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Elevating youth voice and leadership is at the heart of our work at The Bridge. Through our Youth Advisory Board (YAB), youth who have been program participants at The Bridge use their voices to influence change within the organization. Recently, we’ve taken significant steps in our commitment to honoring youth voices by welcoming YAB members to The Bridge’s Board of Directors.
In late 2025, six graduating members of YAB were selected to join the Youth Voice Leadership Initiative, an intentional path to join The Bridge’s Board of Directors. For these youth joining our Board of Directors, this is a full-circle moment that has taken years of building upon leadership and advocacy.
These young leaders have shared their truths at the State Capitol, told their stories to our commUNITY at special events, informed decisions about our programming, practices, hiring, and more. Now, they have the opportunity to build upon their leadership as members of our Board of Directors.
“The Bridge deeply values youth input and youth voice along with following through on growth without losing their vision, identity, or intent,” reflected Anya, an emerging Board Member. “This is so important due to the often very delicate nature of supports needed at the various programs within the Bridge.”
We look forward to following the lead of youth voices as we continue to live into our deepest values at The Bridge.
Read How We’re Elevating Youth Voices and Developing Strong Leaders
One thing that sets The Bridge apart from other shelters is the way we come together as a community. From monthly gatherings in the courtyard to group outings and more, there is always something to look forward to. Take a look at some recent highlights:
- We celebrated Earth Day by launching our new Garden to Fork program! Garden to Fork brings youth, staff, and volunteers together to grow food and plant pollinator gardens for joyFULL bouquets. Together, we got our hands dirty and planted the seeds for these healing gardens. We’re excited to continue growing together!
- Youth and staff from Resilience House, The Bridge’s emergency shelter for youth ages 10-17, took a trip to the International Festival of Minnesota.
Youth shared food and experienced music, art, dance, traditions, and cultural demonstrations from over 70 nations, building a deeper understanding of each other’s heritage. - Looking ahead, the team at The Bridge is planning activities all throughout June for Juneteenth and Pride Month. Stay tuned!
On behalf of the youth and staff at The Bridge, thank you to everyone in our commUNITY of support. In the last month alone, we have been reminded of the abundance, love, and care that’s out there. Here are a few highlights:
- Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church surprised The Bridge with a deeply meaningful and unexpected financial gift. This surprise donation came at a time when many federal dollars have been cut or restricted, leaving funding streams uncertain. We’re deeply grateful for their generosity!
- Our partners at Wayzata Community Church raised over $28,000 towards The Bridge’s mission during their Easter Sunday offering. This meaningful gift is a bold reminder of what happens when commUNITY comes together to ensure youth are safe, accepted, and supported.
- Students from Chanhassen High School donated a semester’s worth of in-kind gifts, including over 300 wellness kits for the Mobile Youth Outreach Center. Thank you to these incredible students for supporting your fellow youth!
- Our friends at Ardent Mills came by for an afternoon of volunteering. Their team helped prepare the courtyard for the spring and summer seasons. Together they removed bushes, raked leaves, and made our space look beautiful!
- We celebrated our amazing weekly volunteers at a special appreciation lunch. Thank you to Carol, Kitty, Helen, Kathy, and Seth!
- The Minnesota Roller Derby invited The Bridge to table at their final bout of the season. Attendees kindly donated socks, snacks, and hygiene products. Thank you to the Minnesota Roller Derby for welcoming us into your community!
