HomeBridge Provides New Hope to Formerly Incarcerated Men and Women
Posted Mon, Nov 21, 2022 at 6:23 am ET
Southern Connecticut's newest resource has one goal: breaking the cycle of recidivism through employment.
On Wednesday, November 16, a ribbon-cutting event was held in downtown Bridgeport to recognize the grand opening of southern Connecticut’s newest resource: HomeBridge Ventures. The new nonprofit organization has one goal: breaking the cycle of recidivism through employment.
The event, attended by over 50 community leaders and informed citizens, unveiled the organization’s new reentry community center, which provides a safe space for previously incarcerated men and women to build their second chance at life. Located at 1 Lafayette Circle in downtown Bridgeport, the center, nicknamed ‘The Hub’, offers Healing, Hiring and Hope as the pillars of the HomeBridge program.
“Ninety-five percent of incarcerated people return to their communities, and over half of those return to prison in the first few years after release. These are alarming statistics. The causes of recidivism are multilayered, and response needs to be as well,” said David Stubbs, HomeBridge Ventures Co-Founder and President.
Through an 18-month program, the organization will provide holistic healing, job training, job placement, and community to formerly incarcerated residents of Bridgeport. Their aim is to keep people out of prison and in employment.
The HomeBridge program follows a proven three-phase process. After an initial healing plan, members are placed in supported employment opportunities, and when ready for full-time employment, HomeBridge will assist their move towards full-time employment, training, education or entrepreneurship.
“We would like to thank City of Bridgeport, Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative, The Tow Foundation, the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, and numerous friends and family who believed in our mission and contributed to getting us to this great day,” said Stubbs.
“HomeBridge will be home to many of Bridgeport's vibrant network of reentry service providers and a safe space for previously incarcerated people to begin healing, reconnecting, and rebuilding,” said Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim.