Pathfinders: Giving Runaway Teens a Path to Safety
The Bridge Family Center recently received a federal grant for $170,706 annually for the next three years to support Pathfinders, a Bridge Basic Center Program. The program provides emergency shelter and support to male, female and transgender runaway, homeless and street youth (RHY) under 18 years of age in the Greater Hartford area.
Pathfinders' objectives are to provide immediate safety for young people; build permanent relationships with family, caring adults, schools, and communities; and to foster healthy decision-making and long-term self-sufficiency. The ultimate goal is to ensure that these youth are equipped with the skills necessary to overcome life’s challenges. Youth will be referred to a variety of in-house and local services including family counseling; prevention and treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues; and opportunities to engage in education and life skills development.
"No one wants to picture the innocent faces of children, with sadness in their eyes and fear in their voices and associate it with the horrific reality of teenage homelessness. Yet it is real and it is prevalent in our communities," said Margaret Hann, Executive Director of the Bridge Family Center. "Homeless youth are at a greater risk for physical and substance abuse, sexual exploitation and mental health disabilities. We are so grateful funds from this grant will enable us to work with this vulnerable population and help them develop the necessary skills to move to independence and lives as healthy, productive adults," she concluded.
The Bridge is the only provider of comprehensive services for runaway and homeless youth in the Greater Hartford area. Each year, approximately 2,500 young people ages 14-24 access our wide array of services. Pathfinders is prepared to assist approximately 130 youth with emergency services and support. Of that number, we will offer emergency shelter with temporary stays of up to 21 days for between 15 and 30 of those youth.
Be inspired by a Pathfinders success story in this West Hartford Life article.
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