COMPASSION IN ACTION! The dynamic team at our Waterbury Community Court (WCC) Program in Waterbury, CT, have created Compassion in Action, a special giving initiative to offer their clients rewarding giving experiences while at the same time, lending support to help others in need in the local community. They are coordinating a community basic needs drive for May and partnering with area nonprofits and businesses to collect then distribute care products, clothing, non-perishable items, gift cards, and monetary donations to Waterbury residents in need and help uplift the community they serve. This Compassion in Action initiative expands opportunities for WCC clients to engage in community giving acts and offers collaboration with community partners to boost support for the entire Waterbury community. Thanks to WCC Supervisor Jimi Blackwell and Community Service Coordinator Quintin Ellison for creating this care project. WCC is a collaborative effort with the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch and local authorities aimed at tackling "quality of life" offenses that adversely affect neighborhood well-being. The primary goal of the community-based program is to provide an alternative to traditional punitive measures like fines or incarceration, while also benefiting the community. Through community service, offenders are encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility and strengthen their ties to the community, which plays a vital role in their rehabilitation process. Our Compassion in Action initiative acknowledges the challenges we all encounter and is dedicated to uniting our nonprofit partners to support the community. Together, we stand in solidarity, ensuring that no one has to face these struggles alone. Project details are in the flyer. If you are interested in donating, reach out to Jimi at jblackwell@csimail.org at our WCC Program. Pictured: Quintin displaying a recent donation of clothing to support their community drive. #community #communitysupport #clothingdrive #BasicNeeds #Waterbury #waterburyct (fb)

🎉 Celebrating Graduations in our California Program! The Barstow site of our California-based San Bernardino County Probation Department's Multidimensional Anti-Recidivism Partnership (M.A.P.) Program—administered by Community Solutions, Inc. (CSI)—has reached a major milestone with the graduation of its inaugural Courage to Change (C2C) cohort! The C2C curriculum enables justice-involved individuals to develop essential life skills, embrace responsible citizenship, and enhance overall community well-being. Participants engage in interactive journaling, exploring their personal journeys while working alongside a dedicated support team to overcome challenges and implement positive behavior change in the pursuit of lasting success. Over the last few weeks, these newly minted graduates have demonstrated resilience and commitment as they built individualized roadmaps for lasting change. These achievements are a testament to their perseverance and the steadfast support of Bridges Reentry, San Bernardino County Probation, and Barstow M.A.P. staff members. A special shout-out goes to Willie C., former M.A.P. client turned C2C facilitator with Bridges Reentry, whose leadership and lived experience have been an inspiration to all. As these individuals take their next steps toward reintegration, we celebrate their growth and the impact of our reentry programs that make a difference. This is just the beginning! San Bernardino County Probation’s M.A.P. Program is pioneering a new approach to rehabilitation and community integration. By forging partnerships between Community Connections Partnership (CCP) agencies, the Re-entry Collaborative, and the Custody to Community Workgroup, M.A.P. aims to empower justice-involved individuals with the skills needed for long-term and social integration. #clientsuccess #transformation #reentry #reentrymatters #dogood #supportnonprofits #SecondChances #CSIImpact #CSICommunity #SBCProbation Pictured: M.A.P. staff members Karl Corbo (extreme left), Alysha Paulino (second from left), and C2C Facilitator Willie C. (extreme right) along with the proud graduates. (fb)