New Bridgeport Community Center Helps the Formerly Incarcerated Reestablish Lives

Bridgeport, CT - HomeBridge Ventures, a new, Bridgeport-based nonprofit, is providing a new resource to help formerly incarcerated individuals reestablish their lives. HomeBridge will unveil its new reentry community center on November 16 as part of its mission to break the cycle of recidivism.

The center, located in downtown Bridgeport at 1 Lafayette Circle, will provide a safe space for previously incarcerated people to begin healing, reconnecting, and rebuilding. Nicknamed “The Hub”, it will offer a place for building community while also providing Cognitive Behavior Therapy, wrap-around services, individual-needs planning, therapeutic activities, workforce readiness training and more.

“The challenges of reentry and avoiding recidivism are multilayered.  Statistics tell us that most will reoffend within three years. HomeBridge offers a holistic path for changing lives through Healing, Hiring and Hope–we meet people where they are and walk them to wholeness,” said David Stubbs, Co-Founder and HomeBridge Ventures President.

The community is invited to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting of HomeBridge’s new location on Wednesday, November 16 at 10 am followed by a reception. Visitors will learn more about the organization’s 18-month program, meet leadership and supporters, and tour the center.

The HomeBridge program will follow a proven three phase process built on the model and principles of Homeboy Industries–the largest gang intervention and reentry program in the country. Following the initial healing plan at The Hub, HomeBridge plans to place members in supported employment opportunities, both in their own social enterprise and with second chance employers, one of which they are working with today.

“Our members are on a purposeful path to becoming contributing members of the community. We are already working with formerly incarcerated people at a second chance employer, and plan to operate our first social enterprise next year recycling and repurposing electronics. Our goal is to keep people out of prison and in employment,” said Stubbs.

Once a member is ready for full-time employment, HomeBridge will assist their move towards economic mobility, whether by providing full-time employment, training for skilled work, or planning a path to entrepreneurship or higher education.

“Supporting people as they move toward attaining living wage positions and forging a new direction in life is our objective. We are excited to be a part of the vibrant network of reentry service providers in Bridgeport and are thrilled to open our doors later this month,” said Stubbs.

To learn more about HomeBridge, visit www.homebridgeventures.org or call (203) 437-2511.