Fresh Start

Fresh Start Community Family Reentry Pilot Program

Family ReEntry's Fresh Start Program in Bridgeport, serves as a model for urban communities faced with the problems of crime and recidivism. Now 16 months into a 3-year research effort with Yale University, the preliminary results are highly encouraging!

The Fresh Start Program is a ground-breaking demonstration model that helps soon-to-be released prisoners before leaving prison, during transition, and after “coming home”. The program places emphasis on post-employment, strengthening families and giving back to the community.

Fresh Start provides 6 key elements for successful prisoner reentry:

Early and long-term engagement

Builds a strong bond
Creates a personal commitment to a new life direction

Tailor all services to the individual

Involve the entire family
Supports and strengthens family systems
Reduces the risk that children will end up in prison

Grassroots leadership has a positive multiplier effect on people and Neighborhoods

Mentoring from successful ex-offenders builds engagement and community support
Encourages giving back to the community, breaking the cycle with youth and making amends through restorative justice

Employment solutions include adapting the Delancey Street Model

Starting up entrepreneurial businesses creates economic viability, self-worth and a framework for learning

A Public/Private Funding Model

Basic Services through public funding
Entrepreneurial businesses started through private funding then move towards self-sustaining economics.

Client of Fresh Start Employment Initiative

These unique features give it the potential to have a large scale social impact when expanded. The potential to redirect lives, reduce crime and save costs is enormous and can serve as a model for other urban communities.

Fresh Start has significant preliminary findings and a creative approach. For more information about the Fresh Start Program please contact Steve Lanza, Executive Director at 203-838-0496, x105.

Client of Fresh Start Employment Initiative

We have a real chance at making significant improvements on the prisoner reentry issue here in Connecticut and beyond. The time to press forward is now.