The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport

THE CO-OP Center takes its show on the road: Call to book TO TELL THE TRUTH

CO-OP Center's presentation of "To Tell the Truth" is an opportunity for audiences to confront their own attitudes, opinions, and stereotypes of those who have been arrested, incarcerated, and have returned to the community. The event hopes to provoke thinking, questioning, and understanding of what our correctional system does to and for those incarcerated. It also challenges communities to ask what they can do to create second chances for those people when they return home. Excellent as a Lenten resource to explore themes of justice, compassion, forgiveness, and redemption. Suitable for junior high through adult groups. Please contact Dan Braccio, CO-OP Center Program Director, for more information, 367-8441 x 231.

CO-OP CENTER

"Matt," a local man in his early 20's, became involved in criminal activity at a young age, and dropped out of high school. At CO-OP he earned a GED, took computer courses, and enrolled in college. He did so well in our advanced computer repair classes that he was hired to work on equipment here at The Council.

— Program Director

"Yvette," is a woman in her 40's with a long history of substance abuse and homelessness. She credits her involvement in our program for helping her to maintain sobriety for 2 years. She now has her own apartment and a job at a homeless shelter, where – just 18 months ago – she was a resident.

— Program Case Manager

Men and women making the transition from incarceration back to the community face daunting obstacles. In order to succeed, they need a helping hand.

Established in 1973, CO-OP Center works with ex-offenders and court detainees as they strive to reorient their lives and become productive members of the community. We provide immediate and long-term services to 600 men and women each year. All services are provided free of charge and include:

	assessment and individualized contracted plans to meet client needs
	assistance with obtaining legal identification, essential to obtaining jobs, housing, and entitlements
	assistance with transportation and suitable clothing, also essential to employment
	guidance in the search for training and employment opportunities
	qualified referrals for basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and health care
	a variety of educational opportunities, including high school equivalency diploma (GED) classes and computer training, and financial assistance toward local community college courses

At its June 27 Recognition Event at Golden Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeport, CO-OP Center awarded several clients with Certificates of Recognition for the progress they have made toward full re-entry. Pictured from left to right, Dan Braccio, CO-OP Center's Program Director; Eden McKen; Isma'il Gaunichaux; Randy Braren, Department of Correction's Director of Parole and Community Services; and Jefferson Rodriguez.

CO-OP Center is primarily funded by the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. We also receive donations from individuals, area congregations, and private foundations.

Our staff is made up of a group of experienced case workers who work one-on-one with each of our clients. Their knowledge of community resources and network of professional contacts are invaluable tools to the men and women seeking jobs, affordable housing, and a range of supportive services.

CO-OP Center is also a partner in the Proyecto Nueva Vida project, a Bridgeport collaborative that serves Latinos with a history of incarceration, substance abuse, and who are at risk of HIV/AIDS.

We could not serve the number of clients or provide the range of services to them without the assistance of our volunteers. Because of them, we are able to offer our clients 75 class hours of pre-GED preparation and 100 class hours of computer instruction annually. This enhances their employment options both in the short-term and the long-term. It also helps to build self confidence in men and women facing the challenge of starting a new life.

The generosity of volunteers and donors is the reason we are able to operate our Computer Technology Learning Center (TLC). Clients can choose from a variety of introductory courses ranging from introduction to computers for beginners with little or no prior experience, to introductory courses in Microsoft applications, e.g. WORD, EXCEL, for students with typing and basic computer skills.

For more information on our CO-OP Center or TLC courses, please contact Dan Braccio at danbraccio@ccgb.org.

CCGB SUCCESS STORY OF THE MONTH

INTERVIEW: Eugene Chesney

Date: 4/28/08

Mr. Chesney entered Isaiah 61:1�s halfway house in September 2007. He successfully completed the program in April 2008. He currently works part time at Greater Bridgeport Mental Health as a peer support specialist/mentor (PUSH Program) and a full time position at Frank Roth Incorporated as a shipping and receiving clerk. In May, Eugene will be promoted to supervisor of all peer mentors in the PUSH program. Eugene has recently received a pay increase at Frank Roth Incorporated effective immediately. He is also attending Housatonic Community College and working toward an Associates degree in Human Services.

1. What expectations/goals did you have when you arrived at ISAIAH 61:1, Inc.?

My main goal was to find a job and hopefully get in position to attend a community college. I felt that being in a halfway house would allow me the opportunity to save enough money to buy a car to help me to get back and forth from work to school once I left the halfway house.

2. In your opinion, how difficult/easy was it to achieve your goals?

I actually feel that all I accomplished came relatively easy. Especially considering the barriers that were in place, like a past drug addiction and a felony record. I do understand I was exposed to excellent resources.

3. What was helpful to you to achieve these goals?

Although everything happening came quickly (good things), I feel working with people who really believed in me gave me the patience and the focus to see my plans through. It was often I wanted immediate gratification, but had people in place to keep me grounded, such as Paula Britt (CO-OP Center) and Mario Sarro (Family ReEntry).

4. Now that you are almost completed with Isaiah 61:1, Inc., where do you see yourself in the next year/2 years?

I actually see myself working for the State of Connecticut. My field of choice is human services. I know my purpose is to help others overcome the same and similar barriers that once hindered me.

5. Any advice for others?

Having a plan and sticking to it despite the detours I had to take was very key. Thank God I was expecting them.

�I have known Eugene Chesney since July 12, 2007 to the present time. Eugene was faced with great obstacles including identity theft, employment, and personal growth. Despite many challenges, Eugene developed into a capable, dedicated, and personable man who has learned from his mistakes and is well on his way to self-sufficiency. I am delighted he has become a peer mentor through the PUSH Program and is now able to give back as well as share with others his journey. I am also very pleased with all of his accomplishments and wish him a happy and prosperous future. �

Paula I. Britt, Case Worker

CO-OP Center

While in our program, Mr. Chesney showed a high level of determination to accomplish his goals, and to make some vital changes in his life. He worked a full-time job, interned at Bridgeport Mental Health, and is presently a student at Housatonic Community College. Mr. Chesney successfully graduated from the Isaiah 61:1, Inc. program, and he is now maintaining a productive lifestyle within our community.

Jason Rodriguez, Counselor

Isaiah 61:1, Inc.

Staff:


Dan Braccio	Program Director
Judy Aldahondo
Paula Britt
Jamilla Foster-Bey
Nasif Muhammad
Ana Cotto	Administrative Assistant