Our Piece of the Pie

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Our Piece of the Pie Our Piece of the Pie, Inc. Formerly known as Southend Community Services, OPP has been providing services to the Greater Hartford community since 1975.

(OPP®) is a nonprofit organization located in Hartford, CT dedicated to empowering youth with the key competencies needed to overcome barriers and succeed in education, employment, and life. Our Piece of the Pie (OPP®) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth with the key competencies needed to overcome barriers and succeed in education, employment, and life. OPP’s unique model is centered on the personal and consistent relationship developed between each youth and a caring, committed and proactive adult staff member, a Youth Development Specialist. The Youth Development Specialist works together with the young person to identify their goals, and create a plan to address needs across personal, workforce, and academic development. In 2005, the agency changed its name, mission, and focus to support the youth ages 14-24. Our pillars of success for youth are personal, workforce, and academic development. Setting goals, learning habits of success, becoming financially stable, and improving decision making are the cornerstones of personal development. Academically, young people are able to achieve high school diplomas in their current schools, or through OPPortunity Academy, OPP’s high school program. All youth are encouraged to participate in post-secondary certification and degree programs. To ensure success, tutoring is offered to all youth. Developing skills that will help our young people in the workforce, we provide certification in customer service, Microsoft Office, career-competency training, community service projects, internships, and job placement. OPP’s objective is to provide youth the support and alternative routes to education, employment preparation, and personal growth that will lead to economic self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 through October 15, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures,...
10/09/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

From September 15 through October 15, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to enrich our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and communities.

At OPP, we are proud to serve young people from diverse backgrounds and remain committed to creating opportunities where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Join us as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and many voices, traditions, and stories that strengthen our community.

A paycheck is often seen as the end result of hard work.But for many young people, it's also the beginning of something ...
10/07/2026

A paycheck is often seen as the end result of hard work.

But for many young people, it's also the beginning of something much bigger.

It's the first time earning their own money. The first deposit into a bank account. The ability to contribute to household expenses, save for future goals, or make decisions about how to invest in themselves. Over the last 10 years, HYSC participants have earned more than wages. They've gained workplace experience, developed financial confidence, and discovered the value of their own contributions. Every paycheck represents hours worked, skills developed, challenges overcome, and goals pursued.

Because when young people have the opportunity to earn, they also gain something that can't be measured in dollars alone:
A greater sense of confidence, independence, and belief in what they can achieve.

🥩 We know these jokes are cheesy.Good thing the BBQ isn't (unless you order the Bear Balls)!Support OPP during our Bear'...
10/05/2026

🥩 We know these jokes are cheesy.

Good thing the BBQ isn't (unless you order the Bear Balls)!

Support OPP during our Bear's Smokehouse fundraiser week and help create opportunities for Connecticut youth, one meal at a time.

📅 October 12-18
🍖 Dine in or order pickup
📍 Windsor | Hartford | New Haven | South Windsor
🏷️ Use promo code OPP for online pickup orders

When you participate, 20% of event sales will support OPP's mission of helping young people overcome barriers and achieve success.

Come hungry. Leave inspired. ❤️

Bear's Smokehouse BBQ
Bear's Smokehouse BBQ
Bear's Smokehouse BBQ

Over the last 10 years, HYSC participants have done more than log hours. They've shown up for opportunities, responsibil...
10/02/2026

Over the last 10 years, HYSC participants have done more than log hours. They've shown up for opportunities, responsibilities, teammates, and communities that counted on them.

They've reported to their first jobs, learned new skills, tackled challenges, completed projects, and discovered what they're capable of achieving through hard work and persistence.

Every hour tells a story.

A story of growth.

A story of commitment.

A story of a young person choosing to show up, even when the work was difficult, unfamiliar, or outside their comfort zone.

When we celebrate 640,000+ hours worked, we're not just recognizing time. We're recognizing the experiences, lessons, and moments that helped shape the next generation of workers, leaders, and community members.

Because every hour invested in a young person creates opportunities that can last a lifetime.

Growth rarely happens all at once.More often, it happens through a series of moments.A challenge that seemed intimidatin...
09/28/2026

Growth rarely happens all at once.

