Shirin Bryant, CRT Individual Development Account Customer
On her own and a mother since age 16, Shirin Bryant entered CRT’s IDA program amidst a chaotic life schedule—advocating for her late brother in court, working the night shift as a CNA and studying toward a nursing degree – while raising children. But with guidance from CRT Financial Literacy staff and other friends, she finished the program in three years and purchased a beautiful home in Bloomfield. Now working full-time as a nurse and living comfortably with her two children in her new home, Shirin shared her experiences with the IDA program in a Hartford Courant cover story.
Ruben Lopez, Capital City YouthBuild Graduate
Ruben Lopez left high school without graduating,depressed by thelossof his grandmother and with little hope for a successful career, but when his son was born, as he says, he “wasn’t living just for myself anymore.” He saw Capital City YouthBuild as an opportunity to earn while he learned, to use his hands and his mind to build a brighter future for himself and his family. Ruben is now completing the Carpenter’s Union Apprenticeship program and was invited back by YouthBuild to work with a new class of students as an assistant skills trainer.
Mark Herbort, Veterans Crossing Resident
Mark Herbort proudly served the Red, White and Blue during the Vietnam War as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. But the next three decades of his life were painted darkly with the after-effects of self-destructive behaviors – alcoholism, accidents, and ultimately, homelessness. CRT’s Veterans Crossing transitional rooming house for homeless veterans gave him a place to stay, access to VA recovery services and job and life skills training, which he now puts to use everyday keeping both his own life and CRT’s facilities clean and safe as a member of CRT’s own maintenance department.
