Newsletter Spring 2020 | bridgeotw.org
ORGANIZATIONAL UPDATE
Bridge’s 50th Anniversary in the midst of COVID-19: An Update from Executive Director Elisabeth Jackson
As we recognize this important milestone in light of the current circumstances, we are especially grateful to our staff, partners, and supporters, past and present, who have stood with Bridge youth no matter what. Bridge’s COVID-19 Response
Recognizing 50 Years of Service This year, Bridge is recognizing an important milestone: 50 years of service to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth in Boston. Bridge has always been committed to meeting youth “where they’re at” with the support they need to transition out of homelessness and to self-sufficiency. Starting with street outreach and our Mobile Medical Van in 1970, our range of programs now includes independent supportive housing at our Liberty House, college and career support, and a robust clinical counseling program. Over the last 50 years Bridge has helped tens of thousands of youth and learned a lot along the way. Our wide range of supportive programs are informed by the latest developments from the field and our decades of first-hand experience.
Bridge’s COVID-19 response started in mid-March 2020 and along each step of the way, the young people we work with have remained our central priority. We have made updates to our programs and spaces to ensure continued access to critical Bridge services while protecting the health and safety of our youth and staff. While COVID-19 is having a tremendous impact on all of us, youth at Bridge are especially vulnerable. Because they lack critical resources, many of the choices the rest of us are making for the sake of our own protection – to stay home, avoid public transportation, and limit our time in open spaces with other people – are not options for them. Continued on page 2...
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Bridge’s 50th Anniversary in the midst of COVID-19: An Update from Executive Director Elisabeth Jackson continued… In addition to widely recognized safety measures, including physical distancing and wearing protective gear, Bridge has implemented the following to help protect the health of our youth and staff: • additional overnight program space in the Emerson College dorms to safely meet increased need; • staggered mealtimes, alternating positions between beds, and increased access to shower and laundry facilities; • additional emotional support to help youth manage their mental health and heightened anxiety; • remote counseling sessions and educational support for youth; and
STAFF PROFILE
Meet Brian, from Street Outreach Worker to Staff Support Consultant Brian Miller, LICSW, LADCI, first joined the Bridge team in 1980. In the following four decades, he has served the organization in several roles, supporting both youth and staff. Brian started at Bridge as a Street Outreach Worker, focused on meeting youth out in the community and on the Mobile Medical Van, connecting them with services at Bridge. Brian transitioned to the Street Outreach Coordinator and managed Bridge’s outreach programs. He then became a Clinical Counselor and met youth in a clinical setting, helping them manage their mental health.
• timely and transparent updates and additional support resources for Bridge staff. On behalf of our staff and the youth we are honored to serve, thank you to everyone who has reached out with support over the last 50 years and during this difficult time - together, we’ll come out of this stronger than ever. With gratitude,
Brian as a street outreach worker posing with the Bridge Mobile Medical Van in Harvard Square in 1980.
WAYS TO HELP
Become a Bridge Builder Your monthly gift to Bridge provides steady, generous, and sustainable support to ongoing programs for youth and helps us prepare for emergencies like COVID-19. Sign up online at www.bridgeotw.org/monthly or contact Patrick Likely at plikely@bridgeotw.org or 617-423-9575 ext. 239.
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Bridge is where I first witnessed that people can surmount unbelievable barriers and allow others to help them with some of the most difficult problems that humans face. That has had an impact on my own life and my work to this day.
Beyond his work with Bridge, Brian has diverse experience in direct practice, consulting, and teaching. He has served both the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Bureau of Substance Abuse Services and holds an Assistant Clinical Professor position at the University of New Hampshire. Today, Brian serves as Bridge’s Clinical Consultant. On a weekly basis, he meets with program teams to train on subjects including mindfulness practice, self-care, and counseling techniques at the forefront of the industry. He calls on his robust history working with youth at Bridge and beyond to provide support for our program staff and managers. About his experience at Bridge over the last 40 years, Brian says, “Bridge has taught me about the resiliency of people, and how against all odds, folks can not just survive, but thrive.”
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YOUTH VOICES
THANK YOU
Bridge Donors Lend a Hand and a Mask Bridge is tremendously grateful for our community of supporters who have donated funds, supplies, and time to support homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth at Bridge. As we continue to react appropriately to COVID-19, your ongoing support is critical.
These are extraordinary times and I can’t imagine a better way to invest in the future. - LINDA SIMARD, BRIDGE ADVISORY COUNCIL
Unaccompanied homeless youth are always afraid, but that fear has multiplied exponentially during the COVID-19 crisis. As it has since 1970, Bridge Over Troubled Waters is there to offer assistance. - THE BOSTON FOUNDATION
Many thanks to everyone who has donated funds, supplies, and galvanized their friends and family to support Bridge. For a full list of donors supporting Bridge’s COVID-19 response efforts and information on how you can join them, visit www.bridgeotw.org/covid19.
Bridge announces new project with the City of Boston and Emerson College
COVID-19 has brought with it significant changes and hardships for all of us - and youth* at Bridge are no different. BRUCE, 21
Bruce is a senior at a local university in Boston. He was looking forward to walking at graduation - with his Bridge family cheering him on - when he received notice that his campus and residence hall would close for the rest of the semester. Our staff helped Bruce move all of his belongings back home to Bridge’s Liberty House. Back at Bridge, Bruce is finishing his final semester remotely and with the support of our staff, preparing for life after graduation.
JAIMIE, 20
Jaimie was eight months pregnant and couch surfing when she first connected with Bridge. She was already anxious about motherhood and finding a safe place for her and her new baby when COVID-19 hit, making things even more difficult. With only a few weeks to her due date, Jaimie moved into Bridge’s Single Parent House (SPH) and staff helped her get a crib and other supplies for her baby. In early April, Jaimie welcomed her healthy new baby home to Bridge’s SPH.
TYLER, 19
In early May, on WBZ | CBS Boston News, Bridge Over Troubled Waters announced a new partnership with the City of Boston and Emerson College to provide temporary housing for the growing number of youth who are experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. This program will provide overnight respite for 20 additional youth in the Emerson College dorms. To learn more about this new project and watch the full conversation between Elisabeth and Mayor Walsh, visit Bridge’s website.
Tyler is a resident in Bridge’s Transitional Living Program (TLP). Until recently, he was taking classes at a local community college and working part-time at a retail store. Due to COVID-19, Tyler was laid off from his job and required to complete his classes remotely. Bridge is providing Tyler with extra support since he lost his job and staff in our TLP helped him develop a plan to stay on track at school during this difficult time. *Some names have been changed to protect the privacy of Bridge youth.
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