Detailed Program Information
"The Bridge" program structure is based upon the Nurtured Heart Approach developed by Howard Glasser to cultivate and support success through the use of positive energy focused on individual accomplishments and strengths. We strive to use "natural consequences" to eliminate unhealthy behavior and support healthy goal-directed behaviors. We respect and recognize choices and dreams of the Service Partners we work with.
The youth are usually in transition to a more permanent placement. SDYS has the capability and resources to successfully step-down youth to our FFA level foster care program and also transition youth to "Take Wing" our transitional living program when a youth turns eighteen and can no longer reside in group home or foster care placement. SDYS "The Bridge" also has an emancipation program for appropriate youth. If reunification is possible with family or guardians, this is our primary goal.
The Youth receiving services at "The Bridge" usually have life histories involving domestic violence, neglect, abuse, abandonment, delinquency, substance abuse and/or other life traumas that have resulted in a court-ordered out-of-home placement for their own safety and well being. During a stay at "The Bridge," youth are provided with critical opportunities to:
-
Attend an educational program that is most appropriate based on individual need. -
Plan and participate in recreational and cultural activities. -
Receive ongoing physical and dental health care. -
Participate in our comprehensive independent living skills (ILS) programming. -
Benefit from inclusive Dual Diagnosis (substance abuse and mental health) treatment wherein individual, group and family therapy as well as psychiatric evaluation and medication management services are provided, as needed. -
Pursue individual instruction related to interests. -
Experience new and exciting opportunities. -
Develop employment skills and become employed within the community. -
Learn the independence skills necessary for them to be successful as independent young adults within their communities.
Services available to both residents and non-residents include a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week Hotline for crisis couseling, information, and referrals. This toll-free number is: 1-866-715-6405.
While at The Bridge, youth are able to decorate their rooms -- filling them with personal items -- to match their unique style and make it comfortable.
Contact Information
The Bridge
Ph: (619) 521-3939
Fax: (619) 521-3935
24-Hour Hotline:
1-866-7156405
A special thank you to the following supporters of The Bridge:
Callaway Golf Foundation
County of San Diego
Design with a Purpose
Martin and Francis Kilgalon
Marx Family Foundation
San Diego Unified School District Community Services Association
St. Germaine Auxiliary of the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation
Thomas Ackerman Foundation
|
|
A place to call home: The Bridge porch and front yard. SDYS maintains a non-institutional, home-like setting at The Bridge.
A Personal Story: Doug Crosses The Bridge to get Help, Healing and a Place to Call Home
When Doug arrived at The Bridge he had been removed from an emotionally and physically abusive household. Although our staff worked to make him feel comfortable, Doug was not immediately receptive to his new situation. He did not trust adults and kept his guard up for a very long time. Eventually, due to the enduring support and care from staff at The Bridge, Doug began to open up. Through our Dual Diagnosis Services, he developed healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the effects of his difficult family situation.
As his 18th birthday approached, the time came for Doug to age-out of The Bridge. While at The Bridge, Doug had secured a part-time job and re-enrolled to finish his high school education. Thanks to his hard work in both of these areas, Doug qualified for housing in our Take Wing Transitional Living Progam. Terry Brown, Center Director for The Bridge, explained, “Doug's chaotic past had prevented him from being able to properly prepare for independent living. If it wasn’t for the collaboration between Take Wing and The Bridge he would have suffered the fate that is all too familiar to youth who 'age-out' of the system -- a life on the streets with no place to call home.”
Over the year leading up to his 18th birthday, Doug and the staff at both Take Wing and the Bridge worked collectively to support his continued partnership with SDYS. He was very excited to celebrate his birthday by moving into his own Take Wing apartment. Currently, Doug continues to work toward self-sufficiency at Take Wing.
|
