2024-2025 Second Quarter Report

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Dear friends,

This has been a transformational quarter — and year — for LifeBridge. We were recently awarded two significant grants totaling $1.2 million from the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the U.S. Department of Justice. This funding will support our efforts to partner with local schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement officials, and the public to prevent violence and improve school climate. The stakes could not be higher.

Children exposed to violence, uncertainty, or threats to their safety face increased risks of academic struggles, substance abuse, aggression, difficulty forming healthy relationships, mental health challenges, and even criminal behavior in adulthood. With community violence now officially recognized as a mental health crisis in Bridgeport, the urgency to act is undeniable.

This year, we aim to scale our efforts to directly address the effects of trauma. We are grateful for the opportunity to extend our support to the community. Our work is vital, and it requires collective effort. Whether through a personal donation, partnership, event sponsorship, or simply support and encouragement for our team, your involvement matters. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Warm wishes for a happy and peaceful holiday season and new year,

Edith

Grant funding for additional support for Bassick, Central, and Warren Harding High Schools in Bridgeport

Youth interventions can prevent future violence and stabilize CT neighborhoods - Op-ed by Edith Boyle and Marc Donald, President & CEO, CatalystCT

Meet Kevin Payne our new Director of Social and Emotional Learning! Pictured with Tia Reid, Sr. Director of Behavioral Health Services

The Bridgeport Regional Business Council honored Edith Boyle with the Susan L. Davis Leadership Award for her demonstrated leadership and impact on improving the health and welfare of our region and it's residents.

This past year, we have expanded access to our behavioral health services, supported more youth and families, and reimagined our policies and procedures through a trauma-informed lens. We’ve made a significant impact, but it is also a call to action — our community needs us now more than ever. Recent data reveal the stark reality: 53% of the youth we served last year experienced six or more traumatic events, such as witnessing violence, experiencing abuse, having enough food to eat or separation from a primary caregiver.

The mental health toll of these experiences is profound and long-lasting, and our team helps these children and their families cope with the aftermath. Our work is important. These efforts require significant resources, and your support is vital to sustain and expand our work. By donating, you join us in disrupting the cycle of trauma and empowering our community to heal and thrive. Your gift today will directly impact lives and help create lasting change.

Hosting an event? Let us know! We'll be there to reach more neighbors about our services.

Chief Porter’s Community Task Force in Action! Bridgeport Police Department

Thank you! We're grateful for the continued support of the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund/Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Bassick High School training for staff on the Community Resilience Model (CRM).

Thank you! YNHH's Northeast Medical Group provided gifts for our clients in need this holiday season.

Thank you! Berlinetta Brewing and Gees Records also hosted their annual toy drive for our clients.

Join us on January 7.

Join our monthly virtual TI-CoP calls and/or watch prior sess! Learn More

Our team sends love and light to all from our annual holiday gathering. Interested in joining us? Current career opportunities.