On June 13 RYSAP (Regional Youth Substance Abuse Program) announced a name change and rebrand, which went into effect on June 6. The organization is now known as Catalyst CT.
The name change was accompanied by a new logo and updated tagline: “Empower People. Transform Community.”
Originally founded in 1985, the organization was formed under the auspices of the United Way of South Coastal Connecticut. At its founding the focus was on preventing the abuse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco by young people in Bridgeport and the surrounding communities in Fairfield County. As RYSAP, Catalyst CT made important inroads on its original mission and began to work on other issues like gun violence, school engagement, and social justice.
“For nearly 40 years we have been a trusted partner to foster change and tackle many of the issues we face, from reducing gun and youth violence to supporting and coordinating initiatives related to social and emotional learning, mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse and problem gambling,” said Catalyst CT president and CEO Marc MacDonald in a video announcing the change. “We too are building for tomorrow. Thus we are revitalizing our brand. With it comes our new name. Why Catalyst CT? Because for 40 years we have been an active advocate and community partner… in short, we have been a catalyst for change.”
