We are deeply saddened to acknowledge the recent heartache and turmoil that has shaken the Twin Cities community. Our heartfelt sympathy to the loved ones of Renee Nicole Good – a poet, writer, wife, and mother. As a member of the Minneapolis community for over 50 years, The Bridge for Youth stands in solidarity with our neighbors and denounces all forms of violence that threaten the life, care, and safety of our community.
Our vision is for a commUNITY where ALL youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. As an organization rooted in cultural teachings and our collective values, we recognize youth as sacred beings who deserve to live, lead, and thrive free from harm.
For youth in need of safety or support, The Bridge is a safe and welcoming place, 24/7. Please text 612-400-7233 or call 612-377-8800 to reach our advocates and find support.
For youth feeling alone and unsafe, The Bridge is here for you. We believe in a community where ALL youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. Here’s how we can help:
- We’re available 24/7. Stop in, call 612-377-8800, or text 612-400-7233, no matter the hour.
- We have trained, culturally responsive staff who work directly with youth.
- Emergency shelter and housing for youth who find themselves in unsafe, unsupported situations.
- Emotional support and delivery of food and supplies for youth who are afraid to go out or are sheltering.
- Our Mobile Youth Outreach Center delivers food, clothing, cold weather supplies, harm reduction items, and hygiene needs to trusted community sites.
- Connection to legal supports and other critical resources.
- Case management and advocacy for youth who have been harmed.
- Therapeutic supports including 1-1 therapy, support groups, and family therapy (when appropriate).
- On-site medical director for immediate access to health assessments and screenings.
- Connections to school and/or work with transportation while at The Bridge.
- We support single, unaccompanied youth ages 10-24 and youth who are pregnant and/or parenting with children ages 0-3.
Since 1970, The Bridge has been supporting youth. For youth feeling afraid and alone, we are here for you.
At The Bridge, we walk alongside youth on their journey through healing. One way we do this is through our new Crime Victims Support Group. Hear directly from group facilitator Bryson Dyce to learn more:
“Youth attending our Crime Victims Support Group find love and care at every session. Members of this group have experienced crimes like domestic assault, bullying, or sexual exploitation. In this space, youth find resources, learn tools for healing, and build resilience in a safe space.
A typical session includes check-ins/icebreakers, programming, and activities. That sometimes means connecting with other organizations, like our friends at Queerspace Collective, where we joined them for dog therapy.
Another partnership came from the YWCA who helped in leading discussions on healthy relationships, communication, consent, safe sex, STIs, and birth control.
Other recent sessions included having youth make their own essential oil heating pads, holiday art, and a New Year’s celebration complete with plenty of food and games.
As the group continues in the new year, we look forward to welcoming more community partners at our sessions. Soon, we will be partnering with the Youth Law Project to talk about things like what it’s like to go to court, self-advocacy, and emancipation.
I’ve been excited to see the way our group has already grown and look forward to more sessions with youth.”
If you’d like to learn more about this support group, contact Bryson at [email protected].
Time and again, our commUNITY of support shows up in the best ways. We are so grateful to our donors for making our year-end campaign a success during a time when it matters most. Thank you to everyone who has helped ensure youth are safe, accepted, and supported over the holiday season. Let’s celebrate some more of the ways you have shown up recently:
- Volunteers from the Minnesota Viking’s PRISM group, their LGBTQ+ ERG, helped organize outreach inventory and surprised us with an Annual Sponsorship! Thank you to the Minnesota Vikings for your support – SKOL!
- Our friends at 3M helped deck the halls by decorating our front lobby for the holidays.
- The team at Xcel Energy helped us set up our holiday store and ran a donation drive to ensure all youth at The Bridge received gifts this season.
- CommUNITY members from Gay For Good and Fox Homes joined us at our annual gift wrapping event.
- High school student groups from Shakopee, Chanhassen, and Orono supported The Bridge through donation drives. Orono’s group even earned a write up in their local paper!
- Artist Bekah Worley is supporting The Bridge through a special run of illustrations. Click here to see her beautiful work and consider purchasing a print today.
- Countless donors contributed gift items, winter essentials, and more during our holiday in-kind drives. Thank you to everyone who showed their love and care to The Bridge this season. It truly made a difference and brightened our holidays.
