THE FLAME JUNE 2025 PART 1

From January to March, high schoolers Joshua Prawl, Bryan Semir, and Daniel Riley gathered weekly to participate in the FISLL Writing Workshop. The workshop taught the students quality skills and lessons on how to write and effectively tell stories. The group heard from award-winning journalists about the art of writing, interviewing, researching, and disseminating information. 

The students were assigned a 700-word article on Barry Woods, who is in his 15th year as director of youth and adult programming at the Stamford Boys & Girls Club in Stamford, Connecticut. Over the next three weeks, the students will have their stories published in the FISLL Newsletter!

Don’t only read their work. Leave an encouraging word, too!

A HEART FOR IMPACT MAKES BARRY WOODS WHO HE IS

By Joshua Prawl

During my interview with Barry Woods, he frequently mentioned how important it was for him to be a leader and make a huge impact on other people’s lives. 

Woods serves as the director of outreach and young adult programming at the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford. In his position for 15 years, displaying leadership isn’t just talk for Woods, it’s action. 

Through his dedication to empowering youth and adults and creating safe, supportive spaces for personal development, his influence on others is undeniable. 

As director, Woods has led initiatives such as the night basketball program at the Yerwood Center, offering teens and young adults a positive alternative to street life. Woods’ program has helped reduce gun violence in Stamford’s west side by fostering community engagement and mentorship. 

The New Jersey native also plays a key role in job readiness efforts—connecting youth to internships, training, and employment opportunities, often going as far as arranging transportation to ensure access.

The 51-year-old uses personal experiences and a deep understanding of young people’s challenges to help others. He serves as a mentor, a role model, even a father figure in young teens’ lives teaching them how to be responsible, accountable, and self-sufficient.

Wood’s hard work and dedication earned him the Dependable Leadership Award and the Community Leadership Award from the boys and girls club. Woods’ work goes beyond the confines of the club, however. Woods has also worked within the city of Stamford by acting as a mentor, a leader, and a father figure to those who don’t have one.

In addition to his hands-on work, Woods is also an author. His book, “Reasons Why Youth Don’t Give a Damn Anymore,” challenges adults to take more responsibility in guiding the next generation. His commitment continues to inspire positive change throughout Stamford and beyond. However, Woods’ desire to make a difference doesn’t happen without his wife, Patty. “She has helped me through my ups and downs,” Woods said. “She keeps me focused and motivates me to keep working hard. “Patty has had a front-row seat to her husband’s influence on the Stamford community. “Those teens want him to be a part of their lives, inviting him to graduations, weddings, and other personal events,” Patty said. “Woods has changed the lives of other teens, making a big impact on their lives.”