James Farrales, LCSW, ACSW - President and CEO

James (Jim) Farrales has been a member of the executive leadership team at Continuum of Care since 1999 and currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer. Throughout his tenure, including his previous role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Farrales has demonstrated a strong record of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and fiscal stewardship.

Over the course of his career, he has secured more than $30 million in funding, including $23 million in annualized service contracts and $7 million in capital investments. These efforts have played a significant role in the organization's growth, helping expand Continuum of Care from a $2.6 million annual operating budget when he joined the agency to an organization with annual revenues exceeding $60 million today.

Mr. Farrales has consistently championed innovation to improve outcomes for individuals and communities served by the agency. He established Continuum's Quality Improvement Program, fostering a culture of accountability, performance measurement, and service excellence through the implementation of organizational standards and benchmarks. He also led the implementation of the Medicaid Rehabilitation Option (MRO) initiative, Medicaid Waiver programs, and comprehensive Corporate and HIPAA compliance frameworks.

A strong advocate for recovery-oriented systems of care, Mr. Farrales spearheaded the integration of Recovery Support Specialists into the agency's workforce in 2010. By employing individuals with lived experience in recovery, Continuum has strengthened its ability to provide peer-based services that promote hope, engagement, and positive outcomes for the individuals it serves.

Mr. Farrales is equally committed to workforce development and community partnership. Under his leadership, Continuum has maintained strong relationships with colleges and universities throughout the region, providing internship and field placement opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students seeking hands-on experience in behavioral health, social services, and related disciplines.

Recognized for his collaborative leadership, Mr. Farrales has served in numerous regional leadership and advisory roles within the behavioral health and human services sectors. He is a current member and former Co-Chair of the Regional Alliance to End Homelessness and a current member and former Chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) administered by the United Way of Greater New Haven. He has also served on the Greater New Haven Coordinated Access Network (CAN) Task Force, the Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project Advisory Board, and Greater New Haven Opening Doors.

Mr. Farrales holds a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a member of the national Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW).