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.
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
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
catalystinct
We know our teens need support. 🫶🏼
That’s why we’ve developed unique programs that Fairfield County youth can get excited about. 🌟
Financial literacy is crucial to survival in this country, yet far too many of our citizens are left behind. 💰
Our Prevention Corps members receive a two-part financial literacy training during their service term where they get to learn the ins and outs of credit, loans, & saving money.
By 2027, every public high school in Connecticut will integrate financial literacy to their curriculum, preparing students for the future and giving them the personal finance skills they need. 🏫
During Arab American Heritage Month, we want to remind community members that here are mental health & other resources available for support whenever you need them. 🫶
RESOURCES
🔸Naseeha Mental Health Helpline
🔸Connecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants
🔸Arab American Family Support Center
🔸Inclusive Therapists
🔸Institute for Muslim Mental Health
🔸Mental Health America: Racial Trauma
🔸Mental Health America: Mental Health During Global Conflict
Did you miss our Bayou Bash? 👀
We can’t turn back time, but we can share a few of our favorite moments.
Keep an eye out for our next event--it’s sure to be just as much fun. 🎊
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by news headlines & current events. 🌍
Instead of trying to tackle every issue at once, dial in on one element that you can have a real impact on. 🎆
Take time to celebrate wins of any size--celebrate with us. 🎊
We aren’t afraid of the big issues. 🌍
After all, they’re the ones that matter most. 💕
We support our neighbors on career paths, personal development paths, mental health paths, and community leadership paths. 🌟
Head to our site and find the program you need. 🔗
Catalyst CT Board Member Melissa Quan will be speaking at the Westport Library as part of the AFP Fairfield County Chapter Educational Luncheon Series. 🌟
Melissa is the Director of the Center for Social Impact at Fairfield University. Her research and publications center on professional development in higher education community engagement, institutional change, community-engaged teaching, and assessing community impact. 🎆
Use the QR code to register 🔗
Diversity is built into our foundation. 🌟
At Catalyst CT, our mission revolves around:
🔸Community Voices
🔸Collaboration
🔸Inclusion
🔸Integrity
The unique experiences of our team & community members make us all more thoughtful & better prepared to meet the needs of CT families across the state. ❤️
On #WorldHealthDay, we’re doubling down on mental & public health.
The two go hand-in-hand. 🤝
It’s difficult to expect any individual to maintain their mental health without the support of their community.
Our organization seeks to make significant policy changes that make our communities stronger & healthier.💕
Head to our website for mental health resources for all ages. 🔗
The AmeriCorps Prevention Corps program provides a unique opportunity to step into the fields of public & behavioral health. 🌟
It’s a great opportunity for students to fulfill their internship requirements or for recent graduates to make important connections. 🔗
Most importantly, Prevention Corps members get the chance to make real change in the communities where they serve. 🤝
At Catalyst CT, we believe in second chances. 🌟
Team members who chose to make a career change & use their strengths for public good?
👉They’re taking a second chance.
The teens who turn their lives around through restorative justice?
👉They deserve a second chance.
Take an opportunity this month to make a change.
It doesn’t need to be huge--you don’t need to upset your whole life.
But choose one thing, one area, one relationship to approach with new energy. 🎆
This story beautifully exemplifies our commitment to centering youth voices and creating lasting impact.
Thank you to MariaStar, Troy, Aquil, and Jacquelyn for showing that when we stand together, we create the foundation for hope, healing, and transformation--one moment of compassion at a time. 💕