ConnCAT

We are grateful for wonderful neighbors over the past 14 years, and we’re looking forward to cultivating new relationships. CfAL for Digital Inclusion we are happy that our much loved computer furnishings found a new home!

What a week it’s been for the ConnCAT gang! 🎉

On Sunday, we marched in the Freddy Fixer Parade. On Monday, our program staff participated in Career Day at Wexler Grant School. On Tuesday, we packed our things, and we moved into our new home, and we will spend the upcoming days unpacking fourteen years of history into our own space!

We’re busy, tired, grateful, blessed, and completely full. Thank you to everyone who has supported us through this exciting transition. A special thank you to Women Of The Village, who treated our team and our movers to a delicious hot lunch and dinner, to welcome us to the neighborhood. We love our new neighbors!

See you all on Juneteenth🎉

"What could happen if someone is just given an opportunity?"

Erik Clemons '26 M.A.R. reflects on 15 years as CEO of ConnCAT, a non-profit organization that offers job training for adults and after-school arts programs for youth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umY3AN9IwbY

June 1st marked 15 years of Erik Clemons as CEO of ConnCAT — and we wanted to mark it the right way.

Erik sat down with Mercy A. Quaye of The Narrative Project for a full-length conversation about where ConnCAT started, what the journey has cost, and who helped make it possible — including an honest look at his experience with poverty and mental health in his family.

This is the story behind the work. We hope you'll watch, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

🎥 Watch here:

15 Years of Vision: A Conversation with Erik Clemons What does it take to build something that lasts — and who do you ne...

On Tuesday, our Construction Training Academy students had a special guest speaker: José Suarez-Colón, a proud graduate of Cohort 1. He spoke to the current cohort about the importance of focus, commitment, communication, and making the most of the opportunity in front of them.

Since graduating from the program last October, José has earned his OSHA 30 certification and Universal EPA 608 certification. He has secured full-time employment, moved into a newly refurbished apartment, and is demonstrating strong leadership skills in his new role. He is passionate about his journey and committed to inspiring others.

In José’s words:

“I am bettering myself in order to better those around me who are lost or confused by the negative mentors that manipulate and misguide our youth and vulnerable people into a cycle that just doesn’t offer the community purpose or opportunity for growth in the sense of becoming the best person we can be.”

A new chapter for Dixwell. A major milestone for our teams at ConnCAT and ConnCORP.

Save the date for the Grand Opening and Community Celebration of ConnCAT’s new headquarters at 150 Dixwell Avenue—a transformative new space built to expand opportunity, strengthen workforce development, and deepen community connection for generations to come.

This celebration will bring together residents, partners, leaders, and supporters to mark an exciting next step in ConnCAT’s continued investment in New Haven and the people who make this city thrive.

Join us for an evening of community, celebration, music, food, and connection as we officially open the doors to a space built with purpose, possibility, and the future in mind.

Friday, June 19, 2026
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
150 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT

Free and open to the public.

Today, we pause to remember those who courageously gave their lives in service to our country. ConnCAT is closed today as we honor and mourn the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

📷 flag and photo creation: ConnCAT Youth Program student.

Breaking News‼️📢📣

Starting in June, ConnCAT will have a new home! We’re excited to join the historic Dixwell community as we move to First Haven in Dixwell (FHiD). We look forward to growing alongside our neighbors, building new connections, and continuing our work in a community rich in history, culture, and opportunity.