Career Resources, Inc. was founded in 1995 when it spun off from the region’s Workforce Investment Board in order to better provide direct services. CRI has grown into a stable, respected agency with more than 80 employees, programs operating throughout Connecticut, and a history of clean audits. CRI was recently chosen by the state of Connecticut’s Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to train all DMHAS staff and providers to better prepare clients for employment. It is the only non-profit in the state focusing exclusively on workforce development from the perspective of the disadvantaged clients, in need of both basic education as well as the attitudinal readiness provided by STRIVE, and of employers. CRI maintains a deep knowledge of employer needs and is a trusted and frequent partner of local and regional Chambers of Commerce, as well as the state’s largest business association, CBIA, and numerous non-profit agencies and advocate partners. Career Resources’ mission is to “prepare workers for life” – to provide the needed support and skills training to set people on the path not merely to get a job, but to continued education and a viable career with a sustaining living wage.