Catalyst CT
Established in 1985, Catalyst CT is the only nonprofit provider in Connecticut that combines direct service, community capacity-building, public policy, and advocacy under one roof. Formerly known as RYASAP, our new name carries with it an even deeper commitment to serving as a catalyst for positive change in Connecticut. We are poised for an exciting new chapter of innovation and impact around the common values of improving lives, building healthier communities, and fostering a better future. As a catalyst, we precipitate social change. The lasting impact we make on people’s lives radiates out to those in need, those at risk, and the community as a whole. As a trusted partner, we work with individuals to tackle the toughest issues and solve the problems together. From gun violence to mental and behavioral health, from addiction to restorative practices, our expertise builds on the strengths of the communities we serve. Integrated programs build hope, resilience, and opportunity to create an exponential effect of positive change. Restorative Justice is a process of approaching conflict by focusing on repairing harm that was done rather than using punishment. It brings affected parties together to talk about what occurred and how to move forward. Our Restorative Justice work is done in a variety of settings, including the area public schools, juvenile review boards, youth diversion teams, and the juvenile court system. To tackle the toughest issues, a multifaceted approach is required. This past year, we united our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Community Schools, Mediation Program, Youth Diversion Team (YDT), Park City Career Pathways (PCCP), and Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) programs to deliver services and empower young people and their families to invest and take ownership of their lives—even in the most difficult of situations. Having these five programs under the umbrella of Restorative Justice strengthens coordination between program approaches, supports, and services. Through this innovative approach, staff can more effectively collaborate, providing clients with the most relevant and impactful services to tackle the challenges they face.
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Toy Bird Positive Impact Funding
Toy Bird Positive Impact Funding serves anyone who could use some help and support as they build a business or non-profit with a positive social impact. We hold workshops that have healing and restorative justice as core principles for people of color, women, women of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ communities, neurodivergent, and disabled individuals. Our restorative justice workshops focus on financial trauma recovery, long-term financial planning and transformational leadership training. We put our well-being first and push each other to problem solve in unity rather than in isolation. Our hope is that community leaders and visionaries of marginalized communities can heal emotionally from current and historic exclusionary practices for long-term holistic success in business and non-profit management. Our presence in these workshops as facilitators, peer mentors, friends and family members fill in gaps in understanding and building a multifaceted space for knowledge sharing, growth, radical healing, and radical transformation.