Established in 2014, StreetSafe brings new hope, promise, and mobility to our most at-risk youth. Gang/group violence and gun violence are far too prevalent among Bridgeport youth. Our goal is to create a safer and more secure environment for Bridgeport.
Who We Are
- We are a street-based, non-law enforcement program.
- We focus on reducing youth violence, including group/gang and gun crime in the city.
- Our clients are not forced to participate in this program. They only work with our staff on a volunteer basis, striving to improve their circumstances.
- We work within six neighborhoods affected by poverty, substance misuse, crime, and blight.
- Our team creates an open environment so our youth can freely express their concerns, wants, and needs.
- We convene a weekly group session and teach them how to cope with everyday struggles, failures, and successes.
- We aim to keep all Bridgeport residents safe, allow our young people to thrive, and help those re-entering our community after incarceration.
The strength of StreetSafe lies in our commitment to our communities. We seek input from various stakeholders and incorporate feedback into our work. As an organization that primarily serves persons of color (POC), Catalyst CT also strives to increase and promote persons who look like the community we serve, with credible messengers who have similar lived experiences. Doing so ensures our initiatives remain relevant, effective, and impactful.
Our Outreach Workers
Outreach Workers play a critical role in disrupting the cycle of youth violence in Bridgeport. Having grown up in Bridgeport, all staff members have firsthand experience of the challenges facing young people today.
Our credible messengers are essential in preventing violence and building stronger communities. These highly trained individuals work to interrupt conflict and the cycle of youth violence. By offering support and mentorship, they help young people disconnect from antisocial groups.
Hear from Our Outreach Workers
Emergency Hospital Support
As part of our violence interrupter efforts, we are on call day and night with Bridgeport’s local hospitals after a shooting, stabbing, or murder occurs. Our team responds to the hospitals to support grieving parents and comfort affected families. When needed, we assist hospital security and police in diffusing volatile situations, thus preventing the need for escalated interventions. After a tragic event, we offer ongoing support for traumatized victims.