Empower People.
Transform Community.

Together, we work diligently to be a part of the solution to reduce youth and gun violence, advocate for healthier communities, and create a positive impact that extends far beyond today for the underserved and marginalized youth, families, and neighborhoods throughout Southwestern CT and beyond.

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Our Impact

By collaborating alongside our neighbors, from pre-K to adulthood, we make a profound impact on the lives of over 50,000 individuals in the greater Bridgeport region each year. These resilient youth and their families face incredible challenges, navigating the complex realities of a post-pandemic world, substance misuse and addiction, persistent violence, enduring poverty, mental illness, and the burden of generational trauma. One notable example of this impact can be seen through our restorative justice efforts. Restorative Justice is only one way we serve more than 19,000 students and 1,500 school staff members across multiple school districts.

Upcoming Events

Thursday, February 27th, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Bayou Bash: Mardi Gras for a Mission

Register to Attend

Friday, February 28th, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Community Conversations about Gambling

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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Naloxone Training

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Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Naloxone Training

Register to Attend

Friday, March 28th, 2025 | 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Community Conversations about Gambling

Register to Attend

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Naloxone Training

Register to Attend

Catalyst Advocacy

Catalyst CT’s advocacy starts at a grassroots level, standing on a footing that is inclusive, diverse, and motivated. We empower community members by giving them tools and information to advocate for themselves. Together, we harness the power of people to encourage policy and systems change.

Resources

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Let the good times roll and celebrate—Mardi Gras style! 🎉

Join Catalyst CT for a night of unforgettable fun, food, and festivities, all for a great cause! Join us for Bayou Bash: Mardi Gras for a Mission and experience an evening where music and purpose unite to create lasting change.

Dance the night away with Christine Ohlman and the Funky Dawgz Brass Band, whose energetic performances will transport you straight to Bourbon Street. Your ticket includes three hours of live music, delicious appetizers, and an open bar.

Grab your tickets now at the link in our bio. 🔗
We believe in change and community-minded service every day of the year. ❤️

Not sure how to get started? 🤔

Try one of these options on #randomactsofkindnessday to give back.

🔸 Donate clothes to a local drive. Winter coats are especially necessary this time of year.
🔸 Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in the drive-thru. 
🔸 Write a kind note for someone who needs it. 
🔸 Donate food to Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
Looking for an opportunity to support the child in your life during #nationalyouthleadershipmonth ? 🎇

Our Child Leadership Training Institute equips kids with the tools and skills to become community-minded leaders.

Apply for this free program and the parent equivalent at the link in our bio this fall. 🔗
🎷🎭 Big vibes, bold music, and a BIGGER impact!

📅 Feb 27, 2025 | 📍 Bridgeport, CT | 🎟 Tix: $100

Bayou Bash is bringing Mardi Gras magic to Park City Music Hall! 💜✨ Don’t miss live music from Christine Ohlman & Funky Dawgz Brass Band, an open bar 🍹, delicious bites 🍴, and a chance to party for a purpose.

🎶 Good times + great cause = the ultimate night out!

Grab your tickets now → https://ow.ly/ICBM50V0zkh

#BayouBash #MardiGrasVibes #MusicWithPurpose #BridgeportEvents
StreetSafe Bridgeport is a non-law enforcement program that works with Bridgeport youth to mitigate gun & gang violence. ❤️

Our clients tend to live in neighborhoods like East End, North End, South End, and East Side. 

Most of our clients are male, aged 13 to 26, and 74% of our clients identify as Black or African-American. 🤝🏽

And almost 90% of those clients were able to avoid arrest or rearrest with our program from July 2022 to June 2023. 

That’s a number we hope to increase for next year. 🎇
February is #NationalYouthLeadershipMonth 🎇

Our Restorative Practices programs are just one of the ways we guide young people towards the best versions of their future.
This innovative program offers hands-on training in careers in live event production technology, like lighting and sound engineering, specifically for 16- to 18-year-olds. 🎵

Funded through the Greater Bridgeport Grant: Arts in the Service of Equity, this initiative will invest up to $285,000 to empower under-resourced youth with experience in the professional production and creative arts space.

Applications are now open. 🏃🏽‍♂️
February is #NationalParentLeadershipMonth 🎇

Our Parent Leadership Training Institute offers the perfect opportunity for any caring adult to receive the skills they need to advocate for a better future for the children in their life. 

Applications to join the next PLTI cohort will open in the fall. ⏲️
Learn how to create real change in your community. 🏠

Participants can become strong voices for the next generation to address areas of concern like accessible childcare, health care, quality and accountability in education, and neighborhood safety. 

Apply at the link in our bio 🔗

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Los participantes aprenderán a convertirse en una voz fuerte para que la próxima generación aborde áreas de preocupación que incluyen cuidado infantil y atención de salud, calidad y rendición de cuentas en la educación y otros sistemas, y un vecindario seguro. 

Ve a el enlace en nuestra biografía 🔗
Everyone needs a helping hand. 🤝

The StreetSafe Outreach team is the support that Bridgeport youth need to turn their lives around--and this story from the team is just one example of that work. 🌟