Community Connections
FRE Newsletter


Issue 4
August 2026



PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

3rd ANNUAL PICNIC IN THE PARK

On Saturday, August 22nd, hundreds of community members from the Greater Bridgeport, CT area joined the Recovery Community Center at Seaside Park for the 3rd Annual Picnic in the Park. The event included local vendors, community resources, live music from local performers, and a variety of food.

This incredible outcome was possible with support from event sponsors, local organizations, guest speakers, staff and volunteers who assist individuals struggling with mental health, substance use, homelessness, or reentry within our community.

Congratulations to the Recovery Community Center team and volunteers for making this event possible.

New Haven Behavioral Health & Domestic Violence Teams Complete Narcan Training

Last month, our New Haven Behavioral Health and Domestic Violence teams sought to reduce uncertainty and fear during an emergency by learning overdose response steps to increase confidence and preparedness.

Through this training, staff gained valuable life skills, increasing their confidence in how to respond to an overdose emergency.

Domestic Violence Psycho Educational Out-Patient Available NOW

The New London, CT office was recently renovated to accommodate our expanding client base. Staff can now provide Domestic Violence Psycho-Educational Out-Patient treatment. Appointments available by referral.

STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS

Sara Emir, Case Manager, and Billie Lemon, volunteer and group co-facilitator for the Hartford RISE program, recently completed a 17-week course on Trauma-Informed Mentorship & Leadership with Hartford Healthcare’s Institute of Living and Full Citizens Coalition, a Connecticut-based organization focused on repairing harms caused by felony disenfranchisement.

This course included training and mentorship on trauma-informed leadership, healthcare navigation for system-impacted community leaders, and sixteen hours of intensive restorative justice education.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT

As an award-winning social worker and recipient of the Greater Bridgeport Leadership and Career Resources Professional of the Year Award, Carolann has extensive experience in program management, regional oversight, and serving vulnerable populations.

She holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and has built a strong track record of developing impactful programs, supporting justice-involved youth, and fostering strategic community partnerships. Most recently, she served as Program Director at Career Resources, Inc., where she led initiatives focused on workforce readiness, student support, and community engagement.

A longtime Stratford resident, Carolann is passionate about advancing trauma-informed care, expanding access to safety and support services, and strengthening collaborations that help individuals and families thrive.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Women's Empowerment Event

Community Day with Recovery Network of Programs

Connecticut Center For Recovery Training (CCAR) Annual Recovery Walk