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 CTโs 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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During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we want to highlight the specific mental health pressures that Asian Americans may face. โค๏ธ
Everyone experiences different influences on their mental health. Family, religion, and culture can all play a significant role in shaping both our sense of self & our mental health. ๐
Asian American Resources
๐ธAsian Mental Health Collective
๐ธNational Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
๐ธAsian American Health Initiative
Art? ๐จ
Proud young artists? ๐จ๐ฝโ๐จ
A celebration of local community? ๐ค
We canโt imagine a better event.
Weโll share all the important details soon. ๐
There are a lot of questions going around right now about SEL--especially in schools. ๐ซ
Our SEL program revolves around Restorative Practices, which are how we teach school officials to guide students through conflict and decision-making. ๐
Rounding out National Youth Violence Prevention Week is our Apprenticeships for Music Production Technology program. ๐น
The AMPโT program is the perfect blend of art expression & career building.
Through the program, students gain hands-on experience with music production technology. While having fun, they also develop transferable skills to support them in related careers.
With a new direction & support they can count on, Bridgeport youth have more choices. ๐
National Youth Violence Prevention Week is a great chance to celebrate all the options Fairfield County youth have instead of getting sucked into risk-taking behaviors & violence.
Cooking is a crucial life skill. Itโs an opportunity to decompress & a way to show care to loved ones. ๐ฅ
It can also be a path to success. ๐
The skills young people learn from actual chefs in our programming can lead to internships & jobs with a lasting impact on their future. ๐
Itโs no secret that a major amount of our youth are disconnected & experiencing mental illness. ๐ง
Our restorative practices & youth diversion programs offer unique opportunities for our young people to build life-changing skills, learn about career opportunities, and become leaders in their community. ๐
During National Youth Violence Prevention Week, we donโt want to focus on statistics. ๐
We donโt want to shine a spotlight on the realities that already feel so overwhelming. ๐ง๏ธ
Instead, we want to celebrate the paths our youth have been choosing instead of violence. โ๏ธ
Art programs are a great option for young people to express themselves, try new things, and build relationships. ๐๏ธ
With the right support, young people can be empowered to avoid & even prevent violence in their communities. ๐
We know our teens need support. ๐ซถ๐ผ
Thatโs why weโve developed unique programs that Fairfield County youth can get excited about. ๐
Financial literacy is crucial to survival in this country, yet far too many of our citizens are left behind. ๐ฐ
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. ๐ซ
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. ๐ซถ
RESOURCES
๐ธNaseeha Mental Health Helpline
๐ธConnecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants
๐ธArab American Family Support Center
๐ธInclusive Therapists
๐ธInstitute for Muslim Mental Health
๐ธMental Health America: Racial Trauma
๐ธMental Health America: Mental Health During Global Conflict
Did you miss our Bayou Bash? ๐
We canโt turn back time, but we can share a few of our favorite moments.
Keep an eye out for our next event--itโs sure to be just as much fun. ๐
Itโs easy to feel overwhelmed by news headlines & current events. ๐
Instead of trying to tackle every issue at once, dial in on one element that you can have a real impact on. ๐
Take time to celebrate wins of any size--celebrate with us. ๐