Community Partners in Action is a non-profit agency building community by providing services that promote accountability, dignity and restoration for people affected by the criminal justice system. Closely aligned and, in fact directly involved with the CT Reentry Collaborative, CPA operates two Reentry Welcome Centers (RWC), one in Hartford and the other in Waterbury, which serve as centralized hubs for people who are formerly incarcerated. CPA works with a large network of community partners who specialize in particular service areas to ensure that the needs of people with a criminal history are met in a timely fashion to improve their likelihood of successful reintegration.

On the front lines, CPA supports the transition from life in the system to life in the community. CPA offers essential services customized to each individual’s unique needs. These include case management, transitional housing, reentry support, workforce development and coaching, as well as partnerships with behavioral, mental health and addiction services.

Although not generally engaged directly with employers, CPA’s “wraparound services” address worker needs far beyond employment. This often unseen “behind the scenes” assistance is very often the key support that leads to justice-involved individuals’ success in obtaining and retaining employment. The stability and competency of many Second Chance Hires reflects CPA’s decades of experience bringing together and administering a wide array of support services, adapted to individual needs.

Community Partners in Action is yet one more of the many building blocks that should give prospective employers confidence when engaging in a Second Chance Hiring program.