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
Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998. 🏳
Today, you can honor trans people who have lost their lives by attending a vigil, reading their stories, and supporting trans people directly through mutual aid. 🕯
Over half of transgender students who are out report being verbally harassed during their K-12 education.
💥 Take bullying seriously. Listen to & believe trans youth.
💥 Speak up. Whether you’re being targeted or you witness harassment in school, find a trusted adult to report the incident to.
💥 You can report bullying to a teacher, school counselor, or principal. If your complaints aren’t being taken seriously, you can escalate your concerns to the superintendent, and then to the State Department of Education.
Schools need to be safe spaces for all students to learn--not be targeted for who they are. 🏳️⚧️
Triangle Community Center offers local support and services LGBTQIA+ community members. Head to CTPrideCenter.org for resources & events 🔗
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day gives us an opportunity to center those who have lost a loved one to suicide. 🕯
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers Healing Conversations, a one-time talk (over the phone, virtually, or in-person) where survivors of suicide loss can connect with trained volunteers who have also lost loved ones to suicide.
Healing Conversations offers support, connection, and tailored resources.
For immediate support, call or text 988. 💜
Know your rights. 🏳️⚧️
💥 Many trans people feel more comfortable bringing an advocate with them to doctor appointments. You don’t need to be a legal or medical expert to be in this support role--you just have to be able to confidently & consistently speak up.
💥 If you work in a related field, push back against discrimination against trans folks--whether it’s done loudly or quietly.
💥 If you experience or witness discrimination, use an escalating chain of command to make sure your rights are protected. You can submit a formal complaint to any medical provider about specific staff members.
Head to glad.org for a thorough break down on healthcare coverage and ID documentation. 🔗
Kindness is an undercurrent in the work we do. Whether its advocacy, prevention work, or SEL, kindness is crucial to serving others.
Our Social Emotional Learning program is one of the biggest ways we spread kindness. The program guides young people in:
🔸Developing healthy identities
🔸Managing emotions
🔸Achieving goals
🔸Building empathy
🔸Maintaining supportive relationships
🔸Make responsible decisions
Transgender Awareness Week runs from November 13th to 19th, and provides an opportunity for us all to broaden our understanding of the trans experience. 🏳️⚧️
Most importantly, we can all get on the same page about how to actively support trans people during a time when their legal protections have been seriously stripped.
After serving, veterans may experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Researchers at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System found a link between veterans with PTSD and those considering suicide.
Those researchers suggested that the reason for that connection may be stigma. Veterans may experience anxiety sensitivity, which is a hypervigilance and fear of anxiety symptoms.
When someone with PTSD worries they are losing who they are or not thinking clearly, they may be at increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Veterans can receive 24/7 confidential support by calling 988 and pressing 1 OR texting 838255 🌟
Tune in to hear @catalystctceo talking with For the People this Sunday 📻
📍 6 AM on WEBE 108 FM
📍 7 AM on STAR 99.9 FM, 99.1 WPLR FM & The VOICE of Connecticut 95.9 FM / 107.3 FM / 600 AM
Learn about Catalyst CT and Park City Presents launching the Live Music Production Apprenticeship Program, aimed at providing Bridgeport’s youth with real career opportunities in the music industry. Funded through the Greater Bridgeport Grant: Arts in the Service of Equity, the three-year initiative, supported by the Fairfield County Community Foundation (FCCF), will invest up to $285,000 to empower under-resourced youth with experience in the professional production and creative arts space.
If you miss the live show, you can catch the episode by finding "For the People" on iHeartRadio, iTunes, and Audible. 🌟