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 one of the many ways 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
✨ Meet our new VP of Programs, Sam DeCarlo!
With 15+ years of leading youth development and workforce initiatives, Sam brings deep experience in equity, prevention, and cross-sector collaboration.
We’re excited to have his energy and team-first mindset at Catalyst CT. ⚽🎶
Help us welcome Sam below! 👇
#JoinUs #CatalystCT #Leadership #CommunityChange #YouthEmpowerment
Women lead.
Women advocate.
Women transform communities.
This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the bold voices and steady hands guiding young people toward safer futures 🌿
Tag a woman who inspires change and builds community every day.
#CatalystCT #CommunityChange #YouthEmpowerment #RestorativeJustice #WomensHistoryMonth
Big feelings.
Hard conversations.
Real growth.
Social & Emotional Learning gives young people tools to navigate conflict and build stronger relationships 🤝
Save this and share why SEL matters to you.
#CatalystCT #YouthEmpowerment #RestorativeJustice #SELDay #SocialEmotionalLearning
🌟 Leadership in action
On February 10, Lisa, our Director of Mediation, testified virtually before our legislators to advocate for restorative, youth-centered justice.
This is what community-rooted leadership looks like—shaping policy with purpose. ⚖️
Drop a đź‘Ź to celebrate strong, community-rooted leadership.
#JoinUs #CatalystCT #RestorativeJustice #Leadership #Advocacy
🤝 Because of state investment in mediation, more youth across Connecticut now have access to restorative, supportive alternatives in juvenile courts!
Save this post to support youth-centered solutions. ⚖️
#JoinUs #CatalystCT #RestorativeJustice #YouthEmpowerment #JuvenileJustice
We’re still feeling the energy from Midwinter Motown. 🎶
Thank you to everyone who danced, laughed, connected, and supported Catalyst CT!
We couldn’t do this without you. 💛
@abbeytent @bakertillyus @thecancercouchfoundation @liberationprograms @bin100restaurant @bcyl.03 @csifairfield @imission_institute @gallagherglobal @peraltadesign The Kellie Duggan Foundation The Matthew Kosbob Foundation @jonkamal87
#MidwinterMotown #CommunityPower #JoinUs #CatalystCT
⚖️ Social justice starts with community.
It’s about safety, opportunity, and systems that treat people with dignity.
On World Day of Social Justice, we’re reaffirming our commitment to prevention, healing, and youth-centered change—led by the people most impacted. 🌱
Save this post and share what justice means to you. đź’¬
#JoinUs #CatalystCT #WorldDayOfSocialJustice #CommunityChange
Thank you to our partners who help make Midwinter Motown possible. đź’›
Your impact is felt far beyond a single night!
Help us show them some love đź‘Ź
#MidwinterMotown #CommunityPartners #ThankYouSponsors #JoinUs #CatalystCT
From the Bijou Theater to the Downtown Cabaret to the Klein Memorial Theater, Bridgeport has a strong connection to the arts and theater. đźŽ
In 1936, Orson Welles directed the Federal Theater Project`s all-Black production of Macbeth. After New York, the show came straight to Bridgeport!
Part of the WPA, the Federal Theatre Project provided employment to artists during the Great Depression while bringing high-quality productions to communities nationwide. Bridgeport was part of that national story.
Join us to learn more about this historic moment by visiting the @bridgeporthistorycenter đź–¤
#JoinUs #CatalystCT #BlackHistoryMonth #BridgeportHistory
Last chance ⏰🎶
Online tickets close today for Midwinter Motown, but will be available at the door.
🎟️ Link in bio for tickets
Don’t miss this! Send to your crew now.
#MidwinterMotown #LastChance #JoinUs #DontMissThis #CatalystCT
ONE WEEK. 🎶✨
Midwinter Motown is almost here!
đź“… Feb 19
🎟️ Get your tickets now: link in bio
Save this. Share this. Be there.
#MidwinterMotown #OneWeekAway #JoinUs #CommunityPower #LiveMusic
💡 Lewis H. Latimer helped shape modern technology—and his story includes Bridgeport. He played a vital role in shaping two of the most transformative inventions in modern history—the telephone and the light bulb.
He lived on Whiting Street in the South End in 1879 while he worked for the U.S. Electric Lighting Company. His legacy reminds us that Black brilliance has always been local.
This Black History Month, we honor his brilliance and legacy. ✨
Join us in learning and honoring Bridgeport’s Black @bridgeporthistorycenter. 🖤
#JoinUs #CatalystCT #BlackHistoryMonth #BridgeportHistory #LocalHistory