Dalio Education, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the City of Hartford are making a major investment in youth organizations that do the important work of guiding "opportunity youth" to life-changing services and employment, while de-escalating conflicts.
The announcement defines "opportunity youth" as "individuals 16-24 who are currently disengaged from school or work."
COMPASS Youth Collaborative, Our Piece of the Pie and Roca will receive a combined $9.85 million through the end of 2022.
COMPASS CEO Jacquelyn Santiago says the funding will allow her organization to add "peacebuilders," who are "going out into the communities that are most impacted by violence, looking to build relationships with these kids, get them onto our case load so we can provide them with counseling and some direction... and give them opportunities to connect back to school and employment."
Mayor Luke Bronin says Our Piece of the Pie will expand the city's Youth Service Corps to serve 100 more young people, in addition to the 250 it already serves. Roca, currently serving Massachusetts and Maryland, will be able to start work in Hartford helping young mothers who are victims of abuse.