Community Partners in Action to Hold Inspiring Hope Gala

Community Partners in Action (CPA) today announced that its Inspiring Hope Gala will be held on Thursday, September 18, 6-10PM, at the Society Room of Hartford. The evening will feature the world premiere of a documentary film that will showcase how the organization helps individuals reenter society and build brighter futures. Additionally, Gala attendees will be treated to incredible performances by Javier Colon, winner of The Voice Season 1, and the dynamic Latanya Farrell & her band. Guests will enjoy a red-carpet experience, a gourmet dinner, and hear from participants whose lives have been transformed.

Originally founded in 1875 as the Prisoner's Friends' Society, CPA changed its name to the Connecticut Prison Association in 1876 and remained known by that name until it rebranded in 1997 as Community Partners in Action, to emphasize the many partners and communities across Connecticut that the organization works with to deliver its mission.

Governor Ned Lamont recently recognized Community Partners in Action’s vital contributions: “CPA’s enduring commitment to justice reform and community well-being has transformed countless lives over its 150-year history. As one of the oldest criminal justice organizations in the nation, CPA has continually adapted to meet evolving challenges while remaining steadfast in its mission to foster hope and second chances. Their work in prevention, reentry, and alternatives to incarceration is essential to creating safer, stronger communities across Connecticut, and I appreciate their partnership in these efforts. I congratulate this organization on their 150-year anniversary and wish them many more years of success here in Connecticut.”

Established in response to the harsh treatment and deplorable conditions at the Wethersfield State Prison, CPA’s founders included Charles Dudley Warner, co-owner of the Hartford Courant, with Samuel Clemons also known as Mark Twain serving as an advisor. Together, they co-authored "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today," reflecting their shared commitment to social reform.

When the Prisoner’s Friends' Society was formed, it was one of only five states in which an association had been founded specifically to provide services to adult prison inmates. It’s Articles of Association contained five “objects” or goals for the organization:

• To benefit society by the reformation of criminals,
• To assist prisoners in the work of self-reform,
• To promote reformatory systems of Prison Management,
• To aid discharged convicts in living honorably, and
• To cooperate in the repression of crime.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to partner with CPA to help make communities across Connecticut stronger. Learn more here: https://cpa-ct.org/150-homepage/

About Community Partners in Action

We’re one of the nation’s oldest criminal justice organizations, formerly known as the Connecticut Prison Association, and provide restorative justice services to young people and adults, so they can reenter the community and thrive. We deliver impactful services that unite people, programs and partnerships to empower individuals to change their lives for the better, make communities safer and stronger, and enhance the quality of life across Connecticut. For more information about Community Partners in Action, its history, and upcoming events, please visit www.cpa-ct.org.