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
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 🔗

African American & Black people have unique experiences informed by history, inter-generational trauma, and systemic racism.
Here are some resources especially for Black people to help care for their mental health or to provide support in the face of discrimination. 🧡

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. 🌟

Our StreetSafe Bridgeport team connects with the youth who need them most. 🤝
From there, they help their clients graduate, find jobs, and avoid getting pulled into the justice system.
This is just on example of success from the 2022-2023 program year. Head to our site to learn more about the work we’re doing with disconnected youth in Bridgeport.

If a fight breaks out at a local school, our Mediation team is among the first called. ☎️
Many of our Mediation clients are under 15, but we also work with older high school students.
Our Mediation work provides a path for conflict resolution & de-escalation. 🤝

Catalyst CT has been serving Connecticut for 40 years—and we don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
We contribute to the research and reports on Connecticut public education, poverty, health, and social justice that are crucial for making large scale change. 🏫
We need to have the latest, most accurate data to best meet our students’ needs. 🎓

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. 🔗

Restorative justice doesn’t just fit into the current systems that shape our world—it can change them. 💥
Teachers like this one have successfully incorporated restorative practices into their classrooms thanks to the training from Catalyst CT’s Restorative Justice team.
Head to catalystct.org/sel-community-schools/ to schedule a Restorative Practices training for your school or organization 🔗

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. can be done through education, service, and change.
Our legislative goals for 2025 aim to protect residents of CT and create healthier, more equitable communities. 🌟
Help us achieve our 2025 legislative goals at catalystct.org 🔗

PLTI is a great opportunity for any parent or other caring adult looking to create a better world for the child in their life 🌍
Learn how to create real change in your community.
Apply at the link in our bio 🔗
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Para los padres y otros adultos cariñosos que quieran hacer una diferencia en las vidas de los niños y familias involucrándose más en sus barrios, esquelas y comunidades. 🌍
Ve a el enlace en nuestra biografía 🔗

Our StreetSafe Outreach team supports at-risk Bridgeport youth so they can stay in school, graduate, and have more options. 🎓

In addition to PLTI, we also offer a similar program for children ages 3 to 12 to learn how to use their voices in democracy. 📢
The Child Leadership Training Institute is a free addition for anyone accepted into the PLTI program.
Apply at the link in our bio 🔗
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Los hijos de padres seleccionados tienen la oportunidad de participar en CLTI. Nuestro objetivo es enriquecer el poder de los niños para convertirse en agentes de cambio. Niños de edades entre 3 - 12 años adquirirán habilidades de liderazgo, participarán en un proyecto de servicio comunitario y aprender como usar sus voces en la democracia.
Ve a el enlace en nuestra biografía 🔗
