Join Us In Our Belief that People Can Change.
One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison.
Our programs provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.
Our Work
Serving thousands of adults and youth each year, CPA focuses on behavior change, advocating for people, and justice reform. Our programs promote Recovery, Restoration, and Responsibility.
Alternative In The Community (AIC)
A program that focuses on helping people work toward behavioral change while meeting basic human needs, and provides employment, cognitive restructuring and relapse prevention services to encourage personal growth and development.
Community Service
Through Hartford Community Court, this innovative program holds people accountable for their quality of life violations through meaningful projects that have a positive community impact.
Regions Program
REGIONS Programs (Opening in 2020) provide up to six months of residential treatment, including clinical, educational, vocational and recreational services, for boys ages 14 to 18 and their families. REGIONS provides each participant with individualized services that support and enable his successful return to his home and community.
Prison Arts
A program that fosters a positive and constructive environment in Connecticut‘s prisons through arts workshops, projects, exhibitions, publications, and advocacy for the arts and artists.
Reentry and Employment
Programs that provide comprehensive pre and post release case management services, basic need support, employment assistance, and training.
Transitional Housing
Temporary housing for men for up to 90 days while they actively participate in the AIC program.
Get Involved
Annual Giving
Support mission-driven projects to strengthen clients’ success
Resettlement Program
Support women and men during pre and post release
Prison Arts Program
Support art workshops, exhibitions and advocacy
Housing and Basic Needs
Provide urgent assistance for housing, education and training
Roadmap to Restoration
Join us for a short video to learn about our work
Footwear with Care
Provide footwear to homeless adults and children in Hartford
Community Garden Project
Support mission-driven projects to strengthen clients’ success
Amazon Smile
Donate .5% of your purchase when you shop at Amazon
In-Kind Donations
From gift cards to bus passes, your in-kind gift can help
Volunteer
Learn how the gift of your time can make an impact
Our Impact
Less than three years ago, Michael was released from prison to a halfway house. While there, he joined CPA’s STARR Training to Work 2 Program, where he flourished. Michael enrolled in an eight-week course through a training partner and earned 11 certifications in the Health and Safety, and Industrial Technology Fields.
Michael said having nationally-recognized career certifications really made a difference. He was hired by a Hartford construction company and joined Laborers Union Local 230. With a vision for his future, Michael completed PRIDE, an entrepreneur training program offered by Reentry Survivors. Michael and his wife Sandra plan to one day open a nonprofit to assist disadvantaged youth.
Latest News
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Community Partners in Action is proud of the diversity of our organization. Over 80% of our participants, three-fourths of our employees, and close to half of our board are people of color. Women represent over half of our organization. Our staff and board members include people with lived experience in the criminal justice system and… Read more »
Life Sentences for Killers of Ahmaud Abrery Chip Away at Systemic Racism
“Responsibility cannot be lost, it can only be abdicated. If one refuses abdication, one begins again.” James Baldwin. The execution-style killing of Ahmaud Arbery by white vigilantes is a sad reminder of an all-too-familiar place in which we find ourselves. Sitting on the edge of our seats, once again wondering if justice will prevail (and… Read more »
“As a means of making our community safer, it is critical that we provide comprehensive resources and opportunities for people involved in the criminal justice system.
Given that 95% of those incarcerated will eventually return to the community, there has to be a fundamental commitment to more effective justice investments and reinvestments.”
— Community Partners in Action