For the last 40 years, we’ve made it our goal to be a steadfast resource to the greater Connecticut community — and with you, we’re excited for 40 more.

Our Story

Family Reentry (FRE) began in 1984 as a reentry support group for men at the Isaiah House in Bridgeport, Connecticut and has since grown to include intervention, reentry, and family and children’s programs. Over the past forty years, effective community- based programs developed by FRE have significantly reduced the likelihood that clients will re-offend, be re-arrested, or be re-incarcerated. Our programs comprise three integrated sectors: Prevention, Intervention, and Reentry, providing a spectrum of services designed to help break the cycle of incarceration.

In August of 2020, CRJ announced the acquisition of Family Reentry. Since the merger, Family Reentry has been able to expand its service model to include behavioral health, opening two clinics in New Haven and London. FRE is expanding its support services with the grand opening of its Recovery Community Center in September 2024.

FRE addresses the specific needs of each client and their families through individualized case management and support services. It works to create a positive social network for each client, towards helping to make their transition from prison back into the community a successful one and helping them towards a road of self-sufficiency, while strengthening their families and the community.

FRE’s programs include Domestic Violence Treatment and Education, Community Reentry, Mentoring Programs, Behavioral Health, and Intensive Outpatient Programs. Family Reentry’s programs operate in strategic locations that encompass eight municipal regions and judicial geographic areas, two parole districts and five prisons. Approximately, sixty percent of those we serve are from greater Bridgeport – Connecticut’s largest city. Office locations include Bridgeport, Norwalk, New London, and New Haven. Programs are also located in Waterbury and Norwich.

Our Family

  • Diane Brackett

    Executive Assistant

  • Kristina Carlson (LPC)

    Program Director - New London Behavioral Health

  • Christine Hall Day

    Co-Director - Domestic Violence Programs

  • John Filip (LCSW)

    Program Director - Dana’s House

  • Holly Fitting (LMHC, LCDP)

    Vice President - Family Reentry & Behavioral Health

  • Michelle Harter (LCDP, CPRS, RCP, PCPF, CCHW)

    Program Director - FRE Recovery Community Center

  • Fred Hodges

    Director - Enterprise House and Community Relations

  • Da'ee McKnight (MeD)

    Program Manager - Fatherhood Engagement

  • Heather Noreiga

    Program Director - Youth Mentoring, IPV-FAIR

  • Leniz Orozco (LMSW)

    Program Director - New Haven Behavioral Health

  • Carmen Ortiz (MSW)

    Program Manager - RISE

  • Ginger Wilk (MA)

    Senior Director - Reentry Services