The Bridge was founded in 1969 to meet the
needs of youth in the West Hartford community who were engaged in
high-risk behavior, especially substance abuse, and who were getting
into trouble with the law. As we identified other issues facing
today's youth, we developed a variety of strategies and programs to
address these issues, broadening
our scope and expanding our outreach. Today The Bridge serves as a
comprehensive, regional nonprofit
agency offering a broad range of services to children, youth and
families in the Greater Hartford area, with particular attention to
those at risk.
The mission of The Bridge Family
Center is to foster healthy growth and
development in children, youth, and families through: Intervention ·
Prevention · Education · Resources and Referral. Services
provided by The Bridge Family Center fit into four program areas:
1.) Youth and Family Services,
including counseling and support groups, parenting services,
positive youth development and the Bugbee Ropes Course; 2)
Residential Services,
including the Bridge Youth Shelter, the Independent Living Program,
the Transitional Living Program, the Youth in Transition Program and
Therapeutic Group Home; 3)
Family Resource Centers; and
4)
Community Services.
With an
annual budget of more than $3.6 million, The Bridge Family
Center served nearly 8,000 young people and families last year.
Bridge Family Center services are funded by the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services; the State of Connecticut Departments of
Children and Families, Education, and Mental Health and Addiction
Services; the Town of West
Hartford; and private donations from individuals, foundations,
corporations and organizations.
The
Bridge is governed by a Board of Directors
composed of 10 individuals from the Greater Hartford community.
More than 80 staff members carry out the
programs and services of The Bridge, assisted by over 150
volunteers.
