Purple States
Omar Downer worked his way up from per diem to four overnight shifts as a hospital phlebotomist. He loves what he does. For Stacie Tavaras, phlebotomy was a stepping stone to steady full-time work as a nurse. Their stories reveal the need to create better pathways from training to full-time employment and careers in the…
Read full story →Stacie Tavaras had a CNA and an LPN but couldn’t get a nursing job. The demand for Omar Downer’s electronics skills had dried up. Six years ago, they enrolled at ConnCAT. Part one of their story explores how Intensive, hands-on training creates opportunity for jobs with a future. Part two reveals where they are now…
Read full story →Residents of Bridgeport, Stratford and Easton who participated in the focus group see the city’s train line as a valuable resource. Rebuilding Bridgeport’s train stations could benefit residents of the adjacent neighborhoods, the city and the region.
Read full story →The Cities Project convened residents of Bridgeport and nearby towns to discuss what downtown development can accomplish. Everyone agrees Bridgeport needs to attract employers. Will new jobs draw young people to the city or create opportunities for residents — or both? Focus group participants included: Jamie Hiliard Banks, Amy Parkinson, Dan Pflug, Jessica Racaniello, Elman…
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