Program Overview
HomeBridge Ventures focuses on connecting healing and hiring, ensuring that returning citizens are not just capable of finding a job, but keeping one. Our clients are Bridgeport area residents who are 18 and older, on parole or probation and end of sentence, who are assessed to be workforce ready. We will receive referrals from our partner agencies, as a partner in the Bridgeport Re-entry Welcome Center, and as members of both the Re-entry Roundtable and the MIRA Advisory Board. We work directly with second chance employers and workforces, as well as welcome those who come to us through word of mouth in the community.
The Hub - HomeBridge Ventures’ Home Base
The Hub is HBV’s Headquarters, located in downtown Bridgeport and within walking distance to the services and programs of many partner organizations. We offer weekly peer mentoring, trauma-informed group work and mental health services, workshops, and courses which directly address challenges in the workplace, including executive functioning, time management, nuanced thinking, social responsibility, listening, mindfulness and career planning. HBV hosts our partner organizations to introduce and/or deliver services on-site.
Immersive 18-Month Program with HBV Social Enterprises
HomeBridge Ventures recognizes that transitioning back to the community can be a long term process. Members receive a stipend while still getting the wrap-around services they need to move them on the road of self-sustainability. During their 18 months with HomeBridge, each member will learn the soft skills that make for successful long-term employment and the hard skills necessary for performing their job functions. Once ready for employment, members will work in transitional employment three days a week and two days on themselves.
Second Chance Employer Support Program
HBV provides a solution to businesses by offering on-site, turnkey case management and social work services to their formerly incarcerated employees while also providing training to supervisors and staff in order to ensure success for workers and businesses alike.