HARTFORD, Conn. — The City of Hartford is welcoming a new program that offers a second chance at life and a chance to clean up the community.
On Tuesday, they debuted their Neighborhood Ambassadors program.
Each neighborhood ambassador has a story of perseverance.
“I was recently released from incarnation in February and I really didn’t have anywhere to go,” said Daniel Kish.
Now, the ambassador program he is part of is offering people a fresh start.
“Upon release this time, I dedicated my life to change. I wanted to change,” said Kish.
And Kish found the opportunity to change by helping to clean the community.
The program was launched in 12 city corridors. It helped to create part-time jobs for eight people who are reentering the community from prison.
“I have children, you know, so I really want them to say my father is doing something positive and to be proud,” said Kish.
They will be working 25 hours a week for six months.
The program is a part of the city's Love Hartford initiative.
“From our prescriptive, this is a win-win," Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said. "We create a chance for folks to get a part-time job, build a new life, make a difference in their city and at the same time we make sure that our beautiful avenues are well cared for, loved, and that there’s a good constant presence along with them."
Their presence is already being noticed and making a difference by other community members.
“I really want to make this succeed because I want other people to have the same opportunity that I had,” said Kish.
The program is funded through American Rescue Plan dollars and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
DeAndria Turner is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at dturner@fox61.com.
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