BRUNSON LIBERTY HOUSE
Bridge and Liberty Mutual Open Brunson Liberty House
This summer, Bridge and Liberty Mutual opened Brunson Liberty House, our new independent residence. The home was purchased with a $1.3 million gift from Liberty Mutual. Much like the first Liberty House in Dorchester, Brunson Liberty House is a home for youth who have completed our Transitional Living Program and who are ready to move on to the next stage and continue to build on their independence.
“The first Liberty House model is already having a profound effect on supporting youth in building a foundation for their future,” said Melissa MacDonnell, President of Liberty Mutual Foundation, Vice President of Community Investments at Liberty Mutual. “We are honored to once again support Bridge Over Troubled Waters in moving this vital work forward.”
In October, the first group of youth moved into the home and began working on mastering their skills. “This is where I will truly learn to be independent. Here, I will have the opportunity to explore careers, to work on my credit, and to go back to school,” said one new resident.
Brunson Liberty House is named after Richard Brunson, who served as a counselor and social worker at Bridge for over 40 years. During his time at Bridge, Richard led the clinical team and saw hundreds of youth, all of whom benefitted from his unique way of connecting with people. Richard has the ability to listen to youth without judgement and understand their hopes, fears, and dreams. His work was an inspiration to all at Bridge and former youth still frequently reach out to share stories of the incredible impact Richard had on their lives.
Bridge celebrates youth at graduation
On August 28, 2024, Bridge held a graduation ceremony to celebrate 15 young adults who recently completed their HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) exams or other academic programs. The youth gathered in front of family, friends, and Bridge team members at Suffolk Law School, where they donned caps and gowns and stepped up to receive their certificates of academic achievement.
“This moment is not just a reflection of our intelligence; it is a testament to our resilience, strength, and unyielding courage.”
— Jacob, Bridge graduate
The ceremony featured three youth speakers, the first of whom was Antonio, recipient of Bridge’s Leadership Award. Antonio gave an uplifting speech, saying, “It’s tough to get a diploma, but believe me, earning a HiSET credential is just as challenging—and it’s a great achievement. This accomplishment has opened doors for me and has laid the foundation for my future.”
Salutatorian Samuel also delivered inspirational words, reminding his fellow graduates, “It’s time to look forward, not backward. As they say, the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason.”
Finally, valedictorian Jacob spoke and recounted the obstacles that he and his fellow graduates had faced,
saying, “Many of us have confronted challenges that, at times, seemed insurmountable. Some of us have endured the hardships of homelessness, navigating the uncertainty and difficulties it brings.” But, Jacob noted, the overcoming of those obstacles is cause for celebration, saying, “This moment is not just a reflection of our intelligence; it is a testament to our resilience, strength, and unyielding courage.”
Overall, it was a great day for graduates, friends, family, and the Bridge team members that attended, especially our hardworking Education & Career team, who have guided our students through the HiSET process and assisted those working on individual academic programs as well. The department is a core part of our program, helping youth take the next steps towards their futures. This event is an opportunity for Bridge to celebrate the hard work of our team members and most importantly, the persistence, dedication, and intelligence of our inspiring young people.
Throughout November (National Homeless Youth Awareness Month), Bridge will be featured on digital, MBTA and street-level signage in the greater Boston area. This campaign is called #WhatISayWhatIMean, and is focused on sharing real quotes, directly from our youth, about their experience of homelessness.
A youth might say to a friend, “I like working overnight shifts,” but the meaning hidden behind their words is, “I don’t have a place to sleep at night.”
This powerful and personal campaign inspires us to learn more about youth homelessness and the young people it affects.
Keep an eye out for these ads, and tag us when you see us at @bridgeotw!
BRIDGE LEADERSHIP
Meet our new Director of Residential Programs, Jimmerall Jones!
Meet Jimmerall Jones, our new Director of Residential Programs! Jimmerall has been with Bridge for three years as the Associate Director of the Transitional Living Program (TLP) and the Single Parent House (SPH). He will now take on the additional responsibilities of the Emergency Residence, the Welcome Center, and Brunson and Liberty Houses.
During his time at Bridge, Jimmerall and his team have increased the yearly number of youth served in both the TLP and SPH, with over 80% of residents successfully transitioning out of the programs. Jimmerall has spent 30 years in human services, working for Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), the Home for Little Wanderers, and Clifford Academy.
“It takes a village to help our youth. I’m proud to be a part of the Bridge team,” said Jimmerall.
BRIDGE BLURB
NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE
Brunson Liberty House opens!
Meet Jimmerall Jones, our new Director of Residential Programs. Bridge youth graduate in style. See photos from the 2024 Bridge Annual Gala and Auction!
BRIDGE 2024 GALA
On November 1, 2024, Bridge hosted our Annual Gala & Auction, where we were thrilled to celebrate the Honorable Martin J. Walsh for his efforts over the years to help fight youth homelessness. Thank you to our co-chairs Chuck Clough, Josh Kraft, and Bob Reynolds for their support and to all who attended and helped us raise critical funds for Bridge!
