Our Piece of the Pie

Join us next week for our Annual Career & Bank Fair! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, this event is the perfect chance to connect with companies, explore a variety of roles, and take the next step in your professional growth. 🗓 Date: March 27th, 2025 🕒 Time: 2pm-6pm 📍 Location: Arroyo Center at Pope Park, 30 Pope Park Drive, Hartford, CT What you can expect: ✅ Networking ✅ Access to a wide range of job opportunities ✅ On-the-spot interviews with recruiters ✅ Career advice & tips ✅ Free resources to boost your job search! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to meet potential employers and make lasting connections.

Join us next week for our Workforce Partnerships Info Session! The event is designed for businesses, organizations, or professionals who may be interested in partnering with us—whether by hosting youth at their worksite, sponsoring initiatives, or providing career workshops. 📍 Location: 20-28 Sargent Street, Hartford, CT 06105 🕒 Date & Time: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM This session will give potential partners a chance to see our program in action, meet our youth, and explore ways to get involved. The more partners we connect with, the more opportunities we can provide to help our young people thrive! Please RSVP to Veronica Ruiz at veronica.ruiz@opp.org by March 25.

Happy Pi Day from Our Piece of the Pie! Thanks again to everyone who celebrated with us last week at OPP Day Party.

Join Angel of Edgewood, Inc. and Access Health CT in Celebrating Karina Nieves, 2025 Trailblazer for Equity Honoree! Karina Nieves has dedicated over 20 years to making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people and their families through her role as an Administrative Assistant at Our Piece of the Pie (OPP). With unwavering commitment, Karina plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the youth she serves have the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed. Karina's work goes far beyond her administrative responsibilities. She consistently goes above and beyond, making sure that every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Her genuine care for each individual student fosters a sense of belonging and hope. By creating an environment where students feel safe and encouraged, she serves as a positive, steady role model and source of inspiration. Her presence within OPP and the broader community is nothing short of invaluable. Karina's impact extends far beyond just the work she does; she helps shape the lives of young individuals, giving them the tools and confidence they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. She embodies the spirit of dedication, generosity, and excellence in all her endeavors. Karina's influence is a testament to the power of consistent, compassionate leadership. Her selfless work makes her a key part of the OPP community, and she continues to be a guiding light for countless young people. Join Angel of Edgewood, Inc. and Access Health CT in celebrating Karina Nieves for her extraordinary dedication and commitment to the youth and families at Our Piece of the Pie and the community at large. Karina is a true embodiment of resilience, love, and positive change. Get your tickets 🎟️ today 👉 https://lnkd.in/et7yB9qq

Yesterday's "Fact vs. Fiction" event was a powerful testament to the incredible impact of youth voices! The energy was electric as young people stepped up and shared their perspectives on critical issues. Their insights and passion were truly inspiring, reminding us all of the importance of youth participation in shaping a better future. We were blown away by the passionate young speakers who challenged conventional thinking, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. A huge shout-out to our amazing CEW partners ( Connecticut Justice Alliance, Next Level Empowerment Program, Center for Children's Advocacy, Love146, Our Piece of the Pie ) for their invaluable contributions to the Youth Report and to the young people at Mason Youth Institute for their bravery and contributions. And of course, thank you to everyone who came and showed their support for these incredible young leaders! This event was a resounding success because of the youth who participated. Their voices matter; we are committed to amplifying them and ensuring they are heard loud and clear. To rewatch the JJPOC February Meeting, visit the link below 👇 https://lnkd.in/eaws7BB4

I am super excited to have been apart of the planning committee for this event! HUGE SHOUTOUT for the Youth Leadership Council for sparking this idea to the staff and making it a reality! YOUTH VOICE HOLDS POWER! Elijah Hechevarria, thank you for being a co-chair for the Youth Lwadeship Council and leading your peers well! May you enjoy the fruits of your labor, especially for this event! Contact your YDS or email alumni@opp.org for more details!!!!!

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬, and Seraphina’s story is a shining example of its impact. With the guidance of Cecile, a dedicated Youth Development Specialist (YDS) at Our Piece of the Pie, Seraphina is on track to graduate college and pursue her dream job at Pratt & Whitney. Cecile’s unwavering support has been instrumental in Seraphina’s journey. From helping with school and personal needs to offering networking opportunities, Cecile has empowered Seraphina to expand her horizons and prepare for life after graduation. As Seraphina proudly shares: “𝘐’𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺. 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘴.” Her story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of investing in young people’s futures.  Read more about Seraphina’s inspiring journey (link in comments). Let’s celebrate mentors like Cecile who make a difference every day.  #MentorshipMatters #YouthEmpowerment #DalioEducation #CTOpportunityProject 

A big thank you to Capital Workforce Partners for allowing Our Piece of the Pie youth and staff to take part in the Connecticut Appropriations Committee Public Hearing on February 26th. This event brought together young individuals, policymakers, and youth workforce providers, emphasizing the importance of advocating for enhanced investments in the Connecticut Youth Employment Program. The testimonies and guidance provided during the session underscored the significant impact of youth employment in fostering opportunities for both young people and our communities. #YouthEmployment #YouthWorkforce #CommunityImpact #CYP

ATTENTION OPP YOUTH AND ALUMNI We are excited to announce the roster for our Artist Showcase! Join us next month to see Dusty Stay True, Swerv Stacks, Chief Rockuh, and The Gifted Onez perform at OPP Day Party. Contact your YDS or email alumni@opp.org for registration details.

ATTENTION OPP YOUTH AND ALUMNI We are thrilled to announce Zeddy Will as our OPP Day Party Headliner! The event will also feature MC Jenny Boom Boom and DJ Craig G. Contact your YDS or email alumni@opp.org to join us for this exclusive OPP event!