The WORK of bridgeport prospers

Bridgeport Prospers, an initiative of United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, works to improve outcomes for kids and families, from cradle to career.

 

EARLY CHILDHOOD initiatives

Our goal is to ensure that children are happy, healthy, and developmentally ready for preschool at three years of age.

That means starting early — from birth — since 80% of a child’s brain growth happens by age three. This period of rapid growth lays the foundation for all future learning, behavior and health.

Our child development work includes several initiatives to:

  • Support the health of pregnant people, new moms, and infants

  • Promote nurturing relationships between caregiver and child

  • Provide tools to promote early language and literacy development

  • Ensure Kindergarten readiness

Contact Jayson-Ann to inquire about partnership opportunities at: jaysonann.johnson@unitedwaycwc.org.

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CAREER pathways & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

The Greater Bridgeport STEM Learning Ecosystem was established in 2017 to improve outcomes in middle grade math, high school graduation, college enrollment and graduation, and career readiness.

We joined forces with a vibrant group of innovators comprised of educators, business and civic leaders, as well as faith-based groups, nonprofits, and youth serving entities who collaborate with a goal of preparing Bridgeport students to become career-ready leaders.

Initiatives include:

  • Esports teams to develop communication & problem-solving skills

  • Enrichment programs in robotics, coding and computer science

  • College tours, financial aid events, scholarship & internship access

Community Resilience

Our Community Resilience initiative raises awareness of the impact of trauma on health and life outcomes in order to address and prevent it.

We offer tools for building resilience, and work to prevent trauma by increasing the prevalence of positive childhood experiences.

This includes several state-wide and local efforts:

  • Lead a state-wide task force (CSTAR) focused on trauma-informed education, policy, and advocacy

  • Elevate mental and relational health supports for residents

  • Build protective factors for children and families

  • Convene multi-sector partners with the State of Connecticut

Contact Katerina to collaborate: katerina.vlahos@unitedwaycwc.org.

We strive to build authentic partnerships with civic, community, and organizational leaders aligned to advance equitable change and promote the wellbeing of Bridgeport's children, youth, and families.

Our Bridgeport Prospers team is committed to advancing racial equity and addressing the root causes of systemic and institutionalized racism. We use a collective impact model - no one organization or program alone can address the needs and aspirations of our community. We support and advance the needs and health of our community partner organizations. We believe in the power, promise, and value of the community’s lived experiences in making data-informed decisions.

“When we are willing to work not with community but in community, that is when transformation is possible.”

— Stacey Abrams