About the Center
The Cardinal Shehan Center is a non-profit organization located in Bridgeport, CT. Since 1962, the Center has served the recreational, educational, and social needs of moderate and low-income families and young people of lower Fairfield County, particularly inner-city Bridgeport.
Our Mission
Our mission is enriching lives through learning. This is accomplished by offering an After School & Saturday Youth Development Program, Summer Day Camp, various basketball leagues, Sign-Up Programs, Physical Education classes to grammar schools, and alternative education programs. The Center commits itself to offering a clean, safe environment where positive, growth-enhancing opportunities are offered regardless of race or religious affiliation.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Program Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Registration Hours
Monday – Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Our History
In 1883, a building was erected to serve as an armory and hosted Civil War veterans in its earliest years. After World War II, the Bridgeport Brass Company purchased this building and renovated it into a recreational facility. In 1961, the Diocese of Bridgeport received this building as a donation and the Cardinal Shehan Center opened one year later. With an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, fitness center, game room, arts & crafts room, member’s lounge, dark room, computer lab, library and outdoor facilities, the Center is an outstanding community resource.
Board of Directors
Most Rev. Frank Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport
Deacon Patrick Toole, Chancellor
John Malfettone, President
Joshua Pedreira, Vice President
Christopher Goodman, Treasurer
Rayah Smith, Secretary
Nick Aysseh, Tremane Bartley, Teasha Bivins, Deanna Clark, Robert Curwen, Nicholas D’Addario, Mark Floramo, Wayne Fortin, Joseph Furnari, Oliver Huie, Adam Maiocco, Willie McBride, Dan McInerney, Tommy Noonan, William Norling, Danny Rainho, Ed Santa, George Sims
Special Holiday & Event Schedule
The Center will be closed on the following days in 2025:
Independence Day – Friday, July 4, 2025
Labor Day – Monday, September 1, 2025
Haunted House – Friday, October 24, 2025
Thanksgiving – Thursday, November 27 to Friday, November 28, 2025
Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1, 2026
Good Friday – April 3, 2026
Easter – April 5th, 2026
Sundays – Open for League play only
Support the Center
The Center serves 4,500 youth annually. It is through your support that we provide educational and recreational programs to further enrich the lives of children.