Mentoring Programs

Services are strength based providing case management and enrichment activities that are geared to enhance and support the assets of each family, and the self-esteem of each child. Collaboration with local organizations and service providers help to create a “web of supportive relationships” and wrap around services for these children, youth and their families. Through mentoring, children and youth have opportunities to develop meaningful relationships, receive support and advocacy.

Our Services

Father Engagement Services (FES)

Strengthening relationships between fathers and their children is the primary focus of our Fatherhood Engagement Program:

  • This program is voluntary

  • Enrollment is offered to Fathers who are residing in Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Stamford

  • Fathers presently incarcerated in any Connecticut State Correctional facility statewide

  • Fathers who are incarcerated must be at least 60 to 180 days from being released to the community and be referred to services by Department of Children and Families

  • Fathers must have children involved with the CT Department of Children and Families (DCF)

  • Pre- and post-release services are provided in six geographical regions of Connecticut

Services Include:

  • A comprehensive fatherhood/reentry needs

    assessment is provided

  • Assistance is provided with reentry and basic

    needs resources like housing, employment, DMV

    forms, transportation, food assistance

  • 1:1 supervision with a case manager

  • Groups utilize the 24/7 Dad evidenced-based

    curriculum

  • Opportunities to participate in special activities

    and events

Youth Mentoring

Our Youth Mentoring Program is dedicated to empowering young people by fostering meaningful, one-on-one relationships with caring, trained volunteer mentors. Designed to support youth in overcoming challenges, building confidence, and achieving their full potential, the program provides a safe and encouraging environment for personal growth.

Mentors act as positive role models, offering guidance in academics, career exploration, life skills, and emotional well-being. Through regular meetings, engaging activities, and consistent support, the program helps youth set goals, develop resilience, and cultivate a sense of purpose.

We serve youth from diverse backgrounds ages 7 to 17, focusing on those who face socioeconomic challenges, have been impacted by the justice system, or are in need of additional support to successfully thrive.

By connecting youth with compassionate mentors, our program creates a lasting impact, fostering stronger communities and a brighter future for the next generation.

Family Supporting Reenty (FSR)

A new DCF initiative, FSR rolled out in 2023 and is funded through a grant from the US Department of Justice. The program serves to link fathers of children in DCF care who are incarcerated in 1 of 4 CT correctional facilities and who are within 6 to 9 months of release. The pre-release phase will include CRJ’s delivery of the 24/7Dad curriculum, along with release planning and coordination with DOC and DCF personnel throughout the state.

Additional services will be provided by partner agencies “Children of Incarcerated Parents”, “Connecting Through Literacy: Incarcerated Parents, Their Children and Caregivers”, and “My People Community Mentoring Services”.

Transitional Mentoring

Since 1998, Transitions Mentoring has provided unique services to youth offenders within the prison system. The Transitions Mentoring Program is a privately funded reentry program available for young boys and men ages 18 to 24 who are serving their sentence at Manson Youth Institute in Cheshire, CT and other Connecticut DOC Facilities and preparing to return to the community successfully. These services include three key components:

  1. Pre-release reentry services provided while in

    the facility

  2. Mentoring programs to support personal

    development

  3. Post-release assistance with basic needs in

    the community

We prepare our clients for prison release and facilitate successful reentry by offering mentoring services like:

  • Life skills

  • Recovery training

  • Counseling

  • Support groups

  • Tutoring

  • Basic needs support services

Previous

Recovery Community Center