For much of the past two decades, much attention has been paid to preventing individual teenagers from getting into trouble. Social workers and counselors have concentrated on addressing issues in the lives of particular teens. More recently, people have begun to focus on creating positive self-esteem, strong personal skills, and a sense of personal values in individual youth.
But there is another level that can have a positive, potentially broader impact as well: finding ways to build strengths in communities so that all young people are supported, nourished, and empowered to grow up healthy.
The Bridge offers the following six core programs (To see what is specifically happening each day, please click here)
- Drop-In
Presently Drop-In is offered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during after-school hours. It provides a safe place for kids to be where they are able to relax, play games, socialize and develop relationships with peers and adults
Drop-In is staffed by adult volunteers who take the time to invest themselves into the lives of the youth. Relationships are formed—perhaps in the game room playing pool, ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, or in the gym playing basketball, roller-hockey, or skateboarding. Our vision is to reach out to youth through relationships with peers and adults, meeting them at their point of need and drawing them into a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Through on-going interactions, these relationships are deepened, so that these youth know that they are cared for, loved, and prayed for.
- Bridge 2 Excellence
The program is held at the Bridge Ministry Center’s computer lab every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school. Each day starts out with a Bible study that will focus on developing godly character. Students will then have time to concentrate on homework with the help of a mentor. In order to provide critical relationship building opportunities, we strive to not let our mentor-to-student ratio exceed 3 students to one adult.
- Suspending Bridges
The Suspending Bridges Program is an alternative to out of school suspension which has been developed in partnership with the local middle schools. This program offers families the option of sending their child to the Bridge Ministry Center instead of going home to an empty, unsupervised home in the event of school suspension. This program follows a structured schedule including time for physical activity, homework, community service, social competence, career exploration and behavior management. Students are evaluated daily based on participation, attitude and accomplishments. These evaluations are given to the student, parents and school administration. At the end of each school semester, middle school principals evaluate noticeable changes experienced by the school through the use of the Suspending Bridges Program. In this manner we are able to track positive changes in the lives of students involved.
- Faith & Fitness
THE "I AM THIRD" BRIDGE BASKETBALL TEAM
The Bridge basketball team was created to give 13-18 year olds the opportunity to be involved with a team. Any student that was unable to make the school team and/or simply wants to play in a structured team atmosphere is encouraged to play. The team is grounded in the “I am Third” Credo and uses the God first, others and the community around us second and myself third teaching philosophy throughout. Players commit to taking care of themselves, respecting others, being on time, listening and following directions, participating in a team community service project and involvement/leadership with Bridge devotional activities. The team provides an opportunity to get to know kids and build relationships in a small group setting. The three month season consists of weekly practices, small groups and games against Barnabas, Urban Youth Ministries, Alumni, and Area Teachers.
- Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones is designed for elementary school (specifically 3-5 grade) students to become acquainted with the Bridge Youth Ministry Center. It is a loosely structured program, revolving around athletics, arts & crafts, group games, and a snack center. At the beginning of each program day the students and volunteers come together for a time of singing and an overview of expectations. The day ends with a short Bible lesson, prayer, and dismissal. It meets every Monday from 4 to 5:30.
- Bridging Out
Bridging Out is both a Summer and school year program. This program is intended to be a way for kids to do fun activities, build mentoring relationships with peers and adults, and learn how to enjoy serving the community. Bridging Out during the school year takes place on every other Friday from 3:00 to 5:00pm.