Domus is a multi-faceted organization annually serving 1,200 vulnerable youths at risk of involvement, currently involved with or returning from the justice system. This funding will be used to pilot a re-entry program for young men aged 17-25 transitioning from incarceration back to Stamford. The re-entry program will feature goal setting and future planning exercises, life skills and jobs training, internships and jobs placement, and post-program support. Domus will use this funding in addition to services from the CT Department of Correction to create a model that, if successful, can be replicated in other cities.

To provide general operating support for this organization, which manages two group homes for young males, two charter schools, two community centers, a justice diversion program, after-school programs, and a variety of other services.  Domus operates the Trafigura Business Cneter, an employment readiness program that offers disadvantaged young people ages 16 to 23 real work experience through participation in several youth businesses. Youth learn employment skills, such as workplace conduct, job search techniques, and keys to staying employed, as well as specific skills in bicycle repair, woodworking, small engine repair, cosmetology, jewelry design and manufacture, and food preparation.

To support this employment readiness program that offers disadvantaged young people ages 16 to 23 real work experience through participation in several youth businesses. Youth learn employment skills, such as workplace conduct, job search techniques, and keys to staying employed, as well as specific skills in bicycle repair, woodworking, small engine repair, cosmetology, jewelry design and manufacture, and food preparation. Produce grown in a greenhouse they constructed is sold to area restaurants. Participating youth earn a daily stipend. Nearly 100% of the participating youth gain hard and soft job skills and more than 50% acquire part-time employment.