Our Piece of the Pie

08/24/2026

For more than 20 years, the annual South Marshall Street Block Party in has been a fixture of our community, and we were proud once again to be the backpack sponsor, ensuring hundreds of kids go to school prepared! Thank you, Immanuel Congregational Church, UCC for helping to organize such a great event! Learn more about our Hartford health center:
https://wheelerhealth.online/HartfordFHWC

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

🌎 A Year of Impact: Learning About the Future

As we continue reflecting on moments from the past year, we're highlighting experiences that encouraged HYSC youth to think beyond today and engage with the issues that will shape tomorrow.

In March, youth from Our Piece of the Pie attended The Connecticut Forum, where the conversation focused on The Future of the Environment. Alongside community members, leaders, and experts, they explored important topics including sustainability, conservation, and the long-term impact of decisions being made today.

Experiences like this do more than introduce young people to new ideas. They challenge them to think critically, ask questions, and consider the role they can play in creating positive change in their communities and beyond.

Why does this matter?

Because the next generation won't just inherit the future, they'll help shape it. Giving young people opportunities to engage in conversations about environmental responsibility, sustainability, and civic issues helps build informed leaders who understand that their voices and actions matter.

💙 When young people are invited into conversations about the future, they become part of building it.

08/19/2026

Meet Armando “Mando” Jimenez, a proud Hartford native, dedicated father, and passionate advocate for helping people reach their full potential.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Management Entrepreneurship, Mando has built a career rooted in consulting, strategy, partnerships, and talent development. His professional journey began in Washington, D.C., where he worked across the federal government, nonprofit, education, and technology sectors, creating impact through leadership and innovation.

Known for his infectious energy and genuine support of others, Mando is a champion for confidence-building, mentorship, and personal growth. His commitment to inspiring leadership and helping individuals and organizations thrive makes him a valuable member of the OPP Board and a powerful advocate for our mission.

We're grateful for Mando’s dedication to empowering young people and strengthening communities through opportunity, connection, and support. 💙

08/17/2026

As we continue looking back on moments from the past year, we're highlighting experiences that helped HYSC youth expand their horizons and imagine new possibilities for their futures.

This spring, youth participated in a "Lawyer for a Day" experience at Western New England University, where they stepped into the world of law through hands-on learning and real-world experiences.

From participating in a mock trial to exploring topics like knowing your rights, public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork, youth had the opportunity to see what a career in the legal field can look like firsthand. They also toured the campus, connected with legal professionals, and gained exposure to educational pathways that may have once felt out of reach.

Why does this matter?

Because sometimes all it takes is one experience to change how a young person sees their future. Exposure to new environments, careers, and opportunities helps build confidence, encourages ambition, and reminds young people that they belong in professional spaces.

The impact of a day like this extends far beyond the classroom. It plants seeds of possibility that can influence future goals, educational choices, and career aspirations for years to come.

💙 When young people can see new possibilities, they are empowered to create them.

08/15/2026

08/14/2026

Some impacts can't be measured in numbers alone.

They're found in the confidence to take the next step. In opportunities that once felt out of reach. In the relationships that remind a young person they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.

Over the past 10 years, thousands of young people have found support, discovered their potential, and built pathways toward their future.

Every journey begins with someone willing to invest in what's possible.

That's how communities grow stronger. Together.

08/13/2026

Good morning beautiful people! This Saturday 9am-11am come on down to 45 Acton St. and get your FREE groceries! Details below⬇️.

08/12/2026

OPP is in the news... Did you catch it?

In a recent Connecticut Mirror commentary, OPP President & CEO Hector Rivera highlights a reality Connecticut can no longer afford to ignore: while employers continue to face workforce shortages, thousands of talented young people remain disconnected from the education, employment, and career pathways that could help them succeed.

For decades, OPP has worked alongside young adults to help bridge that gap through workforce development, education, leadership development, and programs like Hartford Youth Service Corps. The results demonstrate what is possible when young people are given access to opportunity, support, and high expectations.

Connecticut's next generation of workers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders is already here. The question is whether we will invest in them.

🔗 Read the full article: https://ctmirror.org/2026/08/11/connecticuts-workforce-crisis-is-hiding-in-plain-sight-hector/