More often, it happens through a series of moments.

A challenge that seemed intimidating.

A responsibility that felt unfamiliar.

A new opportunity.

A small success.

Then another.

And another.

Over time, uncertainty starts to fade. The things that once felt impossible begin to feel achievable. Young people develop new skills, take on greater responsibilities, and begin to recognize strengths they never knew they possessed.

Confidence isn't the absence of fear or uncertainty. It's the belief that you can keep moving forward despite them.

For the past 10 years, HYSC has created opportunities for young people to learn, grow, lead, and discover what they're capable of accomplishing.

Because one of the most powerful transformations a young person can experience is learning to believe in themselves.

Over the past decade, thousands of young people have come through HYSC carrying different experiences, challenges, goals...
09/25/2026

Over the past decade, thousands of young people have come through HYSC carrying different experiences, challenges, goals, and dreams.

Some were looking for their first job. Others were searching for direction, stability, connection, or a fresh start. Each journey was unique, but every young person brought with them potential waiting to be discovered.

Behind every statistic is a story of growth. A story of resilience. A story of someone learning a new skill, building confidence, finding support, or taking the first step toward a brighter future.

As we reflect on 10 years of impact, we're reminded that success is never just about the numbers.

It's about the people, the possibilities, and the pathways created along the way.

Because every story matters.

Meet Rashani Swaby, OPP's Board Chair and a passionate advocate for helping young people realize their full potential.A ...
09/23/2026

Meet Rashani Swaby, OPP's Board Chair and a passionate advocate for helping young people realize their full potential.
A Hartford native, Rashani is a human resources leader with more than 16 years of experience at RTX, where she currently serves as Director of Employee Experience & Action Planning. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating workplace cultures where people feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive, bringing together strategy, employee voice, and organizational change to drive meaningful impact.
Rashani's connection to OPP is deeply personal. Having grown up in the Hartford community, she is committed to ensuring that young people have access to the opportunities, support, and experiences they need to build successful futures. As Board Chair, she is honored to help advance OPP's mission and work alongside staff, board members, and community partners to build upon the organization's strong legacy and expand its impact for the next generation.
She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Trinity College and an MBA from Florida Institute of Technology, and brings thoughtful leadership, community commitment, and a deep belief in the potential of Hartford's youth to her role.
Outside of work and board service, Rashani is a wife and proud mom of two boys who enjoys spending time with family, creating lasting memories, and celebrating the people she loves.
And because every OPP Board Spotlight needs a pie answer... 🥧 her mom's sweet potato pie wins every time. No competition.

🕊️ Peace begins with understanding, grows through compassion, and thrives when we come together. On this International D...
09/21/2026

🕊️ Peace begins with understanding, grows through compassion, and thrives when we come together. On this International Day of Peace, let's commit to building stronger, kinder, and more inclusive communities for all.

No one succeeds alone.Behind so many stories of growth are the people who listened, encouraged, challenged, and continue...
09/18/2026

No one succeeds alone.

Behind so many stories of growth are the people who listened, encouraged, challenged, and continued to show up.

A trusted adult. A supervisor. A coach. A staff member. A mentor.

For 10 years, relationships have been at the heart of HYSC's impact because transformation happens when young people know someone believes in them.

Sometimes support is what makes everything else possible.

Last week, the OPP team traded our desks for clues, puzzles, and teamwork at REACT Escape Rooms for our annual Staff App...
09/17/2026

Last week, the OPP team traded our desks for clues, puzzles, and teamwork at REACT Escape Rooms for our annual Staff Appreciation outing! 🧩✨

At Our Piece of the Pie, we know that our people are our greatest asset. Investing in staff wellness, connection, and opportunities to recharge is essential to sustaining the incredible work our team does every day for Connecticut's youth and young adults.

A huge shoutout to Lillian, our Coordinator of Organizational Capacity, who planned and executed an amazing experience from start to finish. Your dedication to creating meaningful moments for our staff does not go unnoticed. Thank you for helping us celebrate the people who power our mission every day! 💙🧡

Address

20-28 Sargeant Street
Hartford, CT
06105

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18607617300

Website

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