#BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – October 8, 2015 – Connecticut Department of Children and Families Commissioner Joette Katz Tuesday morning visited the Bridgeport office of Boys & Girls Village (BGV) to tour the agency’s recently-completed renovations. Commissioner Katz was joined by Kenneth Cabral, DCF Region 1 Administrator and Linda Dixon, DCF Adolescent and Juvenile Services Administrator. They were welcomed by BGV President and CEO Dr. Steven M. Kant, BGV COO Dr. Kim Shaunesey and BGV Board Chair Carol Smith Harker.

The renovations have significantly upgraded BGV’s facilities in Bridgeport, allowing the organization to be more accessible to a crucial population of children and families in the city and beyond. Bridgeport is the primary site for BGV’s community-based services and the city is home to more than half of the agency’s clients.

“The programs we provide in Bridgeport offer families the care and support needed to develop safe and stable home environments, allowing children who are rebuilding their mental and emotional wellbeing to stay within their communities and connected to their primary social and emotional support systems,” said Dr. Kant, who underscored BGV and DCF’s shared vision to keep children at home whenever possible. “Commissioner Katz’s willingness to support innovation and change has not only benefited this agency, it has benefited the children of the State of Connecticut.”

“Boys & Girls Village has been such a successful partner because its programs meet the children where their needs are, which makes it possible for these children and their families to maintain permanency,” said Commissioner Katz. “It is DCF’s goal to make sure children are staying home, going home, or finding a home.”

Commissioner Katz said as a result of family-strengthening programs like those offered by BGV, DCF has reduced sending children out-of-state to receive care by 97%.