START YOUR JOURNEY HERE
The OPP path to success is through Personal Development, Academic Achievement, and Workforce Readiness.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Youth are paired with a Youth Development Specialist (YDS). Together, they identify their goals and create an individualized success plan.
Academic Achievement
Offering students support in their educational journey through student-centered, project-based learning and post-secondary opportunities.
Workforce Readiness
Youth learn how to get and keep a job through service-learning projects, internships, and job placement.
SUPPORT OPP
Help us continue our mission of empowering youth to succeed
OPP serves over 1,000 young people in the Greater Hartford, CT area giving them the opportunity to discover the great futures they deserve!
Make a life changing gift today!
Over the past few years, I’ve learned a lot at OPP. I learned the value of time and how to be punctual. I’ve learned a lot about myself and that I’m a hands on learner. Doing lawn care and snow removal with the Youth Service Corps, I learned how to use a snow blower and how to operate different equipment. Now, because I learned that skill, I help out at home. It’s given me confidence. I know that I am reliable and hardworking. I take pride in my job and honestly, it’s fun. I love working with OPP. I tell all of my friends about OPP. It’s the best place to be!
OUR IMPACT
In One Year...
OPP ON INSTAGRAM
Tyler is a motivated 24-year-old who is planning for his future. During Tyler’s five years in a correctional facility, focusing on his four children helped him set goals for his life after release. Since Tyler returned home last year, his biggest struggle has been being around crowds of people. He is still adjusting to big social situations after years of only being around a cellmate or small groups during work and meal times. Tyler notes, “Being incarcerated is not like what you see on TV. The amount of stealing was surprising.”
Over the past few months, Tyler has held a part-time job at Walgreens and consistently participated in OPP programming. Tyler is grateful for all he has learned in Career Competency Development Training (CCDT) and Financial Literacy workshops. Now, he is on a path to support himself and his children. “Before I was incarcerated, I was in school for one semester. I want to go back and earn my degree in Business Administration. My goal is to open a clothing and sneaker store,” says Tyler.
Tyler advises youth who are currently or formerly incarcerated: "Stay focused and change your surroundings. OPP is a great way to change your life.”
#SecondChanceMonth
#justiceinvolvedyouth
OPP was pleased to participate in today`s Digital DividEND press conference with Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam @arunanarul and Hartford HealthCare @hartford_healthcare President Bimal Patel.
OPP`s Interim COO Chanda Robinson spoke about the partnership`s impact on the community.
"Today, we are thrilled to announce that, in addition to the 130 computers already distributed, we have an extra 150 devices ready for allocation. Our Piece of the Pie remains steadfast in our belief that technological access and literacy are critical for empowering Hartford residents economically. Through this initiative, we aim to equip individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital age. Special thanks to OPP staff members Kim Beale and Chanel Wright for their work on curriculum development and computer refurbishment, Sam DeCarlo, OPP`s Director of Workforce Development, for his leadership, and William Morin from Hartford Healthcare`s Information Technology Services Department for serving as a technology liaison."
To apply for a refurbished computer, you must be a Hartford resident either age 55 & older or a first generation college student. Visit the Linktree in our bio to apply today!
Thank you to The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut @chamberect for your support of our Eastern programs! OPP Eastern Youth Development Specialist Jessica Garcia accepted the grant at the Chamber`s ceremony today. This grant will support outings to cultural, social, historical, and educational sites and team-building activities for our youth.
Last week OPP hosted the first Youth Leadership Council meeting! We are proud to have staff, youth, and alumni representation from each of our program areas. The council looks forward to generating positive impact on OPP and the community.
2024-2025 OPP Youth Leadership Council
Youth: Elijah H., Ty`Jon H., Shammia M., Jaiden B., Jalicia T., Ahryana W., Ebony B., Shian E., and Celines R.
Alumni: Shantal M., Elijah T., and Leon C.
Staff: Markella Martial, Deion Kelly, Tiffany West, Kamille Cockings, Brandice Neal, Jason Frietas, Roberto Sanchez, Jordan Wynn, Shannel Edwin, and Felipe Sanches
It`s been a busy week for OPP`s Hartford Youth Service Corps (HYSC)! Youth canvassed on Hillside Ave with traffic safety information and registered to vote at an NRZ meeting.
OPP is a proud partner of @dignitygrows! This organization distributes totes filled with hygiene products and period necessities to partners throughout the community.
"Being able to address that basic need and provide them with equitable access is crucial to allowing them to empower themselves and feel confident whenever they go into those academic or employment spaces.” - Tajah Ryder, OPP Youth Development Specialist.
Thank you Tajah for collaborating with the Dignity Grows team to provide these essential products to our youth!
Visit the Linktree in our bio to watch the @nbcconnecticut segment on Dignity Grows.
We are excited to share our accomplishments. Click the Linktree in our bio to view our Annual Report!
April is Second Chance Month. The National Reentry Resource Center marks this month as a time to "build meaningful second chances for our returning community members." OPP recognizes the need to provide well-rounded support to formerly incarcerated youth. Stay tuned to hear stories from OPP youth receiving support as they reintegrate into their community.
Visit the Linktree in our bio to learn more about Second Chance Month and view Dalio Education and @bcg report Connecticut`s Unspoken Crisis.
Our Piece of the Pie staff joined the Mayor for the Pulse of the Region Breakfast to hear his vision for Hartford. #opp #hartfordhasit
THANK YOU to every youth, employer, and bank that participated in OPP’s Annual Career and Bank Fair today! 50+ youth had the opportunity to open bank accounts, learn about job openings, and form professional connections. A special thank you to our Workforce Development and Financial Capabilities staff for planning this event.
OPP’s Career and Bank Fair is in full swing! Thank you to @libertybankct for your $10,000 grant to our Financial Capabilities program. Join the fair from now until 5 pm today to connect with local banks and employers!
Our Career and Bank Fair starts @ Arroyo Center at Pope Park in 2 HOURS!
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Business Casual Clothing Drive. This week our youth and staff sorted through the clothing and had a quick tie workshop. While our clothing drive is over, Betty’s Closet is always open! You can drop off your gently used or new clothing year round to support our youth.
