This year, summertime will take on an extra special meaning for Michael Morris. Last year Michael was battling opioid addiction while attending sessions conducted by the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at the Community Renewal Team (CRT) in Hartford. Michael’s personal commitment and his willingness to confront his addiction head-on as he began the path to recovery would be different this time. It was a close call, however.
Michael, age 65, entered into the program in May of 2019, but was privately still using drugs and not ready to disclose this fact to the people who were trying to help him. While beginning Suboxone treatment to address his opioid addiction, he had a severe reaction to the medication. He became very sick and experienced withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, the team at CRT recognized what was happening and were able to get Michael to the hospital in time to save his life. Michael spent four days in a local hospital, and thankfully he was able to make a full recovery.
He has been taking Suboxone for more than one year now (since May 29, 2019), and he is clean and sober.
Michael will be the first to admit that in the past he may have undermined his own recovery efforts. For instance, he might stop using drugs, but he would keep drinking alcohol. Now, he says that he has no plan to go back to using drugs or alcohol and lives a life of recovery.
“I realized this dope is killing me,” Michael said. “But I have not had any urges since May 29 of last year – no alcohol, wine or whiskey, nothing. I’ve been clean before, but I was still drinking, but now I have total sobriety.”
Michael grew up in Hartford, and he admits that he started using drugs at an early age. He was only 13 years old when the drug use began. As he said, “It was part of the thing to do growing up.”
Because of that drug use, he was in and out of prison for most of his life. He actually met his wife June when he was a teenager; and he was officially the second person in the state of Connecticut to be married while in prison. They were married back in 1977 and he is still married to June to this day.
Over the years they had seven children. One son was shot and killed during an attempted robbery back in 2005.
Today Michael lives in Bloomfield, and in addition to his wife and grown children, he has 23 grandchildren, and he is extremely proud of each and every one of them. His oldest granddaughter is 21 and she is training in the Air Force. Another granddaughter is currently a sophomore at Virginia State College.
Michael continues to work with CRT every week for counseling and to continue his treatment with the MAT program.
“When I first started, I felt I was forced to do it,” Michael said. “But once I was in the group, and realized where my life was at, I realized I was tired of the life I was living, tired of being high. Being in the meetings, and seeing people’s lives change made a real difference. The program with CRT saved my life.”
Michael is well known on the streets of Hartford, and recently he has been volunteering time with a local community organization passing out food to people in need and talking to people he meets, making sure they are safe.
“Being engaged helping people helps me, too,” Michael said. “I talk to a lot of guys, talk to them about going into a program.”
His advice today?
“Get around someone living the life you want to live,” he said. “They have advice to give, and are willing to give it. Talking to people helps me – I don’t want to let them down – it really motivates me to do more!”
Michael is extremely proud of the changes he has been able to make in his own life. Now he’s ready to give back to others who need that help, too.
CRT Renaming Women’s Empowerment Center in Honor of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
NewsFollowing the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) announced that to memorialize Ginsburg’s lifetime of service to our nation, and her fierce commitment to protecting the rights of women throughout her legal and judicial career, it is officially renaming its Women’s Empowerment Center in Hartford in her honor.
The Center, which serves the needs of women throughout Central Connecticut, will be renamed the “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Women’s Empowerment Center.” Get more details in this report from Ann Nyberg at WTNH News 8.
To Honor Her Legacy and Lifetime Commitment to Women, CRT to Rename Women’s Empowerment Center for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Press ReleaseHartford – This week, as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lies in repose at the Supreme Court and then at the United States Capitol, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) announced today that to memorialize Ginsburg’s lifetime of service to our nation, and her fierce commitment to protecting the rights of women throughout her legal and judicial career, it is officially renaming its Women’s Empowerment Center in Hartford in her honor.
The Center, which serves the needs of women throughout Central Connecticut, will be renamed the “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Women’s Empowerment Center.”
