Doug McCrory

Hartford Legislators, Blue Hills Civic Association Welcome $3 Million to Support Job Training, Youth Services

Today, state Senator Doug McCrory, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, and state Representative Joshua Hall, members of the Hartford legislative delegation, applauded the approval of $3 million by Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission to renovate and expand the Blue Hills Civic Association’s administrative office and training center. The upgrades to the 6,000 sq. ft. facility and addition of 1,500 sq. ft. would allow the community action organization to serve over 2,000 residents per year. The enlarged building would house a training and learning center, a teen center, administrative offices, and multipurpose spaces.

The Blue Hills Civic Association has empowered hundreds of people living in north Hartford’s neighborhoods through school-year and summer youth employment programs, access to internship and career readiness opportunities, helping formerly incarcerated individuals receive employment assistance, and supporting youth-led community organizing to improve public safety.

“It is unquestionable the generational impact that the Blue Hills Civic Association has had on Hartford’s communities, particularly the city’s future leaders and changemakers,” said Sen. McCrory. “The benefits of this sizeable investment in the BHCA will be felt both in terms of expanding their facility and programs offered, but also in the lives of the community members they serve. I’m grateful that the governor and the members of the State Bond Commission also see the profound positive effect the BHCA has had on Hartford residents.”

“The Blue Hills Civic Association is committed to uplifting Hartford families. I am so pleased we can support their mission with this investment of state funding,” said Speaker of the House Ritter. “I want to thank Sen. McCrory, Rep. Hall and my colleagues from the Hartford delegation who worked so hard to see this through.”

“I am pleased that funding has been secured for the Blue Hills Civic Association. The impact this will have on families in the North End will reach far and wide. It’s investments in a program like this that will continue to uplift and build the surrounding community,” said Rep. Hall.

“On behalf of the Blue Hills Civic Association (BHCA) I want to express our sincerest gratitude to State Senator Doug McCrory and State Representative Joshua Hall, who have championed BHCA’s cause regarding the betterment of our community for many years. I also want to thank House Speaker Matt Ritter, who listened to the voices of our residents and supported his colleagues in this endeavor,” said Executive Director Vicki Gallon-Clark of the BHCA. “Many thanks to Governor Ned Lamont and members of the State Bond Commission, who approved the $3 million dollars in funding to expand our facility in North Hartford.”

“This funding lays the foundation for a comprehensive training / retraining center and will allow us to partner with area educational institutions and local employers. As a result of these partnerships, BHCA will be able to create innovative programs, equip residents with the necessary skills to obtain employment in high growth fields, leading to viable career paths with sustainable wages – tying into BHCA’s organization’s mission and vision of creating stable and attractive neighborhoods and thriving economies,” continued Executive Director Vicki Gallon-Clark.

“The renovation of the Blue Hills Civic Association’s facility will enable this valuable organization to expand its services to the people of Hartford’s North End,” said Governor Lamont, who serves as chairman of the State Bond Commission. “I am glad that we can partner with the association to make this happen, and I appreciate Senator McCrory’s ongoing advocacy for this project.”