Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) provides intensive and long-term case management services to over 3,500 youth (ages 14 to 24) throughout Hartford, CT. OPP case workers develop individualized employment and education plans to help participants make a successful transition to adulthood.  Partnering with local schools, colleges, government agencies, and private employers, OPP empowers young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead healthy, productive lives.

EMCF Investment and Business Plan Highlights

Since 2004, the Foundation has invested $2.75 million in Our Piece of the Pie to develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term business plan. Over four years, OPP successfully realigned its array of services around the goal of long-term employment for youth, and eliminated or transferred several programs that did not fit this core mission. The organization also underwent a major re-branding campaign, changing its name from Southend Community Services to Our Piece of the Pie to reflect its citywide focus on Hartford and on helping youth gain access to opportunity.  Despite significant government funding cuts in 2005 and 2006, OPP exceeded its youth-served targets in 2007.  It also recruited additional senior staff to provide operating leadership and development depth.  Over the next two years, the organization plans to complete implementing an agency-wide performance tracking system, as well as to strengthen internal operations, improve the quality of its programs, and diversify its funding base.

For more information about Our Piece of the Pie, visit its website at www.opp.org.