HARTFORD, Conn. - TelAve -- Connecticut entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate Justin Calabrese has come forward with allegations of verbal harassment, abuse, and targeted unwanted attention related to his time in the Senior Pilgrim Fellowship (SPF) youth group at Wapping Community Church in South Windsor, Connecticut.

Calabrese, who was a member of the SPF program between 2004 and 2008, reports that during those years he experienced conduct he describes as "inappropriate, harmful, and emotionally distressing" from a then-minister affiliated with the program. According to Calabrese, the minister—who is no longer employed by the church—directed unwelcome verbal behavior and attention toward him throughout his teenage involvement in the youth fellowship.

Although the experiences date back nearly two decades, Calabrese states that it has only been in recent years that he felt prepared and safe enough to come forward publicly with his allegations. "Speaking about this took time, healing, and courage," he says. "No young person should ever feel targeted or unsafe in a place that's supposed to be supportive."

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In the years since these events, Calabrese has become an outspoken mental health advocate, using his platform to raise awareness about the lasting impact of religious trauma. He now encourages others who have experienced religious abuse, manipulation, or authority-based harm to seek help and speak up as early as possible. "Silence protects the wrong people," Calabrese says. "I want others—especially young people—to know that their voice matters and that healing starts the moment you step into the light."

Calabrese has initiated communication with leadership at Wapping Community Church, and both parties are currently engaged in discussions aimed at understanding and resolving these claims. The church has been informed of the allegations and has agreed to cooperate with Calabrese as part of a constructive and respectful resolution process.

"My goal is accountability, healing, and ensuring that no one else has to experience what I did," Calabrese says. "I am committed to working with the church toward a resolution that acknowledges the past and supports safer environments for future generations."

Calabrese, now an established Connecticut entrepreneur, author, and business consultant, hopes that coming forward will empower others who have experienced similar situations to speak openly and pursue healing without delay.