Djordje Martinez finds stability through success in the food industry
Djordje entered the STRIVE Future Leaders program facing the significant hurdle of re-entering the workforce and establishing a stable life after his involvement with the justice system. Like many justice-involved young adults, he needed more than just a job; he required a comprehensive support system to build confidence, acquire relevant skills, and overcome the stigma associated with his past. The program connected Djordje with practical training relevant to a high-demand sector of food and hospitality support services, ensuring his skills were immediately marketable. STRIVE placed Djordje in a structured, supported internship as Café Attendant at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport. Upon successful completion of his internship, St. Vincent’s Hospital offered Djordje a full-time position as Line Cook. The secure, full-time wages allowed Djordje to reach a major milestone of self-sufficiency: he was able to move into his own apartment.
Che' McCoy translates STRIVE training into real-world success
Che' faced multiple barriers when he re-entered the workforce after incarceration, including gaps in work history, a limited professional network, and his criminal record. Referred to the STRIVE program through the Walter Brooks work-release program in New Haven, Che' arrived with quiet determination and a clear goal: meaningful work that could grow into a lasting career. While enrolled in the STRIVE program, Che' applied for a maintenance position at a housing development in Bridgeport and secured a part-time role as Grounds Manager. For Che’ it was more than a job; it was a proving ground where his work ethic, attention to detail, and growing professional skills could shine. With encouragement from STRIVE, Che’ leveraged his part-time experience to secure a full-time role as Maintenance Manager at The Study at Yale, a distinguished hotel on the Yale University campus. He was recently invited by the Afro-American Cultural Center at Yale to be a guest speaker in a discussion about higher education and access to technology in prisons.
Mooez Khawaja walks across with high school diploma in hand with a full ride to UCONN
Mooez had invited Ms. Dawn-Marie to his graduation for the work and time she had invested in his journey! Ms. Dawn-Marie had assisted Mooez after working with him throughout the YCA program and then again throughout his application process and applying for his scholarship. Mooez would later find he would receive not only an acceptance to his top choice school, but after a long interview and selection process a full-ride scholarship.
Oliver is moving forward with the support of Career Resources and Entry Point Staffing
Oliver, is a veteran and justice-impacted individual. Both a Career Resources and Entry Point Staffing client, Oliver was able to obtain employment with the City of Bridgeport. He will be received support through programs, to obtain his CDL license, helping him take the next step in advancing his career. We are all inspired and motivated by Oliver's success and his story like many of the other clients we serve fuel the mission. Oliver is now hard at work operating machinery on-site, and building his future.
Ashley is making strides and giving back to the community after receiving amazing supports for her own reentry journey
Ashley Staggers came home from prison in early 2024, and on Wednesday, she thanked a set of local nonprofits for helping her rebuild her life. The mom was one of dozens of returning citizens who took part in a job fair at Housatonic Community College Wednesday. Career Resources, along with other nonprofits whose mission is to help people returning home from prison, sponsored the event in partnership with the college. Mayor Joe Ganim, who is a member of the second chance community, said helping returning citizens get jobs is a crucial part of supporting the local economy and helping to reduce crime.
Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim recognizes Entry Point Staffing (EPS) client Michael Castro with a day in his honor - “Michael Castro Day.”
Michael was referred to EPS through the Bridgeport Reentry Welcome Center. Gaining employment through EPS was a fundamental pillar in his successful reintegration into society. Through this opportunity, Michael was able to become a builder’s maintenance person and even promoted and is now holding a management position at the organization. He is currently leading and overseeing maintenance work at Bridgeport Boatworks.
Valerie, 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. CRI’s Lucy Baney Reunification Center and Entry Point Staffing connected Valerie with career connections and employment opportunities. These connections led her to full-time employment at the GBT – Greater Bridgeport Transit.
“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., really have pushed me where I need to be. I am living testimony.” says Valerie.