4-CT is collaborating with Connecticut hospitals on violence intervention programs to help victims of violent crime rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of re-victimization through financial support and community collaboration.

We are honored to have been awarded a Community Violence Intervention Grant funded by the Connecticut Department of Public Health and administered by Connecticut Children's Injury Prevention Center. This grant marks a further expansion of our violence intervention work with Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs (HVIPs). Thus far, 4-CT’s work with HVIPs has largely been providing support for individuals and families post-injury. Through this grant, we aim to focus on prevention by partnering with community-based organizations working with HVIPs in cities where we are already bolstering violence intervention efforts. By providing cash assistance to individuals at risk of violence, we aim to strengthen economic and household security, reduce stress and enhance positive outcomes. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, doing so helps reduce the risk for violence and suicide. Thank you to the CT DPH for investing in our communities.

An extra $500 a month didn’t cover every bill for Michael White as he reacclimated to life in New Haven outside of prison. But it did allow him to stay home a bit longer with his newborn son; help him and his wife start their own ​“last-mile delivery” small business; cover some of the costs of groceries and diapers.

Last semester, 4-CT's own Sarah Blanton guest lectured at the Yale Law School Basic Income Lab at the invitation of Professor Daniel Hemel. Its success means they will be co-teaching at New York University School of Law in the new year. We couldn't be happier for Profs. Hemel and Blanton!

We recently had the opportunity to discuss our work with the Hospital-based Violence Intervention team at Yale New Haven Hospital during an Everytown for Gun Safety grantee convening. It was an honor to present alongside Dr. James Dodington, Dr. LJ Punch and Kentral Galloway. Thanks to Dr. Cherell Green and Everytown for the discussion, we’d gladly follow opening speaker Gregory Jackson Jr., Deputy Director of The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, any day.

We couldn’t be happier to share that we’re now partnering with Connecticut Children's and their HVIP partners in Hartford supported by the City of Hartford to provide no-strings-attached cash assistance in an effort to improve outcomes for victims of violence, stabilize households, and reduce violence. This partnership in Hartford which is coordinated by Kevin Borrup, DrPH of the Connecticut Children's Injury Prevention Center expands upon our collaborative efforts with James Dodington, MD, Yale New Haven Hospital, the Yale HVIP and The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention. We’re thrilled that another geography is embracing efficient and effective ways of providing immediate support to communities. Shout out to the City of New Haven for partnering with us to provide flexible cash assistance as part of its violence prevention and enhancement efforts and for collaborating with Yale HVIP through the Victim Services Support Network. We eagerly await the research coming out of both HVIP programs.

More than 200 Americans visit the emergency department for nonfatal firearm injuries each day. That now includes former president Donald Trump.

We’re excited to share that our partners, Evan Cao and Dr. Benjamin Howell, at the SEICHE Center for Health and Justice at Yale School of Medicine will be presenting on our joint pilot at the American Academy of Family Physicians National Conference. Our Bridgeport-New Haven Health Equity pilot will be the focus as they discuss “The Feasibility of Unconditional Cash Transfers as Health Interventions: Reducing Post-Incarceration Income Instability to Improve Chronic Health.”

4-CT's Sarah Blanton will be in conversation with Kyle Ruschman, CPP of Usio, Inc., George Siter, MBA of Mastercard, and Samantha Tavares of City of Phoenix. Prepaid cards are a powerful tool for providing people with flexible, same-day resources to relieve economic pressures while giving them the dignity and autonomy to make decisions about how to best use their money.

Looking forward to sharing our experience with the Power of Cash at the 2024 Social Equity Leadership Conference hosted by UConn School of Public Policy. Thanks to Cesar Aleman of CUOC for bringing this panel on the role of cash assistance in advancing health equity together with Jessica Ridge of UpTogether and Tegan Lecheler of The Bridge Project.

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to hear from all the health and human services commissioners at the Social Determinants of Health Summit. Thank you to the Office of Health Strategy for providing a platform to discuss the impact of cash assistance. It was a joy to sit with participants and colleagues to share how recurring cash transfers and guaranteed income provide individuals with the resources they need to achieve their goals.

We're looking forward to participating in Wednesday's Social Determinants of Health Summit and the conversation, moderated by Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves, with Abraham Santiago, Cesar Aleman and UpTogether. Thanks to the Connecticut State Office of Health Strategy for including 4-CT in the discussion around improving economic security to impact health and well-being through unrestricted cash pilots.

Congratulations to our partner, Dr. Lucy Paredes, on your first place award from the American College of Surgeons Advocacy and Health Policy Abstract Competition for your research on our Yale New Haven Hospital Violence Intervention Pilot! Thanks to Everytown for Gun Safety for naming 4-CT a Community Safety Fund innovation grantee and helping to advance this critical work with Yale New Haven Hospital's Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program and The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention.

Earlier this week, we gathered 4-CT’s partners and participants in our Elm City Reentry Pilot - the first guaranteed income program in CT and among the first in the nation for people coming home from prison. Bringing together members of the community one year after the launch of the pilot, and during Second Chance month, was especially meaningful. We are grateful to all who joined us to hear directly from participants about their experience. Thanks to Irena Smith, Mayor Elicker and Raquel Ferguson for their remarks. Special thanks to our pilot participants, many of whom were able to join us, and those who were willing to share their personal stories. We are eager to continue convening conversations and developing cash programs together.

Earlier this week, 4-CT's Sarah Blanton returned to Yale Law School’s Basic Income Lab joined by three of our Elm City Reentry Pilot participants and a participant’s sister. They spoke about their experiences coming home, engaging in different types of reentry supports, and being part of our pilot. One thing that stood out in their remarks was how much they trusted Sarah on this 12-month journey. Check out this clip from our participant’s sister as she talks about how Sarah “melted away all my attitude” in their first meeting when she, as a protective older sister, wanted to be sure no one was going to exploit her brother. “I was very skeptical. I needed to meet her. I needed to see her. I needed to hear her. I needed to feel who she was. And I just needed that one visit and I was all set after that.”

As we head in to #2024, we're reflecting on all that partners like you made possible in 2023. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

The good news for others like Irvin, who asked that his last name not be used for this story, is that the city is now expanding the P.R.E.S.S. initiative, a collaboration between New Haven and several community partners, thanks to a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.

A pilot program in New Haven is testing whether providing formerly incarcerated people direct cash assistance results in better health outcomes. Researchers say it’s one of the first interventions for this demographic in the U.S. looking into health impacts.

Get an exclusive peek into our Elm City Reentry Pilot.

We’re on the map! Stanford’s Basic Income Lab is tracking basic income experiments throughout the world. 4-CT’s Elm City Reentry Pilot is one of 80 active experiments.

Today, the Everytown Community Safety Fund (CSF), part of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, announced $50,000 in funding for 4-CT to sustain their work and better position them to access federal funding. This grant is part of Everytown Community Safety Fund’s $2.35 million investment in funding to 335 community-based violence intervention organizations. The Everytown Community Safety Fund, a program of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, is the largest national initiative solely dedicated to fueling the life-saving work of community-based violence intervention organizations in cities nationwide.

Connecticut Voices for Children’s latest report references 4-CT’s Elm City Pilot as it calls for policymakers to reinvest savings from reducing carceral facilities into reentry and prevention services.

Shooting victims or families who lost someone to violence since February are eligible for $1,000 through the Yale New Haven Hospital’s violence intervention program.

A webinar from April 18, 2023. Co-sponsored by The Justice Collaboratory at Yale, the SEICHE Center for Health and Justice at Yale, the Justice Lab at Columbia University and 4-CT. Moderated by Benjamin Howell, MD, MPH, MHS, Assistance Professor of General Medicine, SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, and Bruce Western, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Social Justice and Director of the Justice Lab at Columbia University.

A new pilot project in Connecticut aims to give money to people who’ve been injured by violence to help them in their recovery.

Shooting victims and their families are now eligible to receive one-time checks worth up to $1,000 apiece — thanks to an expanded hospital-led cash transfer program focused on supporting targets of interpersonal abuse while disrupting a broader cycle of social violence.

Victims of violence, or their next of kin, could get one-time financial help through a new program.

A Connecticut nonprofit is betting that $500 per month in guaranteed income will help keep the formerly incarcerated from returning to prison.

New Haven is launching a program to help those released from prison land back on their feet. It starts with putting some money in their pocket.

Cada ex-recluso recibirá $500 al mes por uno año, un total de $6,000 para comenzar su nueva vida.

A new program will provide $500 a month for a year to 20 recently released inmates to help them get back on their feet as they look for steady work after prison.

20 people have been selected to get $500 a month, for a year.

Some city residents who were recently released from incarceration are receiving $500 a month for a year through a pilot program designed to help with their reentry into daily life.

Twenty formerly incarcerated New Haveners have been tapped to receive $500 per month to help pay for housing, food, childcare, and other expenses under a year-long, public-private pilot designed to support people reacclimating to life outside of prison.

New Haven leaders are launching a pilot program to help formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society, hoping it will provide them with more resources and opportunities.

Catalina Samper-Horak has been named interim CEO of the Connecticut Covid-19 Charity Connection (4-CT) on the independent, 501(c)3 organization’s first anniversary. The move coincides with 4-CT Co-founder Ted Yang’s decision to vacate the CEO position; he will remain on its board.

As part of a long-planned transition, 4-CT announced Monday that Yang had stepped down as chief executive officer and joined its board. At the same time, it appointed an interim CEO, Catalina Samper-Horak, who was the founding executive director of Building One Community, a Stamford-based nonprofit that serves the immigrant community.

