Changing lives by creating opportunities
As the designated community action agency for Hartford and Middlesex Counties, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) helps people take steps toward healthy and economically stable futures. Since 1963, our 501(c)3 nonprofit has partnered with local elected officials, providers, funders, businesses and the community to address challenges like hunger, homelessness, unemployment and poverty. Together, we increase access to education, affordable housing, mental health services and more for thousands of people in Central Connecticut each year. We help everyone who comes to our door with resources for both immediate needs, and longer-term goals.
Our History
We were founded in 1963 through a grassroots movement to support Hartford communities impacted by poverty. In 1999, we expanded into Middlesex County.
Our Stewardship
Independent audits demonstrate that for every dollar CRT receives, 95.3 cents goes directly to programs and services that support people in our community.
Our Approach
We take a research-driven approach to assess local needs, create high-quality programs, and find funding to make them happen. We are a strong leader for community change, working with many partners to offer innovative programs serving families, youth, seniors, veterans, women and others.
Our work is driven by:
A client-centered approach
- Listening to community concerns and solving issues together
- Helping people build on their own unique strengths
- Teaching skills that empower financial stability
- Taking a holistic approach to address client needs
Community engagement
- Conducting research to identify unmet needs and determine who should be served
- Building on the collective strengths of our team, clients, and community partners to deliver our best possible work
Advocacy & improvement
- Working with legislators to design programs and advocate for systems change
- Tracking outcomes to measure our impact and improve our programs
- Looking for ways to better serve our community as needs and resources evolve
Our Accreditations
We strive to be a center of excellence in developing and delivering programs that meet the highest standards of quality as measured by independent credentialing agencies.
Behavioral Health Programs
Joint Commission Accreditation
Our Behavioral Health services at our 330 Market Street Program have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for complying with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care, and for our commitment to continually improving patient care.
Early Care & Education Programs
NAEYC Accreditation
All of our Early Care and Education centers are accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children for complying with standards for exceptional care in a safe and healthy environment, with well-trained staff delivering a developmentally sound curriculum.