“The passing of Justice Ginsburg came as a shock to all of us this past weekend. We know that her lifetime of work has created lasting and critical changes to the law that benefit women nationwide, and we can think of no better way to honor her legacy than to ensure that her memory lives on in the work of CRT’s Women’s Empowerment Center in Hartford,” said CRT’s President and CEO Lena Rodriguez.
“We are grateful that Ginsburg’s work and her legal opinions in support of women will be felt for decades to come, and we know that all women in our community today – especially the next generation that is coming of age now – are better off because of her work on behalf of all of us.”
Known as an advocate for women, Justice Ginsburg’s dedication to the disempowered extended still further. She wrote, “Whatever community organization, whether it’s a women’s organization or fighting for racial justice…you will get satisfaction out of doing something to give back to the community that you never get in any other way.” As the oldest community action agency in the state, we could not have said it better.
A formal renaming ceremony at CRT’s Women’s Empowerment Center in Hartford to celebrate the legacy of Justice Ginsburg and her lifetime of work will be held in the coming weeks – exact date to be announced soon.
About CRT’s Women’s Empowerment Center:
The Community Renewal Team (CRT) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community action agency and Connecticut’s largest human service agency. Since 1964, CRT has been fulfilling its mission of “Preparing Our Community to Meet Life’s Challenges” by providing more than 60 programs and services designed to positively impact the lives of individuals and families from the City of Hartford and the 40 surrounding towns. As it has for decades, CRT continues to help tens of thousands of people each year; and the data demonstrates that the organization continues to reach Connecticut’s most vulnerable, low-income population.
Historically, more than half of the clients CRT serves have been female. For many of them, the services they received are a true lifeline. In keeping with Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s lifelong goal of uplifting all U.S. residents regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, economics and sexual preference, CRT inaugurated its Women’s Empowerment Center (WEC) in 2019. It is the Center’s objective to give women, including the most vulnerable in the Greater Hartford area, access to the opportunities through which they can benefit themselves and their families. In addition to counseling and case management, the WEC offers introductions to different occupational fields and educational programs, workshops on job exploration, even access to mentorships with some of the region’s most successful women. It provides a vision for women who may not have seen their varied (albeit hard-won) options before entering the Center’s doors.
The WEC meets a critical regional need. Over 60% of households in the capital city are headed by a single parent, most of whom are single mothers or grandmothers. Nearly one-third (31.6%) of women In the City of Hartford live in poverty. CRT has a history of offering female-centric initiatives (e.g., helping women gain employment skills, leave abusive circumstances, decrease substance use and recidivism, and enabling grandparents, particularly grandmothers, to raise their grandchildren). Our Ruth Bader Ginsburg Women’s Empowerment Center is the culmination of these effort.
The Center at 330 Market Street, Hartford, is easily accessible via public transportation, and includes space for workshops, private rooms for case management and one-on-one counseling, socialization space and a children’s play area.
For more information about this advisory, please contact: Jason Black, Communications Director @ 860-230-4535.
Summertime Takes on New Meaning for Michael Morris This Year
News, Success StoriesThis year, summertime will take on an extra special meaning for Michael Morris. Last year Michael was battling opioid addiction while attending sessions conducted by the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at the Community Renewal Team (CRT) in Hartford. Michael’s personal commitment and his willingness to confront his addiction head-on as he began the path to recovery would be different this time. It was a close call, however.
Michael, age 65, entered into the program in May of 2019, but was privately still using drugs and not ready to disclose this fact to the people who were trying to help him. While beginning Suboxone treatment to address his opioid addiction, he had a severe reaction to the medication. He became very sick and experienced withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, the team at CRT recognized what was happening and were able to get Michael to the hospital in time to save his life. Michael spent four days in a local hospital, and thankfully he was able to make a full recovery.
He has been taking Suboxone for more than one year now (since May 29, 2019), and he is clean and sober.
Michael will be the first to admit that in the past he may have undermined his own recovery efforts. For instance, he might stop using drugs, but he would keep drinking alcohol. Now, he says that he has no plan to go back to using drugs or alcohol and lives a life of recovery.
