Services are strength based providing case management and enrichment activities that are geared to enhance and support the assets of each family, and the self-esteem of each child. Collaboration with local organizations and service providers help to create a “web of supportive relationships” and wrap around services for these children, youth and their families. Through mentoring, children and youth have opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, receive support and advocacy.
Family Reentry SM Youth Programs partner closely with the CT Governor’s Prevention Partnership as well as CT Court Support Services, and serve as a member of the Bridgeport Juvenile Justice Task Force and Greater Bridgeport Mentoring Collaborative.
The J-Connect Program seeks volunteer adults to provide mentoring support to youth at risk, ages 10-17. As a community based mentor, volunteers participate in an application and training process and are then matched to a youth for one year. Volunteer mentors serve as positive role models and engage youth in prosocial activities to help develop life skills. The commitment includes meeting with the youth for two hours or more per week to build a caring relationship that will support positive youth development and engagement in prosocial activities. Volunteer mentors will also have contact with parents and other community providers as related to youth advocacy. Family ReEntry staff support volunteer mentors by ensuring match connectivity and to collaborate around youth needs. Through the mentoring relationship, youth have the opportunity to enhance interpersonal skills, develop positive coping strategies, and work on goals that will lead to better youth outcomes. This program operates throughout Fairfield County and serves youth involved with the Bridgeport and Stamford Juvenile Court districts.
The Transitions Mentoring Program provides a variety of services to youthful offenders who are serving their sentence at the Manson Youth Institute located in Cheshire CT. This unique program offers mentoring, life skills training and tutoring to support incarcerated youth ages 14-22 as they prepare for reentry back to their families and communities. Adult volunteer mentors are screened, trained, and commit to providing an hour of weekly connection over a period of eight (8) to twelve (12) months, where they support identified youth and work toward identifying realistic goals, offering encouragement and accountability. Volunteer tutors are also utilized to assist Transitions clients with GED preparation and/or post high school learning. All volunteers are approved by Family ReEntry staff and the Department of Correction prior to being selected as a mentor or tutor for this program.
