News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Rain
57°
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics

'Close the gaps.' Over 70 people honored for job perseverance at The WorkPlace's 23rd annual awards ceremony

The event also recognized people who have turned their lives around, like job seekers who have overcome significant barriers, and individuals who were formerly justice-involved and are now thriving professionally.

Justin DeVellis

•

Jun 23, 2026, 9:21 PM

•

Updated

Share:

More Stories

It can be difficult to stand out in today's job market.

Just ask New Haven's Brandon Moore.

"I've applied for many different positions," Moore says, "From warehouse worker to cook to retail to working traffic control."

Moore attended college in Maryland, but in the years that followed, he says he struggled to find a career that spoke to him.

That was until he moved back to Connecticut and got involved with The WorkPlace's "Platform to Employment Youth" program.

"I've always been in the music field, played drums my entire life," Moore says. "When I came home, I wanted to find a career, something that made me proud to say I do, and I found that with 'Platform to Employment Youth' with music engineering."

Moore was one of 70 honorees recognized at The WorkPlace's 23rd annual awards ceremony at CT State Community College Housatonic in Bridgeport Tuesday night.

The event also recognized people who have turned their lives around, like job seekers who have overcome significant barriers, and individuals who were formerly justice-involved and are now thriving professionally.

"We have put together an organization that collects funding," The WorkPlace CEO Joe Carbone says, "and we use it to close the gaps that people have between their ambitions and their realities."

The organization also helped Stratford's Da'Jaye Cooper launch her career.

"If you need some guidance, some help... there's nothing wrong with that," Cooper says. "As long as you get it from the right people, you'll be perfectly fine."

Top Stories

01:44
BPORTSTABBING_2026-10-10-11-00-49

Man hospitalized, another arrested after street fight in Bridgeport ends in stabbing

01:49
CT 1P

STORM WATCH: Rain and wind today in Connecticut from remnants of Hurricane Isaias

00:33
Screenshot 2026-10-11 094207676575

News 12 Networks takes home 26 Emmy Awards

AP26284378134410

Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery to remove a nodule on his lung

01:55
FRANKXMASBAND_2026-10-10-11-01-10

Bridgeport Youth Drum Line beats a path to rebuild Christmas Village tradition

00:44
RTREGCTCommunityBabyShower10102026VOSOTVO930pm_2026-10-10-22-15-43

Bridgeport Hospital hosts community baby shower for expecting parents in need

00:51
BPORTCRASHES_2026-10-10-07-08-23

Bridgeport police investigate 2 overnight deadly crashes less than a half hour apart

01:39
Screenshot 2026-10-09 164435

SBA offers low-interest recovery loans to Bridgeport-area residents & businesses suffering from Sept. flash floods

01:52
dennis bradley 2

Former state senator will remain free on bond despite re-arrest on ballot charges

00:21
MTCTMilfordAttacks1009_2026-10-09-21-42-55

Milford sees uptick in crimes against homeless population

01:32
hhm

'Keep these traditions alive.' City of Bridgeport celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

00:26
Screenshot 2026-10-09 164219

2 teens charged in fire that burned playground to the ground in Ansonia

00:34
Screenshot 2026-10-09 164117

Police dog tracks down driver accused of leaving scene of pole-snapping crash

01:30
Screenshot 2026-10-08 162909

‘Treating the City Like a Trash Can.’ Bridgeport deploys task force against illegal dumpers

00:25
Screenshot 2026-10-09 071235 edited

Denny’s serves up syrup-filled sneakers with return of ‘Sticky Kicks’

01:47
Screenshot 2026-10-08 213530

'Stop selling nicotine and cannabis to our kids.' Stamford community calls for more smoke shop accountability

01:51
Screenshot 2026-10-08 213100

Tired of high gas prices? Sen. Murphy says 'a deal does not sound imminent' after Middle East trip

00:20
Screenshot 2026-10-08 212303

Bridgeport man accused of stealing cash, car from Trumbull daycare

02:14
Screenshot 2026-10-08 174355

Jesup Road Bridge replacement moves ahead in Westport

00:24
Screenshot 2026-10-08 060851

Ski mask-wearing suspect armed with tire iron accused of attempted robbery at Oakville convenience store

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices