History

Compassion. Transformation. Recovery.

Founded in 1967, CT Renaissance has provided behavioral health and criminal justice services throughout Connecticut to adults, individuals and families. We pride ourselves on continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of those we serve. Proactive monitoring of our programs and the state of our sector ensures that we are providing the most effective services for our clients and their families.

Our goal, since the inception of our organization, has been to provide clinically sound quality services that are individually tailored to each person served. Our goal is to help each individual reach their goals in order to achieve their potential.

1967

First Outpatient Behavioral Health Program Established

In 1967, Connecticut Renaissance opened its very first outpatient behavioral health program, marking the beginning of a decades-long commitment to supporting individuals and families impacted by substance use and behavioral health challenges. This pioneering program laid the foundation for Connecticut Renaissance’s person-centered, community-based approach to care—an approach that continues to guide its services today.

1969

Project Renaissance Officially Incorporated

The organization was incorporated as “Project Renaissance,” laying the groundwork for its enduring mission to deliver behavioral health and supportive services across Connecticut.

1971

Expanding Care: First Residential Treatment Program Opens

Recognizing the need for more intensive levels of care, Connecticut Renaissance opened its first residential treatment program. Offering around-the-clock support, evidence-based therapies, and a safe environment for healing, this milestone enabled the organization to better serve individuals with complex behavioral health and substance use needs. The launch of residential services reflected Connecticut Renaissance’s deepening commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives through a full continuum of care.

1973

Becoming Connecticut Renaissance

In 1973, the organization formally changed its name to Connecticut Renaissance, adopting the identity it still proudly carries today. The new name reflected the organization’s evolving mission to help individuals reclaim their lives and foster renewal through recovery, behavioral health services, and community support. This milestone marked a key step in establishing Connecticut Renaissance as a trusted partner in strengthening the health and well-being of communities across the state.

1982

CT Renaissance receives first drug treatment license under new regulations in Connecticut

1984

Launch of Waterbury East Work Release Program

Connecticut Renaissance opened the Waterbury East Work Release Program to help justice-involved individuals successfully transition back into the community. The program offers employment support, housing assistance, and behavioral health services to promote independence and long-term stability.

1989

Maple St. Work Release Program opens in Bridgeport

1999

CT Renaissance secures its first CARF Accreditation

CT Renaissance received its first CARF Accreditation, marking a significant moment in our history. This milestone validates our compliance with rigorous industry standards and reinforces our commitment to quality care delivery.

2000

First Bettor Choice Contract Awarded

In 2000, Connecticut Renaissance was awarded its first Bettor Choice contract, launching what would become a long-standing commitment to addressing problem gambling through professional, evidence-based treatment. This milestone enabled the organization to offer specialized services that support individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm, helping them build healthier, more stable lives.

2001

Opening of Waterbury West Treatment Program

With the opening of the Waterbury West Residential Treatment Program, Connecticut Renaissance deepened its commitment to helping individuals achieve lasting recovery. This Level 3.5 residential program offers adult men a safe, supportive environment where they can engage in evidence-based counseling, build life skills, and address both substance use and mental health challenges.

Each client receives personalized support to strengthen their path to lifelong recovery, with staff helping them secure housing, employment, and continued treatment as they transition back into the community.

2006

Launch of Central Avenue Work Release Program

Connecticut Renaissance opened the Central Avenue Work Release Program to help individuals returning from incarceration successfully reintegrate into the community through employment support, housing assistance, and behavioral health services.

2008

McAuliffe Center opened

The McAuliffe Center is a 3.7 Residential Enhanced level of care that provides on-site clinical services for adult male clients with co-occurring disorders who are in crisis. This program acts as a hospital diversion or step-down from an in-patient hospital stay. The length of stay is 30 to 45 days.

2017

Establishment of Waterbury Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic

In a key step toward expanding community-based services, Connecticut Renaissance opened the Waterbury Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic at 70 Central Avenue. The clinic broadened access to critical behavioral health care for individuals and families throughout the greater Waterbury area.

2018

Investing in Youth Success: LYNC 2 and LYNC 5 Program Contracts Awarded

Connecticut Renaissance expanded its impact with the award of contracts to operate the LYNC 2 and LYNC 5 programs—life-changing initiatives that connect justice-involved youth with the resources and relationships they need to thrive.

Through mentoring, skill-building, family engagement, and access to vital community supports, these programs help young people break cycles of justice involvement and reclaim their potential. With this opportunity, Connecticut Renaissance deepened its commitment to creating pathways of hope and opportunity for youth across Connecticut.

2019

ASIST Contract Awarded

Connecticut Renaissance was awarded the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) contract, enhancing the organization’s ability to provide critical, life-saving intervention training across the community. Through ASIST, staff and community partners gain practical skills to recognize signs of suicide risk, engage individuals in crisis, and connect them to immediate support. This initiative helps build safer, more compassionate communities while advancing Connecticut Renaissance’s mission to foster health, resilience, and recovery for those in need.

2024

Connecticut Renaissance Earns Top Workplace Award for Second Consecutive Year

Connecticut Renaissance is thrilled to announce that we have been honored with the Top Workplaces 2024 award, marking our second consecutive year receiving this prestigious accolade from Hearst Connecticut Top Workplaces.