For May, my ShelterLess program is featuring Bridge Over Troubled Waters in Boston, MA.  When I delivered a check to this organization, I received a tour of their facilities and was impressed with their method and long record of helping our young persons in terrific need of guidance and refuge.  Back in the 1990’s, this organization helped a family member of mine in a time of need.  I remember how caring they were.

Bridge provides effective and innovative services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth, helps youth avoid a lifetime of dependency on social services, guides youth towards self-sufficiency, and enables youth to transform their lives and build fulfilling, meaningful futures.

Each year, Bridge connects with more than 2,000 homeless, runaway and at-risk youth ages 14-24:

• Bridge’s residential programs, which provide a safe, stable place for more than 250 youth each night. Youth living at Bridge have 24/7 access to staff, support in school and their careers and learn key life skills, like cooking, cleaning and budgeting, for their transition adult living.
• Daytime and overnight programming with safe, welcoming spaces for youth and access to basic needs including nutritious meals, shower and laundry facilities. Our comprehensive intake program meets youths’ critical and timely needs and sets the foundation for a trusting relationship with Bridge.
• Comprehensive behavioral health services to help youth manage their mental health, cope with past trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Bridge provides many different clinical services to address each youths’ unique needs, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychiatry.
• Support for youth who are in school including small group and one-on-one tutoring for youth who are working towards their high school diploma or HiSet and support for youth who are applying to, enrolled in and navigating financial aid for college. Bridge also works with youth on career exploration, resume writing and interview skills.
• Outreach programs that meet youth “where they’re at” in the community with basic needs, health services and to establish a connection that empowers youth to access additional services at Bridge’s downtown location at 47 West Street.  More information can be found on their website at: https://www.bridgeotw.org