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Our mission is simple yet profound: to foster change and create a lasting impact on the communities we serve. We address issues linked to school engagement, restorative justice, behavioral and mental health for children and teens and families in Fairfield County and beyond.
We walk alongside our neighbors, from pre-K to adulthood, offering support to guide them on their journeys to success. 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.
Catalyst CT advocates for a Connecticut where opportunity knows no bounds and zip codes don’t dictate destiny. We stand with the underserved and marginalized because we believe everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
Multiple social, economic, and historical factors negatively impact the path to progress in the region we serve. These obstacles include a lack of affordable housing, transportation barriers, unemployment, and scarcity of basic needs such as food and childcare. Amidst these challenges lies resilience and strength. Our diverse population, thriving cultural organizations, and higher education institutions offer hope and promise. At Catalyst CT, we create opportunities for social and emotional learning, embracing each challenge as an opportunity to unlock untapped potential and foster lasting positive change.
The area median household income in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is $101,194, which is 147% of the national median. However, this average conceals the extreme income inequality of our urban communities. For instance, Bridgeport’s median household income of $50,597 is roughly half of the MSA average. According to data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a Bridgeport family of one adult and two young children falls short of meeting basic living expenses by approximately $15,727 annually. This figure does not include medical expenses, emergency funds, taxes, or savings.
The future of youth in Connecticut is in crisis. According to Dalio Education’s 2023 report, one in five young people aged 14 to 26 in Connecticut are either at risk or disconnected from school or work. Shockingly, one in three high school students in Connecticut risked not graduating in 2022. These challenges, rooted in poverty, mental health issues, and systemic racism, demand urgent attention.
As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people in our communities, Catalyst CT is committed to working with stakeholders across Connecticut to address this alarming reality. We call upon policymakers, educators, and community leaders to join us in this vital mission, ensuring that every at-risk youth receives the support and opportunities necessary to thrive.
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