Are you interested in enrolling your child in the Brighton Future Forward Program? Complete an enrollment form today or contact us for more information!

Volunteer With Us

We are looking for creative, energetic, and motivated individuals to help us foster the social-emotional, intellectual, and artistic growth in young people! Complete a volunteer interest form today or contact us for more information.

In-Kind Donations

With the number of youth that we serve, we are always in need of supplies. If you’re interested in making an in-kind donation to the center, please call our Youth Program Coordinators at 617-787-3874 ext. 205.

Priority Needs For Brighton Future Forward

  • Gently-used games
  • Art supplies
  • Any materials that youth aged 7-14 might enjoy!