Since it became the state’s first Family Justice Center in 2015, CFJ has been committed to providing its clients impacted by the trauma of domestic and sexual violence the many services they need in one safe place. To achieve its goals, CFJ works closely with a network of community partners to support, protect and assist its clients as they work to rebuild their lives and access justice.
The following are partners who have entered into formal agreements with CFJ to help us provide these services at our Bridgeport headquarters as well as at some off-site locations.
Please note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic some of our partners may have modified the way they provide services to our clients.
Community Partners
Bridgeport Education Fund
Bridgeport Education Fund’s goal is to increase the community’s involvement in and support for the Bridgeport public schools; strength communication between education, civic and business constituencies; deepen awareness of excellence in the Bridgeport schools; and develop programs and opportunities to enrich and improve public education in Bridgeport.
Bridgeport Rescue Mission
Bridgeport Rescue Mission (BRM) provides food, shelter, clothing, education, job training, and counseling to those in need. BRM also provides a faith-based residential program to address the complex needs of individuals with life-dominating issues related to substance abuse. The curriculum includes counseling, case management, work therapy and classroom education with a focus on three key areas of life transformation. CFJ facilitates an on-site weekly trauma-informed sexual assault group for survivors.
Building Neighborhoods Together
Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT) helps to connect our clients with housing resources in our community as well as provides one-on-one rental counseling and case management as needed. BNT also provides housing and rental workshops on-site as part of our Empowerment/Self-Sufficiency services.
Caroline House
Caroline House’s mission is to enable women and children to reach the fullness of their potential through education in English language and life skills. Caroline House breaks down the barriers of social and physical isolation that have kept low-income immigrant women from building better lives. Although students come from different countries and backgrounds, they share similar challenges and life circumstances. Women from a supportive community which enriches their learning experience builds confidence.
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA (CCCY) is an inclusive organization open to all. CCCY believes that in a diverse world we are stronger when we are inclusive, when our doors are open to all, and when everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. CCCY is a core partner of our Camp HOPE America – Bridgeport summer overnight camping program located at Camp Hi-Rock in Mount Washington, Massachusetts.
CHAMP Inc. (Community Hands in Action Mentoring Program)
CHAMP provides gender specific empowerment groups for at-risk youth in our community. Groups are designed for boys and girls ages 7-17. CHAMP mentors create a positive space for youth to discuss current events, hear from inspirational community leaders and talk about the issues impacting youth in our community today. CHAMP groups meet on the first (girls) and third (boys) Saturdays of the month.
Connecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants
The Connecticut Institute for Refugees & Immigrants (CIRI) assists refugees and immigrants to resolve legal, economic, linguistic, and social barriers through comprehensive legal and social services. CIRI also provides services and assistance to victims of domestic and international human trafficking. Formerly known as International Institute of Connecticut.
Her Time
Her Time is the sister organization to Hang Time which has serviced the Bridgeport community for 3 years. The goal of this program is to provide women in the community a space to “unwind, uplift and inspire.” Women learn about resources, community projects and discuss issues impacting women in our community. Child activities are provided during group sessions. Her Time meets on the first Thursday of every month
Homes for the Brave
Homes of the Brave provides support, housing, and case management for military veterans. CFJ and Homes for the Brave collaborate on referrals between both agencies for clients who are veterans and have been impacted by domestic violence and/or sexual violence.
Jewish Senior Services/Center for Elder Abuse Prevention
Jewish Senior Services is a leader and trusted provider of skilled nursing and senior care services. Through the years, the needs of seniors and the community have changed and JSS responded by introducing community programs with “Jewish Senior Services: as the umbrella of their services. The Center for Elder Abuse Prevention opened in 2007 to empower victims through safe haven and services, and champion safer communities for older adults. The Center is the first of its kind to serve frail elderly in Connecticut, and only the second in the nation.
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Junior Achievement’s programs focus on the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.
Law Enforcement
Four out of our six police departments have a representative assigned to provide on-site information and assistance for victims of family/domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse. All police departments have a point of contact to work with our clients. For emergencies, the police department where the incident occurred will be notified.
Fairfield Police Department, Det. Kerry Dalling, was honored as CFJ’s Partner with Purpose award recipient in 2021.
LifeBridge Community Services
LifeBridge provides economic empowerment specialists to assist clients with on-site training and support as part of our Empowerment/Self-Sufficiency services. Off-site referrals can also be made to request clinical and behavioral health services for adult victims of domestic and sexual violence at Life Bridge’s main office location. LifeBridge also works with Bridgeport’s youth and their families to help them build resilience. Their youth program focuses on academic enrichment, mentoring, experiential learning opportunities, leadership/team building, and mental health.
nOURish Bridgeport, Inc.
This nonprofit operates two-Bridgeport based food pantries focused on providing fresh, healthy food to residents experiencing food insecurity. Founded by the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport, nOURish launched the Food for Family Justice Program, which allows CFJ’s clients to access its food pantries safely and discreetly on a designated day each week.
In 202o nOURish was honored as CFJ’s Partner with a Purpose recipient.
Optimus Health Care Center
Optimus Health Care Center provides comprehensive health care services and programs for individuals and families Bridgeport, Stamford, and Stratford. Their mission is to serve as the patient-centered medical home for our communities to achieve and maintain a positive state of wellness, particularly for the uninsured and underserved.
State’s Attorney/Prosecutors
Based on court schedules, prosecutors provide assistance for victims who have a pending criminal case in the Bridgeport’s Domestic Violence Docket. State Attorney’s partners are also available to answer general questions about the prosecutorial response to family/domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Legal advice cannot be given.
Supportive Housing Works
Supportive Housing Works’ (SHW) mission is to end homelessness in Fairfield County by advancing a collective impact approach through dedicated staff, committed partners, and effective leadership. SHW implements cost effective system changes and align community resources so that no one is without a place to live for more than 30 days.
Theatre Arts & Opportunities
Theatre Arts & Opportunities (TAO) is founded on the knowledge that arts have the power to change lives. TAO is fully invested in the creation of theatre programs where they would otherwise not exist. Emphasis is placed on the discipline of play writing and performing through which both artistic and life skills are learned, while a sense of community and purpose is developed.
Universities & Colleges
Fairfield University, Housatonic Community College, Sacred Heart University, and University of Bridgeport collaborate with CFJ to engage victims and survivors on campus through our campus advocacy program and work to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on campus through a coordinated campus and community response.
Victim Rights Center of Connecticut
Victim Rights Center of Connecticut (VRCCT) provides on-site legal services to crime victims of sexual assault and crime victims that identify within the LGBTQ+ community. VRCCT acts as independent legal counsel sworn to protect the legal rights and best interests of the victim through a broad-based approach grounded in litigation, creative problem-solving, and extensive knowledge of the judicial system. VRCCT is a program of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
VRCCT was honored as CFJ’s Partner with Purpose award recipient in 2019.
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club
Wakeman Boys & Girls Clubs mission is to guide young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsibility citizens. Wakeman is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that help young people on the path to great futures.
The Workplace
The Workplace provides economic empowerment and job readiness/ employment services including Dress for Success. The Workplace’s Career Coach is available on-site for clients as needed.
