Celebrating 150 Years—And Building the Future, Together
As we celebrate Community Partners in Action’s 150th anniversary, I want to thank each of you—our staff, supporters, partners, and friends—for making this milestone meaningful. Together, we are continuing a legacy that began in 1875 and still drives us forward today: providing second chances, restoring hope, and building stronger, safer communities.
CPA’s legacy began with bold leadership. Figures like Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) and Charles Dudley Warner, national voices for justice and human dignity, helped launch our organization—then called the Prisoner’s Friends’ Society. Alongside civic leaders, they helped establish many of Connecticut’s lasting systems of reform, including parole, probation, and juvenile justice.
This year, we’ve marked our anniversary with powerful events that honor our history and spotlight the people we serve. Most recently, our Celebrate! CPA Prison Arts 2025 event, held June 16 in the Hall of Flags at the Connecticut State Capitol, was nothing short of historic. The reception brought together over 100 guests and featured moving remarks and readings by former Governor Dannel Malloy, Hon. Maureen Price-Boreland, and alumni from our Prison Arts program. The centerpiece of the evening, our Letters from Prison exhibition, gave voice to incarcerated individuals through heartfelt, and at times gut-wrenching, reflections that reminded us why this work matters.
We are deeply grateful to Louis Lista and the Pond House Cafe at Elizabeth Park , a major donor and 150th Anniversary Founder sponsor, for generously donating the evening’s exquisite food and to all who contributed to our Silent Auction. The proceeds from the evening directly support CPA’s nationally recognized Prison Arts Program and the many individuals who participate in it each year across Connecticut’s prisons.
Looking ahead, we invite you to join us for ourInspiring Hope 150th Anniversary Gala on September 18 at the Society Room of Hartford. This will be an unforgettable evening with dinner, a red-carpet experience, live music from Latanya Farrell and her band, and the premiere of our short documentary film celebrating CPA’s legacy and impact. Your presence and support will help ensure that our programs continue to thrive for years to come.
While we were disappointed that this year’s state budget did not include immediate funding to fully sustain our Hartford and Waterbury Reentry Welcome Centers, we remain hopeful. The funding line item remains in place for FY 2026–27, and there is reason for renewed optimism. The Governor’s office recently announced a $190 million state surplus, opening the door for a possible mid-cycle budget adjustment. We will continue to advocate fiercely for these essential services—and your voices make a difference.
Amid these celebrations, CPA continues to grow and respond to community needs. We’re proud to have renewed eight of our state contracts this year—a testament to the strength, professionalism, and heart of our staff.
That spirit of innovation and compassion lives in each of you.
Whether you are mentoring a young person, supporting a returning citizen, offering encouragement to a colleague, or investing in this work as a donor, you are part of CPA’s story. I am proud to stand with you.
Let’s keep building a more just and hopeful future—together. Warmly,
Beth Hines
Executive Director