Our Programs

Youth SMART Prevention Education

Our Youth SMART Prevention Education program is designed to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and resist negative influences such as substance abuse and violence. Through interactive workshops, peer-to-peer mentoring, and community outreach, we provide youth with evidence-based prevention education.

Teens Explore the Outdoors

Teens Explore the Outdoors is an immersive outdoor education program that invites teenagers to discover the beauty and wonders of nature while developing leadership skills and environmental stewardship. Through guided hikes, camping trips, and hands-on activities, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and cultivate teamwork.

West River Watershed Crew Program

The West River Watershed Crew Program engages youth and community members in hands-on conservation efforts to protect and restore the health of the West River watershed. Participants learn about water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and invasive species management while making a tangible impact on their local ecosystem.

CPEN-Community Placemaking Engagement Network Family Literacy

CPEN-Community Placemaking Engagement Network Family Literacy is a comprehensive literacy program that supports families in developing essential literacy skills and fostering a love of reading. Through parent-child reading sessions, literacy workshops, and access to library resources, we promote literacy as a foundational tool for academic success, family bonding, and lifelong learning.

Let's Go Fishing

Let’s Go Fishing is a recreational fishing program that introduces youth and families to the joys of angling while promoting environmental awareness and conservation ethics. Participants learn basic fishing techniques, aquatic ecology, and responsible fishing practices through hands-on fishing trips, educational seminars, and habitat restoration projects.

2nd Cohort - Urban Farming Training presented by Conn Agriculture Dept

The Urban Farming Training program, presented in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, provides aspiring urban farmers with the knowledge, skills, and resources to cultivate thriving urban agricultural enterprises. Participants learn about soil health, crop planning, pest management, and marketing strategies.

Resident Community Participatory Health and Wellness Project

The Resident Community Participatory Health and Wellness Project empowers residents to take control of their health and well-being through community-led initiatives and partnerships. From fitness classes and nutrition workshops to mental health support groups and access to healthcare resources, we provide residents with the tools and support.

Urban Ecology Explore Discover

Urban Ecology Explore Discover is a comprehensive program designed for campers eager to delve into the intricate world of butterflies, bees, birds, and their symbiotic relationship with pollinator plants. Join us as we embark on an educational journey aimed at understanding and appreciating the vital role these species play in urban ecosystems.

Creative Makershed

The Creative Makershed is a collaborative workspace and learning hub where community members can unleash their creativity, explore new skills, and bring their ideas to life. From woodworking and metalworking to digital fabrication and artistry, participants have access to tools, equipment, and mentorship to pursue their creative passions and projects.

CPEN-Community Placemaking Engagement Network Freight Farms

CPEN-Community Placemaking Engagement Network Freight Farms introduces an innovative approach to sustainable urban agriculture. Leveraging advanced farming technology, this initiative transforms unused urban spaces into productive hubs for growing fresh produce year-round. By utilizing vertical farming techniques within repurposed shipping containers.

Youth Cycling Adventure Program

Introducing the Youth Cycling Adventure Program, a dynamic collaboration between the Bradley St. Bicycle Co-op and the Community Placemaking Engagement Network. This initiative fosters an inclusive and accessible biking environment, ensuring that all participants can engage and excel. Through the program, CPEN-Community Placemaking Engagement Network endeavors to empower youth.

(I.D.E.A.S) Individual Development Entrepreneurial Assistance Services

I.D.E.A.S. (Individual Development Entrepreneurial Assistance Services), is a comprehensive training program tailored for businesses and nonprofits catering to adult learners. This initiative equips participants with essential skills to cultivate and manage their enterprises effectively. I.D.E.A.S. empowers individuals to embark on entrepreneurial endeavors.