Western Chester County Life|
A neighborhood bridge to opportunity By Rachel Cathell, WCCCC On any given afternoon, kids make their way down Olive Street in Coatesville. Youthful sounds echo from the door they’re headed for- this is the door to the Bridge Academy Community Center. Inside the auditorium is a vibrant mural of the neighborhood, a representation of the heart of the center. “From the beginning it has always been about the neighborhood and the families.” said Jordan Crans, Executive Director of the Bridge. The Christian faith-based community center totes a dynamic list of offerings because its mission is a big one- to equip youth and families with the tools for academic achievement, life skills, creative expressions, spiritual growth and leadership. As Jordan puts it, “We walk alongside the kids and their families as much as possible” and that task is done through many avenues that influence both school and home life.
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Some activities found at the center include after school programming and homework help, life skill building, recreational activities, creative arts and opportunity. As a whole, the Bridge serves as a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where youth can grow and develop into themselves through pathways that interest them. Each age group at the center is set on a different path that fits their academic and social level. “We have a special focus on building literacy and helping children to navigate their educational journey to be academically successful.” Jordan formerly worked as a teacher and recognizes the need for multi-layer support systems in a child’s school life and home life. She says the two go hand in hand. “We act as a liaison between teachers, kids and parents. We advocate for our families but are a partner with everyone to give that extra support.” Jordan explains that the center is truly a “bridge” between the two. “You can be a really good kid but still can slip through the cracks, we try to fill those cracks.” Academics is a major focus at The Bridge and so is accessible opportunity. Jordan explains, “We work to provide opportunities to our kids that they might not always have access too.” This work paved the way for the creation of a wood shop, art classes and partnerships with outside organizations, like sleep away summer camp at the Camp at Old Mill. These community partnerships provide the kids access to new activities and events that build their network. The center also offers specialty programs such as the Mom’s club, Teen night and The Ways of Gentlemen program designed to teach and challenge young males to prepare them for manhood. Most of the youth at the Bridge come from the surrounding neighborhood. “We live in the community so 2022 • Volume 10——