“I realized this dope is killing me,” Michael said. “But I have not had any urges since May 29 of last year – no alcohol, wine or whiskey, nothing. I’ve been clean before, but I was still drinking, but now I have total sobriety.”
Michael grew up in Hartford, and he admits that he started using drugs at an early age. He was only 13 years old when the drug use began. As he said, “It was part of the thing to do growing up.”
Because of that drug use, he was in and out of prison for most of his life. He actually met his wife June when he was a teenager; and he was officially the second person in the state of Connecticut to be married while in prison. They were married back in 1977 and he is still married to June to this day.
Over the years they had seven children. One son was shot and killed during an attempted robbery back in 2005.
Today Michael lives in Bloomfield, and in addition to his wife and grown children, he has 23 grandchildren, and he is extremely proud of each and every one of them. His oldest granddaughter is 21 and she is training in the Air Force. Another granddaughter is currently a sophomore at Virginia State College.
Michael continues to work with CRT every week for counseling and to continue his treatment with the MAT program.
“When I first started, I felt I was forced to do it,” Michael said. “But once I was in the group, and realized where my life was at, I realized I was tired of the life I was living, tired of being high. Being in the meetings, and seeing people’s lives change made a real difference. The program with CRT saved my life.”
Michael is well known on the streets of Hartford, and recently he has been volunteering time with a local community organization passing out food to people in need and talking to people he meets, making sure they are safe.
“Being engaged helping people helps me, too,” Michael said. “I talk to a lot of guys, talk to them about going into a program.”
His advice today?
“Get around someone living the life you want to live,” he said. “They have advice to give, and are willing to give it. Talking to people helps me – I don’t want to let them down – it really motivates me to do more!”
Michael is extremely proud of the changes he has been able to make in his own life. Now he’s ready to give back to others who need that help, too.
CRT Awarded $1.2 million by U.S. Department of Labor in Support of YouthBuild Job-Training Program
Press ReleaseMulti-year program will provide 67 at-risk teens and young adults from Hartford and East Hartford with valuable job skills and training to prepare them for future careers
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jason Black, Communications Director
(860) 560-5683 or cell: (860) 230-4535
HARTFORD — The Community Renewal Team (CRT) was recently awarded $1,202,143 by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide 67 at-risk teens and young adults (ages 18 – 24) from Hartford and East Hartford the opportunity to improve their education, occupational skills, employment credentials, and leadership capabilities over the next three years. Participants that
complete the YouthBuild training program should experience a substantial increase in their standard of living and community engagement.
“The YouthBuild program offers a unique opportunity for young men and women to get hands- on training in construction and other highly desirable job skills that will fully prepare them to enter the modern workforce ready to succeed,” said CRT’s President and CEO Lena Rodriguez. “We are thrilled to be able to offer this important job-training program to young people in our
community,” said Fernando Betancourt, Chairman of CRT’s Board of Trustees. “There are so many obstacles to success these days, but we know that YouthBuild participants can complete this program armed with new skills that will lead to long-term career opportunities.”
CRT will offer a “Construction Plus” training program to the participants that is modeled after our multiple successful Capital City YouthBuild projects that we have run previously. CRT guarantees that 32 students will be enrolled and complete construction skills training during the more than three year grant period of performance.
The Construction Plus training will also include Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training for 20 students through Capital Community College; and a selection of certified classes and on-the-job training for 15 students through Goodwin College.
CRT has selected Construction Plus fields of Security Guard Certification, Phlebotomy and Laboratory Services, Medical Assistant, and Machining/Manufacturing Technology.
“YouthBuild enhances the lives of its students and the community as a whole,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy. “The Community Renewal Team has been a positive influence on Connecticut families for years and grants like these go a long way to keep formal training and mentorship programs going. I commend their work, and will continue to fight in Washington for federal dollars to continue efforts to better the lives of the young people of Connecticut.”
“Giving young people skills to compete in high-demand industries like construction, nursing, manufacturing, and medical research is exactly the kind of workforce development we need to do more of,” said Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin. “I want to thank the U.S. Department of Labor and the Community Renewal Team for this new partnership.”
