Phone:  203.838.0496 x113

Fax:      203.866.9291

Email:  jeffreyearls@familyreentry.org

Family ReEntry, a non-profit organization based in Bridgeport and Norwalk, CT, has been awarded a $10,000 competitive grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

Family ReEntry will use the grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation specifically to support its Fresh Start Community Reentry Program and Fresh Start Enterprises employment and training programs.  Both are innovative reentry initiatives serving men returning to the Greater Bridgeport community from the Connecticut state prison system.

For most formerly incarcerated individuals, being able to obtain and then maintain a job is a key factor in successfully leaving the cycle of poverty, crime and incarceration.  Family ReEntry’s Fresh Start programs address these challenges through comprehensive case management, work readiness training, vocational training, and by creating jobs through its Fresh Start Enterprises, LLC social entrepreneurial businesses.  Fresh Start Enterprises uses a supportive work crew model to provide on-the-job training and livable wage work for ex-offenders in our Fresh Start programs.  Family ReEntry has partnerships with the Connecticut Department of Correction, other non-profit community service providers, local municipalities and businesses to help improve the reentry pipeline, strengthen the communities in which we operate, and help keep its clients employed, trained, and out of prison.

“This funding from the Fairfield County Community Foundation will be a tremendous help to maintaining and expanding our reentry and job training programs for formerly incarcerated men,” said Family ReEntry Executive Director, Steve Lanza. “Particularly during these challenging economic times when public and private giving is threatened, we are deeply grateful to the Fairfield County Community Foundation for investing in our organization and others like ours to provide critical program support.”  With support from the Fairfield County Community Foundation, Fresh Start will serve 100 to 150 clients in Bridgeport this year with 70% receiving

Since 1984, Family ReEntry has been working to comprehensively and effectively address the enormous social problems related to crime, violence, abuse, and the unprecedented rates of costly incarceration.  In addition to reentry programs, the agency also provides Domestic Violence  Intervention and Education programs, as well as Youth Mentoring Programs and supportive services to families impacted by incarceration.  For more information on Family ReEntry please call (203) 838-0496 or visit www.familyreentry.org.

The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded over $135million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.