 | Staff Uses Leadership Training in Community
Mario Sarro is driven to do all that he can for communities in need. An Employment Specialist who works with our Fresh Start Community Reentry Program, he knows first hand how much good community support can make an impact on individuals wanting to make positive changes in their lives.
With this in mind, Mario was a natural choice for Leadership Greater Bridgeport. Graduates of this ten-month community leadership program are trained and motivated to serve the wider Bridgeport community in new ways. Individuals from the business community are selected because they show the potential to become leaders in Bridgeport. Mario said, "Being part of this group from the Bridgeport Area was such an excellent opportunity for me to grow professionally and personally." The curriculum for Leadership Greater Bridgeport is designed to provide participants with personal and professional growth leading to increased effectiveness in the community, work and personal life endeavors. These are key growth areas that Family ReEntry encourages for its entire staff. There are two core program elements; classes and a community project. The all-day classes are held once a month during the 10 month program. Each day is organized around a topic such as education, environment, public safety, culture and entertainment, and health and human services. The community projects are designed as a laboratory for developing the skills necessary to work successfully in the community arena. The class is split into teams and each creates and implements a project. Over the years, these projects have made many substantial contributions to improving the lives of residents in Bridgeport. They are a source honor for those who design and deliver them, too.
Mario explained his project with great pride. "Our team project was a 'Housing Expo'. The Expo took place in the City Hall Annex and showcased 30 vendors. There were close to 100 attendees that learned about how to apply for a mortgage and about rentals in Bridgeport." The attendees were surveyed and most agreed that the Expo was very helpful and they would be willing to attend another one.
Perhaps one of the longer term benefits of being a part of Greater Leadership Bridgeport is the great network of contacts that Mario can now call on when he needs to get things done. Mario is already leveraging his new network. "Before joining Fresh Start, I used to work with Family ReEntry's Champions Mentoring Program. I had been trying to reach the Chief of Police for months to talk to him about recruiting policemen to be mentors. Because I got to meet the Chief through Greater Leadership Bridgeport, Champions now has the access needed to reach out to his police force." |
