Credible Messenger Training
In partnership with the City of Hartford and Full Citizens Coalition, CT State Capital invites individuals with past justice-involvement to join our Credible Messenger Training Program.
Use your life experience to help others and get paid while doing it.
This training will prepare YOU to become a change agent, who will support, assist, and facilitate access to community resources to people currently involved in the justice system. Training topics covered include: strategies for crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques; motivational interviewing skills; emotional intelligence and social emotional learning; self-care and more. A Mental Health First Aid Certification is included in the training. Credible Messenger Trainees can earn up to $100 per week for the duration of the training, which lasts approximately 10 weeks. Incentives will be provided for perfect attendance. Trainees will be provided with support from Full Citizens Coalition.
Who are Credible Messengers?
Credible Messengers are:
- Neighborhood leaders
- Experienced advocates
- Change agents
- Positive influencers in the community
- Individuals with relevant life experiences whose role is to help others transform attitudes and behaviors around violence.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Hartford resident
- Over 25 years old
- Lived experience with the criminal justice system – this can be direct involvement or secondary (e.g., family member was incarcerated).
- No criminal cases pending in court.
- Able to demonstrate a pattern of social/civic engagement.
- Ability to establish trusting relationships with clients, families, and community service providers.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Cost: Free for eligible participants
Session 2: 2/21/24-5/1/24, Mon/Wed, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Session 3: 5/15/24-7/31/24, Mon/Wed, 6:00pm-9:00pm
*Dates subject to change.
FAQS:
Credible Messenger
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. When/where is this program held?
When: Mon/Wed 6-9pm
· Note: the schedule will accommodate for federal holidays
Where: In-person, CT State Community College – Capital Campus at 950 Main St., Hartford, CT 06103.
2. Who is eligible:
· Hartford Resident
· Over 25 years old
· Lived experience with the criminal justice system – this can be direct involvement or secondary (e.g., family member was incarcerated)
· No criminal cases pending in court.
· Able to demonstrate a pattern of social/civic engagement.
· Ability to establish trusting relationships with clients, families, and community service providers.
3. Is this a credit program?
This course is not approved for credits through CT State. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a Credible Messenger Certificate of Training and a Mental Health First Aid Certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/).
4. What if I already have a Mental Health First Aid Certification?
We will need to see a copy of the certification, and this will be waived from the course requirements.
5. Where can I find the application? At this link: CREDIBLE MESSENGER TRAINING | CT State (capitalcc.edu).
The application is the form at the bottom of the page. Make sure you answer all questions as there are multiple sections!
6. Will there be an opportunity for employment?
Yes! Although completion of this program does not guarantee a job, the training you receive will prepare you for employment opportunities in Hartford and beyond.
7. What is the cost of the class?
The course is paid for by the City of Hartford.
Thank you for your interest in the Credible Messenger Training Program! If you know someone who would also be interested please feel free to share the link.
INFORMATION SESSIONS:
Learn more about the program. Staff from City of Hartford, Full Citizens Coalition and CT State will be present.
Wednesday, 1/10/24, 6:00pm-7:00pm
To sign up for the information session, email [email protected].
Please click below to view a recording of the information session:
Classes are forming now. Applications are being accepted now! Apply below: