Bridgeport man who spent decades in prison helps formerly incarcerated citizens find path forward
Tony Barr says he works outside the network of Bridgeport nonprofits that are focused on helping the second-chance community. "They do a good job, but they can't help everyone -- and that's where I come in," Barr said.
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A Bridgeport man who spent 21 years in a maximum security federal penitentiary is now working to help formerly incarcerated citizens find a path forward.
When Tony Barr came home from prison 14 years ago, he says he received almost no help getting back on his feet.
"Nobody helped me get a job or housing or assisted me in any other meaningful way -- and now I want to make sure other folks who are coming home from prison get more help than I ever did," Barr said.
Barr says he has helped more than 60 formerly incarcerated citizens get everything from housing to employment.
One of those returning citizens, 55-year-old Patrick Williams, told News 12 on Wednesday that he's grateful for the help he's getting from Barr.
"It's life-changing -- because nobody else was helping me," he said.
Barr says he works outside the network of Bridgeport nonprofits that are focused on helping the second-chance community.
"They do a good job, but they can't help everyone -- and that's where I come in," Barr said.
Barr says he helped Williams get a job in the construction field.
"It's the first good job he's gotten -- and I did it through my own network of people who want to help with this effort," Barr said.
