Ed is very open about giving people a second chance.
ed bonilla
community reentry services
Middletown location
Ed Bonilla’s outstanding leadership and tireless efforts make him the perfect recipient for this award. He helps consumers achieve their goals by connecting the program with various opportunities.
Ed is very open about giving people a second chance. He supports the Skills for Success workshops by facilitating the Networking workshop. Participants are taught the importance of building strong relationships and using every moment as an opportunity to network. Ed furthers his support of the program by attending the Skills for Success graduations, where he gives supporting words of encouragement.
Aside from working as the Senior Director for Community Resources, Ed is an instructor at Middlesex Community College. He also serves on various boards within the community such as the Middlesex Area Interagency Council (MAIC). MAIC promotes coordination of service providers along with evaluating any unmet needs, duplication of services or outmoded practices in the county. Ed has recently invited a CRS Middletown staff member to serve on the MAIC board.
Ed has earned the Community Partner of the Year award along with the gratitude of the community, our consumers and his fellow peers.
This type of support is far beyond the norm of most medical providers.
transitions clinic
new haven division
new haven reentry service center (nhrsc)
The New Haven Transitions Clinic has been a dedicated Community Partner of the New Haven Reentry Service Center. Dr. Emily Wang, along with her staff members Nathan Birnbaun and Jerry Smart, established a collaborative relationship with the NHRSC during its first year of operation. The Transitions Clinic provides on-call medical support to individuals returning home from incarceration. Dr. Wang has a long standing interest in caring for patients with a history with the Department of Correction. She has used her experience to improve healthcare provisions for incarcerated patients and those reentering the community.
Recently, a homeless participant had a heart attack within 24 hours of release from the Department of Correction. He was scheduled to be seen by the Clinic Community health worker on his second day home. Outreach Worker Jerry Smart was contacted and immediately visited the client in the hospital. Research Assistant Nathan Birnbaum visited him daily over the course of a few weeks. Nathan intervened when the hospital planned a discharge, advocating for the patient to receive adequate housing during his medical recuperation. Dr. Wang supervised his treatment and provided a referral for housing. The NHRSC Case Manager was kept informed regularly of the participant’s treatment and progress. This type of support to the client and to the NHRSC team is far beyond the norm of most medical providers.
Additionally, the Transitions Clinic has provided employment opportunities to individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. These individuals act as advocates and provide mentoring on the importance of healthy living. We are so grateful to call the Transitions Clinic our Community Partner!
Karen is very accommodating to the needs of our clients.
karen alix
the aqua turf club
spice program
For many years the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville has welcomed SPICE participants to celebrate the holiday festivities. Each year Karen graciously makes sure that the SPICE consumers can share in their Holiday Merriment Celebration event.
Karen is very accommodating to the needs of our clients and ensures that they all have a wonderful time. She arranges special meals for those with dietary restrictions and places the group in an area that is accessible to all. By making these accommodations Karen makes it possible for each individual to fully participate in the festivities.
While at the Aqua Turf our consumers are able to take part in activities including dancing, a raffle and singing holiday songs. SPICE members will tell you that their favorite activity is the Aqua Turf holiday party. We thank Karen and all of the staff at the Aqua Turf for making this event special for our clients each year!