All Resources

Alliance for Community Empowerment - Diaper Bank

Alliance for Community Empowerment

Free diapers, period products, and adult incontinence products for families in need through partnership with The Diaper Bank of Connecticut. Two pickup locations in Bridgeport.

Mon-Fri; call for pickup schedule

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Alliance for Community Empowerment - Head Start

Alliance for Community Empowerment

Federal Head Start and Early Head Start programs at 13 sites across Greater Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Stratford. Full-year preschool for children 0-5 from low-income families. Part-day (9am-1:50pm, free) and full-day (7:30am-5:30pm, sliding scale) options.

Part-day: 9am-1:50pm; Full-day: 7:30am-5:30pm

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern CT

Youth mentoring program pairing children with adult mentors for one-on-one friendship and guidance. Community-based and site-based mentoring programs help youth build confidence, improve academic performance, and develop life skills.

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (office)

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Bridgeport Lighthouse After-School Program

City of Bridgeport Department of Youth Services

Free after-school program operating in 23 Bridgeport public schools, serving over 2,200 students daily. Programming includes academic enrichment, personal growth, social development, career readiness, arts, sports, and STEM activities. Runs from school dismissal to 5:30pm.

Mon-Fri, school dismissal to 5:30pm (school year)

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Care 4 Kids - CT Childcare Subsidy Program

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

State childcare subsidy program helping low-income families pay for childcare. Currently no waitlist in Connecticut. Co-pays capped at 7% of monthly household income.

Phone: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Catholic Charities - Room to Grow Preschool

Catholic Charities of Fairfield County

State-licensed and nationally accredited preschool funded by Early Start CT. Provides high-quality care and early education for children ages 3-5 from local communities. Multi-lingual staff.

School year hours; call for details

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Hall Neighborhood House - Youth Programs

Hall Neighborhood House

After-school program on the East Side of Bridgeport offering homework help, educational activities, creative arts, social skill building, and mentoring from current college students. Also runs summer programs for school-age children and teenagers.

After school hours; call for schedule

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Jerome Orcutt Boys & Girls Club

Jerome Orcutt Boys Club & Girls Club of Bridgeport

After-school programming including homework help, tutoring, recreation, arts and crafts, and organized sports. Summer programs available. One of the oldest Boys & Girls Clubs in the US (founded 1887).

After school hours during school year; summer hours vary

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Mercy Learning Center - Childcare

Mercy Learning Center

Free on-site licensed childcare for children ages 3 months to 4 years while their mothers attend literacy and education programs at the center.

Sep-Jun; hours align with class schedules

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club - After School Program

Wakeman Boys & Girls Club

After-school program for kids and teens in grades K-12. Enriching programming promoting academic success, character development, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.

Mon-Thu 2-6pm; Fri 2-6pm/8pm

Before you go: Bring the child's birth date, parent or guardian ID, income information, and any Care 4 Kids paperwork.