Bridges helps ...
with a hand up, not a hand out. We offer pragmatic solutions to tough problems. The staff and volunteers strive to support consumers in reaching their goals. We know that it is a long "row to hoe", but we believe that if you have the desire, and work hard, you can make your dream and realize a better quality of life. We want families to realize their future. Programs are geared to encourage each member of the familiy to systemically change their life. A positive outlook, the willingness to make hard decisions, work hard ... nothing is impossible. Whether its the Second Wind Program or buying your first home, if you're ready ... so are we.
Transitional Housing
Bridges offers a comprehensive 18-24 month program which educates and empowers families in crisis to become stable and independent. Trained case management professionals help families overcome barriers, learn to budget and manage resources responsibly, and determine a realistic plan of action toward setting and meeting their goals. Over 90% of the families which participate in our program are able to provide stable, permanent housing for their families.
Permanent Housing
Permanent affordable housing is the biggest need in the Delaware County area. Bridges also develops and operates low income rentals at below fair market rate. The agency has a First Time Home Buyer's Program for eligible individuals and, when available, Rent-to-own projects. Units are all clean, well maintained, and physicaly able to meet the needs of the families. The housing provides a safe setting for families while they work at attaining their goals.
Camp Run-A-Muk
A structured and organized summer day camp for children 5 to 13 years old. The day camp provides fun and interesting learning activities in a safe positive environment for each child.
Summer Youth Employment Training Project
There is nothing tougher than being a teenager. This program is for teen students 12 – 15 who are in good standing within the Bridges program. The project exposes teens to primary skills required to secure future employment, time management, people skills and the operation of office equipment. Trainees are given a stipend and summer long opportunity to hone entry level job skills.
End Summer Hunger Program
With a grant from the federal government and private funders we are able to provide food for homeless children, who normally receive free or reduced fee breakfast and lunch during the school year. This year, caring community givers along with a grant from the Indiana Department of Education have raised over $10,000 to help low income families feed their children.
EFNEP
This eight week course works with consumers in becoming more aware of the nutritional needs of their families and how they can approch them, still staying on budget. Both classroom setting and hands-on experience go a long way in frugally meeting the nutritional needs of the family The program also provides information pertainig specifically to children's needs.
Employment Assistance
Bridges offers temporary, part time employment opportunities to eligible consumers. This effort provides additional work experience, skill training and additional income to the individual. This program is only available when there is adequate funding.
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School
Bridges helps both adults and children attend, and stay in, school. Case Managers work with the GED trainer in securing needed Federal, State and private funding opportunities to help parents become better educated and attain the training that will give them more marketable job skills. For children staff advocates for parents with the school system, purchasing needed equipment, clothing, etc. that is needed to participate and complete classes. We know educations is one of the keys to success.
After School Study Table
Study Table is for all children, but especially designed for the child who has barriers in the school experience. This program addresses specific issues which face children in school, with a one – on – one tutor who focuses on a child's individual needs, with a goal of improving each child’s school experience.
School Supplies Program
When school bells chime parents can quickly feel the pinch of clothing, books and supplies. Children within our program are given backpacks, 3 ring binders, paper, pencils, pens and other assorted school supply necessities to help them prepare for a successful school year of learning. Many time, help can be given to allow students to participate in extra-curricular activities, ie. band, sports, etc.
Computer Skills Class
Basic Computer Skills are taught one – on – one. Individuals learn keyboarding, Windows programs, how to set up an email account and surf the net.
GED Adult Education
An in house teacher is provided to help single parents succeed in obtaining their GED diploma, and prepare for advanced educational opportunities.
Bed and Britches
An incentive program offering new and used clothing for babies and young children up to size 4 T. As well as baby equipment from cribs to diapers. This program is managed, and staffed, by volunteers from the area's social service agencies.
Parenting Class
Taught on an ongoing basis. This series of classes will give each parent the effective, positive- focus information and tools to enhance the home environment and promote a better quality of life for each child.
Budgeting Class
Will teach the skills necessary to create a good life by living within a budget and successful strategies to rescue and clean-up bad credit. How to establish good credit, investing in a savings plan, and how to stay focused on these goals.
Job Shop
A series of classes designed for individuals re-entering the job market. These classes give each person the information and tools necessary to secure employment.
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