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RTCTAutismFRecchia6pm_2025-12-07-18-20-10

By order of Mayor Joe Ganim today is Charles Fuller Day in Bridgeport, as our Frank Recchia tells us tonight that special designation has been a lifetime in the making. I love to be able to be of service to people. News 12 Connecticut has followed the life of 53 year old Charles Fuller Junior, a beloved Bridgeport figure who has autism for more than a decade. On St. Patrick's Day, I received 3 presents from that wise man from when we took you behind the scenes with Charles during production of the NFL film Meet Charles Fuller Jr. about his longtime friendship with football legend Jerry Rice. You want to go to the mountain with me? What is it? Do you want to run the hill? Listen. 0000, I'll, I'll take you on in any. I'll take it. I, I'm that I'm that type. To when Charles was singled out for his autism advocacy by the Building Hope Foundation to end a news swell report help Charles get housing after he'd become homeless following. The tragic deaths of his mom, father and sister. Charles Fuller Junior is not just one of the crowd. um, he's a player on the field and bringing awareness and fighting against autism and helping others. All of those efforts bringing him on this day a very special honor. Do hereby proclaim. This day, Charles Fuller Day in the city of Bridgeport. Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim and Senator Richard Blumenthal say Charles's future looks bright and that he is a legend in his own right. And he is a real wide receiver for autism enlisting and elevating. This community. When I work with Frank, I go out there and I got that mindset like you have. Charles, that's him walking in the door, is certainly no stranger to the spotlight, but he says it's when people are not watching, when folks especially need to treat each other with kindness. When you think there isn't hope there is. And I'm the proof of that because I, no matter what I go through, I always stay positive, be positive and kind, he says, come what may a perfect sentiment on Charles Fuller day, beautiful day. I love it. I love it. I love it in Bridgeport, Frank Recchia, News 12, Connecticut.

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RTCTBptManMentalHealthFRecchia6pm_2025-05-03-18-58-22

A member of the Bridgeport community shining a light tonight on the need for a more compassionate approach to mental health care. Our Frank Recchia has the story. It may look like bottles and cans, but the 52 year old Charles Fuller of Bridgeport, who has autism, they are his bread and butter and more. I love it. I love it. It helps me out with my, it helps me out with my mental health. And because every clank is money in the bank, Charles is headed back out to give the world a shout. Hardworking people, dedicated, I love coming here in the mornings. He's come to a bottling can return center where they won't let us film inside. Charles walks away a short time later with 3 extra bucks in his pocket. He's right back to collecting cans a few minutes later. Enough money to get me some food, you know, and I tell you I'm a very happy, very happy camper. Charles is one of an estimated 80% of people with autism who also suffer from mental health issues. You know what happened to me was, you know, I went through some hardships in my life. You know, I had to grow up real quickly, you know, uh, my father, he passed away in 1984 of a car accident, but in spite of it all, Charles has remained surefooted. I could either sink or swim, but. I made it. Do what I love. And during Mental Health Awareness Month, he's encouraging everyone to do what they love, simple things like spending time with family. And I've always lived with the mantra to treat others the way you want to be treated. Charles, who's also written a book of poetry, says the reason he's speaking out is to tell people that no matter what you're going through, that there is hope and that anything is possible. In Bridgeport, Frank Recchia, News 12, Connecticut. And anybody in need of mental health care is encouraged to contact Life Bridge in Bridgeport. We'll have more information on that on News Twelve.com.

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Fuller says his longtime friend, football great Jerry Rice, sends a video to kick off the walk every year.

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