Acknowledging Career Resources’ leadership and innovation in reentry services, the State of Connecticut funded the WE RISE Together initiative back in 2022 to operate in five regions across the state: Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, New London, and Waterbury. The program strengthens employment opportunities for returning citizens and other system-impacted individuals throughout Connecticut. It builds upon the existing programs and services offered at the state’s Reentry Welcome Centers, enhancing access to career pathways and workforce support.
Participants are connected to training programs through Connecticut’s Workforce Development Boards, aligned with employers in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, construction, green energy, warehousing, retail, transportation, hospitality, and culinary arts.
In 2024, Career Resources was granted a one-year extension to continue providing critical services to justice-involved individuals due to the program’s successful outcomes throughout the initial three-year contract period. During this extension, the initiative continued expanding partnerships with local employers and community-based organizations to ensure participants received the skills, certifications, and support necessary to secure sustainable employment and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Beyond education and employment services, the WE RISE Together team provides comprehensive case management and basic needs assistance. Participants received support with obtaining driver’s licenses and permits, work uniforms, childcare, rental assistance, and other essential supplies needed to remove barriers to employment and stability.
Collectively, WE RISE Together teams statewide have enrolled 1,004 participants to date. Of those, 618 participants successfully completed training programs and earned industry-recognized certificates, and 498 participants secured gainful employment.
We are deeply honored to have been part of these individuals’ journeys—providing guidance, resources, and encouragement along the way. While the program will conclude on June 30, 2026, we have carefully documented the journey from start to finish and look forward to sharing the many powerful success stories that emerged through this initiative.