“As one of the people who helped to start the first YouthBuild program in Hartford, it gives me great pride to know that CRT is continuing the vital work of this job-training program for disadvantaged youth in Hartford and East Hartford,” said Martin Alvarenga, Business Agent & Organizer with the Carpenters Local 326 in Connecticut, and new member of CRT’s Board of
Trustees. “The young men and women who go through this training will come out with serious skills that will take them far in life.”
Individuals that are interested in joining the YouthBuild program in Hartford should contact CRT right away at 860-560-5308, or via email: [email protected].
Community Renewal Team, Inc. is the designated Community Action Agency for Middlesex and Hartford Counties and is the largest non-profit provider of human services in Connecticut. The agency’s mission is Preparing Our Community to Meet Life’s Challenges. The mission is achieved each day by helping people and families become self-sufficient while making sure basic needs are met. CRT’s programs include Meals on Wheels, school readiness, energy assistance and weatherization, supportive housing and shelters, and many others, serving people in more than 60 cities and towns in both our core catchment area and throughout Connecticut. www.crtct.org
CRT’s First Women’s Empowerment Networking Event is May 2, 2018 in Hartford
Press ReleaseCRT’s First Women’s Empowerment Networking Event is May 2, 2018 in Hartford
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jason Black, Communications Director
(860) 560-5683 or cell: (860) 230-4535
HARTFORD — The extensive experience of the Community Renewal Team (CRT) in working with women and their families throughout Central Connecticut has prompted the agency to develop a new Women’s Empowerment Center that will enable women to achieve personal economic stability, forward their careers, and better provide for themselves and their children. “For more than 50 years, CRT has helped individuals and families to create opportunities that better their lives – now, and in the future,” said Lena Rodriguez, CEO of the Community Renewal Team. “Our new Women’s Empowerment Center will focus our areas of expertise on helping women to realize their dreams.”
To support the vital work of the Women’s Empowerment Center, CRT is hosting a special networking event and fundraiser on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 (from 5:30 – 8:00 pm) at the Gershon Fox Ballroom (960 Main Street) in Hartford.
The keynote speaker for the event is Cheryl McDonald, co-owner of Bear’s Restaurant Group, which owns Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Blind Pig Pizza and Chango Rosa in Hartford. “Through the work of Bear’s and our other restaurants, we are constantly striving to find new ways to help our employees make the most of every day on the job, and to grow in their own careers,” said Cheryl McDonald. “The work that CRT plans to do with its Women’s Empowerment Center has perfect synergies with the work we are doing at Bear’s Restaurant Group, and I’m excited to support this program.”
The host for the evening is Renee DiNino, On Air Personality at The River 105.9 FM and Director of Community Affairs & On Air Community Programming for iHeartMedia in Hartford. Guests at the event will enjoy the opportunity for personal and business networking, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and more.
Lead sponsors for the networking event are CENCAP Federal Credit Union and Liberty Bank.
About CRT’s Women’s Empowerment Center:
In 2017 Community Renewal Team helped create opportunities for more than 86,000 individuals and over 35,000 families; of those served, 59% were female, and 32% of the families served were headed by single mothers.
The Women’s Empowerment Center will serve as a safe and open place for women from Hartford and Middlesex counties to access intensive mentorship, holistic case management, personal development classes, support groups, conferences, workshops and leadership training focusing on supporting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career and workforce readiness, as well as networking opportunities.
All proceeds from this networking event will be used to support CRT’s Women’s Empowerment Center, addressing the challenges women face in building a successful future.
CRT Now Offers Weatherization Assistance Program to CT Residents Statewide Income-eligible residents can make their homes more energy efficient now and for years to come
Press ReleasePress Release
Income-eligible residents can make their homes more energy efficient now and for years to come
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jason Black, Communications Director
(860) 560-5683 or cell: (860) 230-4535
HARTFORD — Another snow storm in New England is a reminder that the cost of heating your home each winter can be very expensive. Do you want to save money on your home heating costs next winter, while making your home more energy efficient throughout the year? Now is the time to sign up for the Community Renewal Team’s (CRT) weatherization services, which helps income eligible residents throughout Connecticut to make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient.
