Bridgeport man turns life around after prison, helps others battling addiction through new community center

"

Mark Grasso, of Bridgeport, says it's nothing short of a miracle that he's working as a recovery coach for the Bridgeport nonprofit Family Reentry, where he helps people who are struggling with addiction. "I had my own battle with addiction, and it landed me in prison -- but now I've turned my life around and am very proud to be helping others," Grasso said. Family Reentry will be holding a grand opening Monday for its new Recovery Community Center at 75 Washington Ave. in Bridgeport. "The center will provide desperately needed recovery support services -- everything from one-on-one coaching for people struggling with substance use and mental health challenges, to helping folks find jobs and housing," said Michelle Harter, who heads up the new center. "We're starting the center thanks to a $1.5 million federal grant, and we'll work in partnership with other nonprofits throughout the community to battle the fentanyl epidemic, which is killing people at a staggering rate, both here in Bridgeport and across the state and nation," Harter said. "