A Tribute to Lucy Baney
We learned of the passing of CRI fellow board member, mentor, friend and activist, Lucy Baney. Her optimism, sense of humor and humility will forever be remembered as will her ability to persevere against all odds. Lucy’s smile could light up a room and with her southern charm she had a unique way of making everyone feel special. To that end, we are all a little bit better for knowing her. Please keep Lucy and her family in your prayers today.
We love you Lucy and will carry on your fight.
Our Deepest Condolences.
To donate in Lucy’s Memory please click on the link below.
Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center
NOW OPEN!
The Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center will meet the unmet needs of returning mothers head on. The first of its kind in Connecticut, Career Resources is taking an innovative approach by opening a facility with a full set of onsite wraparound services including job readiness training and placement, childcare, and more.
Through a contract with the Connecticut Department of Corrections, the center will serve 20 women, five along with their children together under one roof. CRI won this contract based on the successful operation of four reentry halfway houses in Bridgeport.
Women at the Center will also have direct access to all of the services of CRI, including the American Job Centers and the STRIVE Program, thanks to new support from Bank of America.
The center is named after Lucy Baney, a resident of New Canaan and a member of the Board of Trustees for CRI, who has been advocating for the issue of the lack of affordable housing for justice-involved women in the state of Connecticut, and specifically in Fairfield County.
View some pictures from our grand opening:
Supportive Services
It takes more than occupational skills to obtain employment – we know it takes practical support as well. Career Resources has services such as VITA (a free tax assistance program) and Everyone Works which provides job search assistance to people with disabilities.
Occupational Skills & Credentials
Receive nationally recognized credentials from our no-cost trainings such as food safety and PPE training.
Reentry Services
We at Career Resources understand the barriers to employment that are placed on justice involved citizens that are returning to their communities. We are dedicated to helping such citizens find and retain employment with programs such as Entry Point Staffing and Fathers For Life.
Workforce Readiness
Career Resources offers many programs that aim to foster work readiness skills such as professionalism, time management, interpersonal skills, and more.
Employer Opportunities
Career Resources also works to provide helpful resources and services for employers. Between submitting your open positions to our job board and learning about tax credits, the opportunities are endless.
Outcomes in a typical year:
Connecticut taxpayers save over $8 million due to increased earnings from clients (additional tax revenue) while reducing their dependence on government support.
Over 1,500 clients complete a CRI run training program, with most obtaining employment with an average wage over $15.10/hour.
Valerie Germain, a mother of two boys, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, moved to Bridgeport, CT, with hopes of discovering a place that she could develop in and start fresh. After going through her own trials and tribulations, Valerie believed that the right support would help her to get her life back on track.
Valerie knew receiving a degree in accounting and an undergrad in health care management would be useful, so she was on a mission to put her degrees to work. The Lucy Baney Reunification Center and Entry Point Staffing connected Valerie with career connections and employment opportunities. These connections led her to the GBT – Greater Bridgeport Transit in Bridgeport, CT, where she currently works.
“It has not been an easy road. I never thought my life would have taken the turn it took but on this road, I found people who care. Organizations like Career Resources Inc., staff like Lisa Tella, Kim Harris, and Crystal Engram really have pushed me where I need to be. I am living testimony.” says Valerie.
Valerie is currently celebrating six months since being at GBTA. She hopes to continue her career there and one day become an financial consulting for The Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority.
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