Written by Louis “Lou” Fucci – November 16, 2021
As the end of my 10-year prison sentence approached I felt anxious, even fearful, about returning to my community. I faced multiple issues and insecurities: Where will I find approved housing? How will I feed myself? What will the communities reaction be? Positive answers to my questions began to present themselves after I was accepted into the Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center program.
The Justice Center is a wonderful non-profit organization in Hartford that works to rebuild the community while guided by the belief that people, including convicted felons, can change and become productive members of society. I began meeting with Jonathan and Adam remotely from prison 5 months before my release. They supplied me with a CoSA team of supportive community volunteers to advise and guide me and hold me accountable. Our weekly meetings gave me confidence and helped to restore my belief in myself.
Upon my release, I was greeted by the Justice Center staff and assigned my own room in a clean, modern apartment in a nice neighborhood. It was more than I could have ever hoped for. I soon discovered that the Justice Center was connected and respected in Hartford. They introduced me to a special community of non-judgmental, supportive, helpful citizens at The Listen Community Center, Cover Home Repair, and especially The Upper Valley Haven. With the guidance and support of the Justice Center and my CoSA team, I was able to find nice clothing, fresh, quality food, and appropriate medical care, and I began to successfully reenter the community I loved and had missed so much.
The Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center has provided me with far more than excellent transitional housing, they have given me a portal through which I returned to my community.
They have helped me rediscover my place in the world. I will be forever grateful.
