We are honored to name Forge City Works as the recipient of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s Outstanding Community Partner Award. Forge City Works is a powerful force for social change, providing job training and food access through sustainable social enterprises that empower individuals facing barriers such as poverty, incarceration, and homelessness. Their mission is rooted in the belief that “food brings us together,” and through this belief, they are creating opportunities for people to build better lives.

Forge City Works operates several impactful enterprises, including Fire by Forge, a chef-driven café and restaurant that offers both a unique dining experience and job training opportunities. Fire by Forge has twice hosted our Musician Sponsorship Dinner and reception as a gift to the organization, opened their doors to our Forte! Young Professionals Group for their Forte! First Friday networking events, and played home to countless donor meetings, partnership breakfasts, and stewardship initiatives.

They also run The Grocery on Broad, which provides affordable, nutritious food to the community through an income-based pricing model. These initiatives are deeply connected to their culinary and customer service training programs, which offer transitional employment and career-building skills to those in need.

The Hartford Symphony is inspired by Forge City Works’ commitment to fostering equity and dignity, aligning with our own commitment to fostering community engagement and access to the arts. We are truly inspired by their work and proud to recognize them as our Outstanding Community Partner

Please join us in celebrating Forge City Works as our Outstanding Community Partner.