Changing lives by creating opportunities
As the designated community action agency for both Hartford and Middlesex Counties, the Community Renewal Team (CRT) is dedicated to helping people take steps toward healthy and economically stable futures. Since 1963, our 501(c)3 nonprofit organization 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 much more for thousands of individuals and families throughout Central Connecticut each and every year.
Our Mission
“Preparing Our Community to Meet Life’s Challenges.” 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.
“One of the most rewarding parts of being on the CRT Board of Trustees is seeing all the great work that CRT does for the community. CRT is well managed; they have a great President and CEO and a wonderful staff. I’m always impressed with the excellent quality and service that is provided by CRT.”
Faith Jackson
Our Approach
Working as a community partner to empower people to succeed
CRT combines research, compassion and accountability to assess local needs, devise programs and identify funding sources to turn plans into reality. We are a strong leader for community change, working with a broad-based network of partners to offer innovative, high-quality programs that serve families, youth, seniors, veterans, women and others throughout Central Connecticut.
As a nonprofit 501(c)3 that helps people work toward stable and successful futures, we believe in:
… serving communities by listening to their concerns and working together to solve social problems.
… fostering independence and skill-building through a diverse network of programs that encourage people to take steps toward long-term economic stability.
… putting people first with services that address human needs by building on the unique strengths of individuals, who can then create opportunities for themselves and their families.
… taking a holistic approach to case management through our “Steps to Success” case management system that addresses multiple needs and challenges in a single plan to effectively meet the needs of the people we serve.
… conducting research to identify unmet needs and underserved populations in our communities.
… advocating for systems change and partnering with government officials to develop innovative service models to address ongoing challenges.
… building on the collective strength of our staff, participants, communities, board, funders, vendors, nonprofit partners and other constituents to ensure that we deliver our best work.
… measuring our effectiveness through results-based accountability systems that track outcomes and community impact, enabling us to accurately report data and improve our programs for the people we serve.
…. looking forward and adapting as needed to better serve the individuals, families and organizations that need us and the services we provide.
… holding ourselves to the highest levels of public accountability and transparency, as a steward of the community’s trust and resources.
