What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 7pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 2pm

Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants

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Bridgeport, CT
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants

CIRI is a non-profit agency that empowers immigrants and refugees to achieve self-sufficiency.

06/12/2026

Thank you to the Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford for partnering with us for our panel, On The Ground: The Truth About Immigration Now.

We were grateful for the opportunity to spend the evening with community members discussing CIRI's long history in Hartford, the experiences of immigrant and refugee communities across Connecticut, human trafficking awareness, volunteer engagement, and the many ways individuals and organizations can support immigrants, refugees, and survivors of human trafficking as they build safe and successful lives in Connecticut.

A special thank you to our panelists, Susan Schnitzer, Caroline Sennett, Deo Byakisaka, Genesis Polanco, and Julia Perkins, for sharing their knowledge and experiences. We also appreciate everyone who attended and asked thoughtful questions.

These discussions are an important reminder that building welcoming communities is a shared effort, and we are grateful for partners like the Mandell JCC who help create space for learning and connection. We look forward to continuing these conversations throughout Hartford and beyond.

06/09/2026

Last month, CIRI launched a new initiative focused on increasing socialization and reducing both physical & social isolation among our 60+ clients. The new group is called Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) Group for Clients 60+, and is already proving to address a vital need among those we serve in the immigrant and refugee community.

The first few meetings consisted of activities such as “Get to Know Each Other" bingo, tea tastings, and a walk at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park, all with the goal of encouraging new connections. After the first group meeting, our organizers received a heartfelt text message from one of the attendees: “This event was so necessary for us elderly people. Thank you very much, you are doing a great job for a great cause. I came home inspired, joyful, and cheerful. I have never in my 70 years lived so well in America as with you.”

Most recently, the RHP Group for Clients 60+ got together for an incredible trip to the Norwalk Maritime Aquarium. While becoming familiar with Connecticut’s aquatic habitats through the aquarium’s collection of over 1,000 sea animals (including a visit to the shark & ray touch tank), our clients created and strengthened connections with each other and the CIRI team.

The group has more exciting plans for the summer and cannot wait to explore more of Connecticut’s treasures.

06/03/2026

Turn compassion into action during National Immigrant Heritage Month and World Refugee Day by helping us collect hygiene and essential items to support our clients as they continue to navigate life and strengthen their communities in a new home.

Items we’re collecting:

• Hygiene: Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, Deodorant
• Dental Care: Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
• Personal Care: Menstrual Pads & Diapers
• Food: Non-perishable Items
• Supplies: Tote bags

Donations due by June 8

Contact & Drop-off info:
[email protected]
410 Colorado Ave, Bridgeport, CT

06/02/2026

On Tuesday, June 9th, join us for On The Ground: The Truth about Immigration Now - a thoughtful and timely community conversation with leaders from CIRI, in partnership with Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford.

Hear directly from those working alongside immigrant and refugee families every day as we discuss what communities across Connecticut are experiencing, how changing policies are impacting real lives, and the ways we can continue building a more informed, compassionate, and welcoming future together.

Panelists:
Susan Schnitzer, President & CEO
Deo Byakisaka, Chief Program Officer
Genesis Polanco, Director of Project Rescue
Caroline Sennett, Chief Legal Program Officer of Immigration
Julia Perkins, Volunteer Manager

When: Tuesday, June 9 | 7:00 PM
Where: Mandell JCC, West Hartford
Admission: Free and Open to All | Registration Required
To register, follow the link below:
https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/mandelljcc/2172/event/1471854

06/01/2026

During the month of June, National Immigration Heritage Month invites us to honor and celebrate the resilience, diverse cultures, and immeasurable contributions that immigration cultivates in the United States. Each individual or family that arrives in this country brings with them personal and cultural stories, as well as dreams that continue to push our communities forward in meaningful ways.

At CIRI, part of our mission is to ensure that immigrants and refugees feel the safety and capacity to express themselves and their cultures during times of immense change and uncertainty. We have seen the networks of support that unity creates, and as more stories of resilience are shared and heard, these networks grow stronger. Their strength, bravery, and hope continue to inspire everything we do.

As the month of June continues, we invite you to reflect on these stories, as well as the power and diversity that immigration brings to our communities in Connecticut.

05/28/2026

In collaboration with Learners for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (Ctlead), CIRI is excited to share our RISE Program (Resilience, Independence, Skills and Empowerment). This will be a six-month community-based initiative designed to uplift and empower Afghan women living in New Haven.

Meeting twice a week, RISE will bring together practical English learning, guidance on the navigation of services, life and digital skill building, as well as a strong sense of community in order to support the building of confidence, independence, and purpose for women and their families as they navigate the complexities that being in a new home brings.

For more information, please contact Zahra at [email protected]

To learn more about the LEAD Greater New Haven Community Center, please follow the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/627910792887631/

05/20/2026

Last Friday, CIRI was proud to receive the 2026 Lawrence & Shirley Bostrom Pillars of Change award from the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) at their 15th annual First 100 Plus Breakfast & Award Ceremony.

This event, established in 2011, is a tradition that recognizes leaders working across Connecticut to support and improve the lives of survivors of domestic violence and their children. As CIRI maintains a deep commitment to those who are facing the countless challenges that these situations bring, we are grateful for the recognition and continuous partnership with CCADV.

It is through cultivating networks of support that we can ensure survivors across Connecticut have access to comprehensive case management, legal aid, social services, pathways to economic empowerment, and the assurance that they are being advocated for.

We’d like to extend deep gratitude to CCADV for the work they are engaged with, as well as for hosting this meaningful ceremony.

05/15/2026

Exciting volunteer opportunities at CIRI 🤝

Join us online on Wednesday, May 20 at 12:00 PM, for our Volunteer Info Session to learn about the current and future volunteering opportunities at CIRI, and how you can get involved.

Currently, we are in search of volunteers for the following areas:

• Drivers
• 1-to-1 ESL Conversation Partners
• Summer Academy
• Childcare (Bridgeport & New Haven)
• Apartment Setup
• World Refugee Day
• Donation Drives

For more information & to RSVP, please contact Shah at [email protected]. Upon registering, you will receive the link for the Teams meeting.

This session will be held on Microsoft Teams at 12:00 PM.

Every moment dedicated to supporting refugees, immigrants, and survivors across Connecticut makes a profound difference, and we’re excited to share how you can support this mission!

05/07/2026

Today, we were grateful to welcome Senator Richard Blumenthal to CIRI’s new headquarters for a thoughtful conversation about our growing programs, expanding services, and the many ways we continue working to meet the evolving needs of refugee and immigrant communities across Connecticut.

We are deeply appreciative of Senator Blumenthal’s continued support and advocacy for the individuals and families who turn to CIRI in search of safety, stability, and opportunity. His visit gave us the chance to share more about our new space and the ways it will help us strengthen our programs, increase community support, and expand access to resources and opportunities for refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking throughout the state.

Of course, no visit to CIRI would be complete without a stop to say hello to Coco, who was eager to help welcome the team!

Thank you, Senator Blumenthal, for taking the time to visit and for continuing to stand beside our communities.

05/04/2026

CIRI has been selected again as a nonprofit partner in the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program!

Our organization will receive $1 for each $2.50 reusable Community Bag sold during the month of May 2026 at our local Stop & Shop location:

760 Villa Avenue, Fairfield CT

Address

Bridgeport, CT

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 7pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 2pm

Telephone

+12033360141

Website

http://www.cirict.org/

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