CT Must Invest in Opportunities for At-Risk Youth to Forge A Better Future for All of Us
/by Erica Soares
I am here today not only as a youth representative but as someone who has lived the experience of disconnection.
Growing up, my world was filled with challenges that could have defined my future—homelessness, the incarceration of a parent, sexual assault, the loss of a parent, and an environment shaped by drugs and violence. At times, it felt like the system was stacked against me, leaving no clear path forward.
What changed my trajectory wasn’t luck—it was people and programs that believed in my potential when I couldn’t see it for myself. Coaches, mentors, and initiatives like GEAR UP gave me the tools to not only survive but thrive. They helped me see possibilities I didn’t know existed. Because of those opportunities, I graduated high school, pursued higher education, and am now working toward a master’s degree and a sixth-year certificate.
But my story isn’t the norm. Too many young people don’t have access to even one person or program to help them see their worth. Instead, they’re left navigating systems that feel more like barriers than bridges to success. This is why the Opportunity Youth Initiative matters so much.
Disconnected youth face challenges that go beyond being out of school or work. For them, it’s about survival—finding stability, accessing resources, opportunities to dream of something bigger are often out of reach. Yet, the systems designed to support them often fall short. From underfunded prevention programs to shelters that lack capacity, the message young people receive is that they’re on their own.
For justice-involved youth, we need a stronger focus on restorative practices and mental health support rather than disciplinary actions. Clear pathways to reintegrate into society and access resources that promote healing and growth are critical. The biggest opportunity lies in creating truly integrated systems where services collaborate seamlessly.
Today, I see many faces I’ve worked with over the past year—breaking down silos between education, justice, behavioral health, and community programs to create a network of support. This work inspires hope for a future where every young person in Connecticut feels seen, heard, and supported.
In 10 years, I hope we’ve built a system where access to opportunities is no longer based on ZIP code or status. Universal access to mental health services, career exploration, and skill-building programs must become the standard. Addressing disparities in education and creating safe spaces for young people to grow, learn, and feel valued are essential to this vision.
As someone who has tested these systems, I know how disheartening it is to follow all the steps—make the calls, fill out the forms—only to face dead ends or endless delays. For a young person already struggling, these barriers reinforce hopelessness. It makes me angry because it doesn’t have to be this way.
We must design systems that meet young people where they are, with no waitlists for opportunity. Programs like workforce development, life skills training, and mental health support aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities. Equity should be a given, not a goal.
Personally, I feel like I’m still catching up in this space. While I find this work deeply important, I often feel like I’m just beginning—bringing my story to the table but yearning for my talents to be fully utilized. Too often, opportunities are shaped by access to leadership pipelines or an understanding of systems like politics. When those aren’t accessible, people are left behind. That’s part of my story and why this work matters so much to me.
Let me share an example. In my role with Waterbury PAL, I work directly with youth facing homelessness, mental health struggles, and justice involvement. One young girl in my Girls Program came to us feeling disconnected and unsupported. Through mentorship, resources, and care, she began to rebuild her confidence and take steps toward her goals. It’s stories like hers that remind me why this work matters and how transformative these programs can be.
I urge policymakers to treat youth not just as beneficiaries but as partners in shaping the systems that directly impact them. Disconnected youth aren’t problems to be solved; they are partners in building solutions. By empowering them with workforce programs, trade opportunities, and equitable systems, we’re not just helping them succeed—we’re shaping a stronger future for all of us.
And it’s not just about the here and now.
Investing in these opportunities pays dividends later in life—both economically and socially—by creating stronger, more capable individuals who give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Opportunity gives young people the chance to dream bigger, build résumés, and grow into leaders. These opportunities create ripples of change that extend far beyond the individuals they serve.
We can’t afford to do nothing—it’s a cost our community cannot bear. Together, we can build a system that works—not by chance, but by design.
Thank you for your time, for believing in this mission, and for being part of this vital conversation.
Waterbury resident Erica Soares spoke at a news conference at the Connecticut State Capitol on December 5, 2024 advocating legislative action to provide resources, coordinated data sharing and programmatic support to help 119,000 at-risk and disconnected youth in Connecticut get back on track. Learn more at https://www.ctunitedway.org/opportunity-youth/
