BRIDGEPORT, CT—The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) has received a $2,500 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation. The funds will be used to provide crisis and supportive services to children and youth who are victims of domestic and sexual violence in the Greater Bridgeport area through the Camp HOPE America – Bridgeport and Pathways to HOPE programs.

The funds will help CFJ address a significant increase in demand for its free, confidential services, which spiked by 32 percent since the Covid-19 pandemic first impacted the region in March 2020.

Camp HOPE America is one of the first evidenced-based camping programs in the United States to focus on children and teens impacted by domestic and sexual violence. It is also a year-round support service program. Its mission is to give youth a brighter future by creating pathways to hope and healing. What makes Camp HOPE America special is the trauma-informed lens from which the program was developed.

In the summer of 2017, Camp HOPE America – Bridgeport was launched by The Center for Family Justice as a summer camp experience, and the program expanded in 2021 to a year-long engagement and mentoring program called Pathways to HOPE. Our primary goal is to mitigate the impact of trauma on children with high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores through holistic and meaningful year-round programming and mentorship.

Debra Greenwood, President and CEO of The Center for Family Justice said, “We are so grateful and appreciative of this gift that supports our Camp HOPE kids and Pathways to HOPE programs. Investing in our kids is investing in our future. These youth will have the opportunity to receive ongoing support and services after they’ve been through an incredibly traumatic time having experienced domestic or sexual violence and abuse. Thank you for letting our kids know that hope starts here.”

Faith Fennelly, Director of Philanthropy at Newman’s Own Foundation said of the gift, “Paul Newman’s dream of changing the lives of those less fortunate can only be fulfilled through the dedication of committed organizations like The Center for Family Justice. Since 1982, all profits from the sale of Newman’s Own products, now totaling more than $560 million, have been contributed to thousands of nonprofit organizations worldwide, helping to make the world a better place.”

Sasha Collins, Pathways to HOPE Coordinator and Clinician, said “this critical funding provides youth with safe, supportive, and inclusive opportunities that promote hope, healing, and growth. Outcomes show they are more likely to experience academic achievement, attendance, athletic achievement, goal attainment, leadership, tolerance, kindness, and pro-social behaviors.”

For more information about The Center for Family Justice, please visit www.centerforfamilyjustice.org

About Newman’s Own Foundation

Newman’s Own Foundation is a private foundation formed by Paul Newman to sustain the legacy of his philanthropic work. Funded entirely through the profits and royalties of Newman’s Own products, the Foundation does not maintain an endowment, raise funds, or accept donations. The Foundation believes that each of us, through the power of philanthropy, has the potential to make a difference. Since 1982, when Paul Newman first declared, “Let’s give it all away,” more than $575 million has been donated to thousands of nonprofit organizations helping people in need around the world.

About The Center for Family Justice

Last year, CFJ provided crisis and supportive services to more than 4,500 residents of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence and child abuse. As a Family Justice Center, CFJ works to provide its clients with all the comprehensive services they need in one safe place. Those free, confidential services include safe shelter, 24/7 crisis hotlines, counseling, support groups, Pro Bono Legal Services and psychotherapy for children impacted by the trauma of abuse. CFJ also operates the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp HOPE America-Bridgeport, a trauma-informed camp and year-long engagement program for youth ages 7-17 who have experienced abuse of a domestic or sexual nature.