HRA 1964 – 2024: 60 Years of Empowering Lives
Human Resources Agency of New Britain (HRA) has been a cornerstone of community support and empowerment since its founding in 1964 by Dr. Alton Brooks. Established during President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, HRA was part of a nationwide effort to mobilize communities against poverty. Formed under the Office of Economic Opportunity, HRA quickly expanded its capacity to address local needs. Since the 1960s, HRA launched foundational programs like the Head Start Nutrition Program, Neighborhood Service Workers Outreach, and the Summer Youth Employment Program. These initiatives set the stage for comprehensive community support that would evolve over the decades. Over the years, the organization has continued to grow and introduce programs for education, financial literacy, career development, health, and basic needs that extend our reach and empower our community. To celebrate its 60th year, HRA is launching a fundraising drive. You are invited to show your support for all that HRA does and Donate Today!
The Human Resources Agency (HRA) was formed in 1964 under the Office of Economic Opportunity.
Throughout the 1960s, we launched the Head Start Nutrition Program. We also began the Neighborhood Service Workers Outreach and the Summer Youth Employment Program, laying a strong foundation for comprehensive community support.
In the 1970s, HRA expanded its community services by introducing the Commodities Program. Neighborhood service offices were opened in high poverty areas.
In 1972, we began partnering with the Opportunities Industrialization Center to offer employment services
During this period, funding for Head Start and daycare services was significantly expanded, allowing us to serve more children from low-income families. This increase in resources enabled more children to benefit from essential early childhood education programs, providing them with foundational skills and support for their development.
The agency underwent a significant change in 1974, officially adopting the name HRA, reflecting its growing capacity and commitment to serving the community.
In the 1980s, HRA initiated several impactful programs.
The Fatherhood Initiative in Head Start and the Neighborhood Early Childhood Education Satellite programs were offered in local schools (including Mt. Pleasant, Oval Grove, Jefferson, Smalley, and Chamberlain schools).
Community services were expanded with the launch of the Las Perlas Hispanas Program and the establishment of Family Resource Centers in Oval Grove.
In response to the AIDS epidemic, HRA also introduced the Someplace Special program.
Despite funding challenges due to the formation of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), HRA continued to grow and adapt to the needs of the community.
In the 1990s, HRA significantly expanded its services and capacity.
Early Childhood programs grew with the establishment of the North Oak Community Center / Free To Grow and the inclusion of School Readiness initiatives.
Community services were enhanced by embedding Human Services Infrastructure (HSI) ROMA principles and launching the Polish Victim Advocacy Program.
HRA acquired the Rockwell Avenue (Whiting Steet) property and the Wellness Resource Center was formed in 1995 to address health and wellness needs.
HRA secured a contract to deliver 100 School Readiness slots, further expanding Early Childhood Education in the community.
In the 2000s, HRA achieved several significant milestones.
The Early Childhood programs saw the initiation of the Marian Heights Extension Project and the establishment of the Jane Johnson Memorial.
Community services were enhanced with the Young Latinas Program and the expansion of the Arch Street Neighborhood Services Center.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program began under Financial Services.
The agency launched a capital campaign for Early Childhood Education (ECE) expansion.
HRA continued to grow and expand its reach, establishing the main office for services at 180 Clinton Street with strong support from the local community.
HRA continued to expand and enhance our services and impact throughout the 2010s.
Community Services increased cross-trained staff capacity to integrate services through outreach.
The Foundations for Financial Independence Program began, offering a comprehensive approach to financial literacy, matched savings accounts, and VITA services.
The Division of Health and Wellness was formed, enhancing psychosocial support, nutrition, medication adherence, and case management under one roof.
HRA Youth Employment Services started, focusing on employment and education in high-demand careers.
The Early Childhood Education capital campaign led to the renovation and 1800 square foot expansion of the Ben Franklin site, enabling HRA to serve 700 children under 5 annually.
The New Britain Food and Resource Center was established, integrating food distribution with wraparound case management services.
In 2017, the merger with the Bristol Community Organization expanded HRA's catchment area to include six communities, furthering the agency's capacity for growth and service delivery.
In the 2020s, HRA adapted to new challenges posed by COVID-19, learning to deliver services in multiple ways while remaining open to serve clients.
We embraced technology for communication and meetings, utilizing tools like Zoom and DocuSign to maintain operations effectively.
· Our COVID/Reopening Committee actively reviewed CDC, CT, DPH, and OEC guidelines and compared them to each exposure to determine the next steps in managing the risk of spread. They met weekly, with the sub-committee meeting almost daily to review cases as they arose.
· In November 2020, Dr. Marlo Greponne assumed the role of Executive Director during one of the most challenging times in history. Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Greponne demonstrated exceptional resilience and strategic vision, guiding our organization through public health crises and economic hardships. Her leadership has ensured the continued delivery of essential services to our community and laid the groundwork for future growth and stability.
Our Health and Wellness division formed COVID vaccination and education partnerships with municipalities
Remote learning options were incorporated into the HRA Youth Employment Services program.
Our Emergency Services division modified their service delivery and served over 8,000 households during the pandemic.
HRA increased pay for our Early Childhood Education teachers and teacher assistants and provided more opportunities for continuing education.
We launched the Community Health Worker Certification and Trusted Messenger Organization initiatives.
The Financial Opportunity Center opened, and HRA's VITA program became a multi-year regional leader in preparing free taxes for low and modest-income households.
In March of 2022, HRA hosted a rally in support of funding for early care and education as part of a statewide effort. The event saw excellent participation from parents, local partners, legislators, and staff. Significant media coverage highlighted the importance of the cause and motivated legislators to support upcoming bills aimed at increasing funding for early care and education.
In September 2022, HRA acquired the facility on 550 Farmington Avenue (formerly Catanzaro Meat Market) to house the New Britain Food and Resource Center operations. Our first grab-and-go weekly distribution served nearly 200 people!
HRA's capacity and growth led to a significant increase in resources for the Bristol area, adding $2.5 million in funding. This infusion of resources helped raise the annual budget to over $20 million, enabling the expansion and enhancement of services offered to the community. As a result, HRA was better equipped to meet the needs of local residents, providing more comprehensive support and programs.
In December 2022, we held our World AIDS Day event, marking one of our first major community gatherings following the COVID-19 reopening. By hosting this event, we reaffirmed our commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and supporting those impacted, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of our community.
In November 2022, we signed an agreement with CT Foodshare to host their mobile truck activities. Since then, we have successfully hosted our second formal food distribution event with the CT Foodshare mobile unit at 180 Clinton Street. This initiative continues to serve hundreds of households each month, providing essential support to our community.
In 2023, we actively participated in several press events alongside Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz to advocate for the increase of the earned income tax credit on state income tax returns.
In June 2023, our Board of Directors celebrated its annual meeting by returning to a community-based event. During this special occasion, we honored Dr. Alton Brooks, who was 101 years old at the time, with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his over 60 years of dedicated service to the community. Dr. Brooks has since passed away, but his legacy of commitment and impact continues to inspire us all.
Our November 2023 Turkey Distribution was a huge success! Turkeys were provided by CT Foodshare and our Community Services team organized the event.
At the end of 2023, we joyfully held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Lake Avenue Early Learning Center facility in Bristol.
Employee wellness initiatives continue to thrive! Staff enjoy participating in spirit days, weekly Zumba classes, and virtual classes for both physical and financial fitness. These initiatives are having a positive impact on our workplace culture and the overall wellness of our employees.