The completion of weatherization services helps people to reduce their home energy costs. CRT’s certified auditors visit homes to perform a Home Energy Assessment to determine energy saving measures for installation by pre-approved contractors. Typical services include: sealing air leaks and drafts, installing energy-saving light bulbs, and installing water-saving measures. The weatherization work may also include installation of insulation in attics and sidewalls, boiler/furnace replacement or repair, water heater assessment, as well as window repair or replacements and other services.
The Community Renewal Team (CRT) was awarded the statewide Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) contract by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (DEEP) and the supplemental statewide weatherization barrier removal contract to provide weatherization services to income-eligible residents throughout Connecticut.
More information about how to apply for income-eligible weatherization assistance is available on CRT’s website. Individuals may also call 860-560-5354 or email: [email protected].
Funding source:
A U.S. Department of Energy grant administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection funds CRT’s Weatherization Assistance Program services, with additional federal funding and state administration supporting the removal of barriers to weatherization.
Other weatherization services are available statewide through utility-administered programs, funded in part by a charge on customer’s energy bills. Visit www.EnergizeCT.com or call 1-877-WISE USE.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact the DEEP at 860-418-5910 or [email protected].
Community Renewal Team, Inc. is the designated Community Action Agency for Middlesex and Hartford Counties and is the largest non-profit provider of human services in Connecticut. The agency’s mission is Preparing Our Community to Meet Life’s Challenges. The mission is achieved each day by helping people and families become self-sufficient while making sure basic needs are met. CRT’s programs include Meals on Wheels, school readiness, energy assistance and weatherization, supportive housing and shelters, and many others, serving people in more than 60 cities and towns in both our core catchment area and throughout Connecticut. www.crtct.org
Know Your Status and Be Safe on Valentine’s Day: Visit CRT for a Free, Confidential HIV Test all day on Feb. 14
Press ReleaseAnd while you’re there, get a free safer sex kit, complete with condoms, lube and more
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jason Black, Communications Director
(860) 560-5683 or cell: (860) 230-4535
HARTFORD — You bought the flowers. You bought the candy. You’ve picked out the perfect outfit. You have a reservation at your favorite restaurant … But do you know if you will be safe on Valentine’s Day?
Free, confidential HIV tests are available on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 between 10:00 am – 6:00 pm at the Community Renewal Team’s (CRT) office located at 330 Market Street in Hartford. “Why not enjoy Valentine’s Day and know your status?” asks Heidi Lubetkin, Vice President of Clinical Support Services at CRT. “Let CRT help clear the air ahead of time. Get a free HIV test, and be confident on this special day.”
The anonymous test results are available within 20 minutes. CRT outreach staff that conducts the testing speaks both English and Spanish.
In addition to the HIV test, anyone that drops by CRT’s Market Street office on Valentine’s Day can pick up a free safer sex kit, complete with condoms, lubrication and other goodies. Additionally, everyone that receives an HIV test from CRT that day will be entered into a raffle to win some fabulous prizes.
If someone does test positive for HIV, CRT staff will connect that individual to needed services, including medical appointments, case management, and other support.
For information and to schedule a free HIV test, please call: 860-310-6309 or 860-761-7900. CRT is working with the Greater Hartford Harm Reduction Coalition as a partner in collaboration on this HIV testing outreach effort.
Editor’s Note: Samples of the safer sex kit hand-out are available upon request.
Community Renewal Team, Inc. is the designated Community Action Agency for Middlesex and Hartford Counties and is the largest non-profit provider of human services in Connecticut. The agency’s mission is Preparing Our Community to Meet Life’s Challenges. The mission is achieved each day by helping people and families become self-sufficient while making sure basic needs are met. CRT’s programs include Meals on Wheels, school readiness, energy assistance and weatherization, supportive housing and shelters, and many others, serving people in more than 60 cities and towns in both our core catchment area and throughout Connecticut. www.crtct.org