New partnership strengthens trauma-informed care, mental health services, and family support programs across the region
Bridges Healthcare and Family Centered Services of CT announced their intent to unify into a single organization, strengthening and expanding services for children, families, and individuals across the Greater New Haven area.
With a combined 118 years of experience and a shared commitment to serving vulnerable populations, this union will bring together two established and trusted organizations with deep roots in the community. The alignment will enhance access to care, broaden service offerings, and create a more comprehensive, coordinated continuum of support for those facing complex behavioral health and social challenges.
Founded in 1957, Bridges Healthcare is the state-designated local mental health authority for Milford, Orange, and West Haven, providing recovery-focused mental health and addiction services for individuals and families. As a federally recognized Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, Bridges offers integrated, whole-family care and treatment.
Family Centered Services of CT, founded in 1977, is a leader in trauma-informed, community-based services and is based in New Haven. The agency supports children and families impacted by challenges, including domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness, intergenerational poverty, and special needs, offering a wide range of prevention, education, parenting, and empowerment programs.
Under the planned integration, Family Centered Services of CT will continue its important work as Family Centered Services of CT, a Division of Bridges Healthcare, maintaining its established name in the community.
“We have worked with Family Centered Services of CT for many years and truly value their work and commitment to the community,”
says Jennifer Fiorillo, President & CEO of Bridges Healthcare, who will lead the unified organization.
“By coming together, our combined strengths and naturally aligned missions will enable us to better meet the complex needs of the individuals and families we serve.”
The transition comes at a time when Family Centered Services of CT prepares for the planned retirement of its Executive Director, Jacquelyn Farrell, LCSW. Leadership from both organizations will work collaboratively over the coming months to ensure a smooth, respectful transition that prioritizes continuity of care and support for clients, staff, and community partners with no disruption to programs or services.
“This unification reflects our shared vision and years of partnership. I believe the synergy created by this combination will enhance and expand the services and supports available to those we serve and reach even more families in need.”
Says Farell, Executive Director of Family Centered Services of CT.
Together, the combined organization will offer approximately 30 programs and services across Greater New Haven, combining expertise in trauma-informed care, behavioral health treatment, violence prevention, care coordination for complex needs, and family-centered interventions. As long-standing working partners and collaborators, the unification brings together complementary strengths addressing both the clinical aspects of mental health and addiction, and the social and relational drivers of trauma.
Family Centered Services of CT and Bridges Healthcare anticipate that their integration will be effective this summer. During the transition period, both agencies will continue to operate as usual while working closely to align services and operations.
Both agencies have long histories of adapting and evolving throughout the years to best meet the needs of their communities. This collaboration marks the next step in that journey and reinforces a shared commitment to providing quality, person-centered, trauma-informed care to the children, families, and individuals of Greater New Haven.
About Bridges Healthcare
Bridges is the local mental health authority for Milford, Orange, West Haven, and the surrounding communities, offering over twenty unique mental health and addiction recovery programs for children, families, adults, and young adults. Bridges’ recovery-focused services support individuals with severe and prolonged mental illness, addiction problems, as well as emotional and behavioral issues. For more information about Bridges’ programs and services, visit bridgesct.org.
About Family Centered Services of CT, Inc.
Founded in 1977, Family Centered Services of CT provides trauma-informed, community-based services to children, youth, and families throughout Greater New Haven. The organization offers prevention, education, advocacy, and support programs addressing domestic violence, child abuse, and other complex challenges. Learn more at familyct.org.