Bridgeport, CT – Today, Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) joined Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, President of The WorkPlace, Joe Carbone, Councilman Ernest Newton, Scott Wilderman, President of Career Resources, Inc., and others to celebrate two federal grants that will directly help Bridgeport families and residents who are involved in the criminal justice system through the Bridgeport Families First (BFF) Program. Both grants come from the U.S Department of Justice, Office of Justice programs.
The first grant provides $680,000 to provide services and support for families with minor children and incarcerated families. These families face unique and difficult challenges during a parent’s incarceration. The program aims to increase the stability of these families, with a specific focus on supporting the social and emotional well-being of children.
The second grant provides $750,000 for The Workplace to engage in job training and education for formerly incarcerated individuals. Roughly 1,000 individuals return to Bridgeport each year from correctional facilities. This program focuses on work-readiness, securing credentials, and finding employment.
“The two grants focus on two very important aspects of our criminal justice system: supporting children who have an incarcerated parent, and helping our fellow citizens rejoin our communities,” said Congressman Himes. “The effects of serving a criminal sentence are not limited either solely to the individual or to the time they’re incarcerated; families and children need our support during, and our neighbors need our help finding jobs and getting back on their feet after. I’ll continue to work as hard as possible to bring back federal grants like these to make lives better in Bridgeport and across the state.”
"We are thankful for the support of Congressman Himes in winning this grant and realize it would not be possible without the community partnerships that have delivered results for the re-entry population over so many years," said Joseph Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace. "The ultimate objective in every single case will be moving people towards private sector employment"
For more information or with any questions, contact Patrick Malone at Patrick.malone@mail.house.gov.
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