April 1 marks one year since Gov. Ned Lamont announced the formation of the Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection, otherwise known as 4-CT. The announcement came this week that 4-CT Chief Executive Officer Ted Yang was stepping down. He joined All Things Considered to talk about why now was the right time to leave and about his successor, Catalina Samper Horak. He also weighed in on whether 4-CT is still needed as the economy improves.

As part of a long-planned transition with eyes on future projects, 4-CT’s Board of Directors has announced that volunteer CEO Yang has stepped down and will be replaced by Catalina Samper-Horak as interim CEO. Yang will continue to serve on the board and remain active as a volunteer.

More than 300 Connecticut residents received their first COVID-19 vaccinations Sunday in Stamford at a clinic dedicated to serving immigrants ages 55 and up, including those who are undocumented. The Governor thanked Ted Yang, co-founder and CEO of philanthropic nonprofit 4-CT, for organizing donations to make sure undocumented residents were not left behind.

If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, need food or just a kind voice on the other end of the receiver 1-844-TALK-4CT is all you need. New Haven-based mental wellness center, Clifford Beers, established a helpline funded by 4-CT.

4-CT is expanding its initiative with a $2 million expansion and a goal of providing rapid, one-time financial assistance that can stabilize families on the verge of falling into a long-term, more significant crisis. Additional 4-CT card programs are expected to launch later this year as well.

Join 4-CT, in partnership with The Big Quiz Thing, for virtual trivia night on February 25th from 7-8:30pm. Create your team from anywhere and challenge other teams during this fun night!

Connecticut’s first lady Annie Lamont joins first lady Jill Biden in a Zoom meeting of the nation’s first spouses where she mentions her involvement with 4-CT.

Along with 4-CT, the Connecticut Health Foundation launched a grant to bring community health workers to local health departments so people can learn about the virus from people they know and trust.

The Center for Advanced Policing at the University of New Haven has received a $100,000 grant from the Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection (4-CT) to implement an innovative new community policing training program for area officers.

Low-income families throughout Connecticut have been able to file their tax returns thanks to a $115,000 grant in April through the Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection (4-CT), and the Virtual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced the launch new community resources aimed at helping the state’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 by helping people who have the virus isolate from others.

The Travelers Championship listed 4-CT as one of the beneficiaries they will be supporting to show appreciation for the healthcare efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

As we enter the fall with the possibility of a second wave, 4-CT will be refocusing all of it’s energies on the 4-CT Card program so that it can provide the most aid possible to the greatest number of Connecticut residents.

4-CT has achieved tremendous impact with the support of Governor Lamont and state officials with it’s biggest impact coming from the 4-CT Card Program which has delivered more than $1 million (and counting) in direct aid to the most vulnerable populations.

4-CT is thankful to have partnered with Usio, an integrated electronic payment solutions provider, to distribute prepaid cards to help vulnerable communities in Connecticut.

4-CT partners with Community Health Centers Association of CT to provide COVID testing twice a week at twenty one churches throughout the state

Despite the lack of in-person fans, all net proceeds from the 2020 Travelers Golf Championship will go to more than 150 Connecticut charities, including 4-CT.

Mock Trial Team repurposes their funds to COVID-19 relief through 4-CT in honor of their seniors and coaches.

Through efforts such as the 4-CT Card and The Norwalk Immigrant Community Emergency Fund, aid will be provided to those who are not eligible to receive federal and state assistance.

With over 400 participants, 4-CT virtual 5k raises more than $20,000.

Governor Ned Lamont backs launch of 4-CT Card program to provide direct aid to to those excluded from federal relief programs.

Five Connecticut musicians including Christine Ohlman of the “Saturday Night Live” band and Joe Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult, share their talents to help raise awareness about 4-CT.

Eight Connecticut professional sports teams, led by Connecticut Sun’s Jasmine Thoma, came together to call on fans to support 4-CT.

With 4-CT’s donation to both CT Foodshare and CT Food Bank, over two and a half million meals will be provided to Connecticut residents in need.

Foodshare CEO Jason Jakubowski reflects on the quick and meaningful impact that 4-CT has had on both Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank. 4-CT’s donations are making the difference between being fed and going hungry.

Connecticut based philanthropists come together to establish The Connecticut COVID-19 Charity Connection (4-CT). By the time of 4-CT’s launch, the organization had raised $10 million. The Eversource Foundation has committed $2 million to various COVID relief funds including 4-CT.

Gov Ned Lamont applauds those who helped establish 4-CT in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Connecticut donors quickly raise $10 million to provide quick aid to those struggling in their own backyard.

Gov. Ned Lamont backs formation of 4-CT. Founded by Don Kendall and Ted Yang, the organization quickly raised over $10 million for COVID relief needs.

Connecticut philanthropists come together to raise $10 million for 4-CT. 4-CT aims to fill gaps where state and federal aid falls short, with food and shelter being the immediate focus.