At The Bridge, we know youth hold the wisdom to guide solutions to ensure all youth are safe, accepted, and supported. Recently, we gathered with youth, elected officials, board, and staff to celebrate the impact of youth voices.
In the most recent legislative session, The Bridge was awarded $1M in state funds to expand shelter and housing options for young families in Minnesota! This was made possible thanks to youth who advocated at the State Capitol, bravely shared their stories, and spoke up about what youth experiencing homelessness need.
As we gathered in commUNITY to honor these youth advocates, attendees enjoyed a special preview of our documentary short centered around young families.
Hear Directly From Young Parents
Thank you to Senator Scott Dibble, Representative Katie Jones, County Commissioner Marion Greene, and Representative Jessica Hanson for joining us as we celebrated this monumental win made possible by youth!
The Minnesota Vikings gave youth at The Bridge a very special experience to celebrate back to SKOL! Youth were surprised by a private meet-and-greet and Oakley shopping spree with the one and only Justin Jefferson! Jefferson took the time to make every youth’s experience unique and memorable, and we are extremely grateful.
“I have worked at The Bridge for three years now and have never seen a room of our youth light up like they did meeting Justin Jefferson,” shared Michael, Rita’s House Case Manager. “Justin helped each youth pick out their own new Oakleys and took care to make sure that each pair matched their personality and style, getting to know them personally in the process.
“The youth truly felt special and it was an empowering experience to get to be a part of their moment. Afterward, we were treated to dinner, and they showed each other all the cool new gear they got and talked about how jealous their friends would be of the time they had,” Michael continued. “The ride back in the limousine with everyone smiling in their new sunglasses was the epitome of cool!”
Moments like this are absolutely transformative for youth in shelter. Thank you deeply to Justin Jefferson and our partners at The Minnesota Vikings for your generosity and for giving youth this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As a youth-serving organization, one of our greatest joys is watching young people grow into leaders and achieve their goals. Recently, Youth Advisory Board Members, Nova and Jania, graduated from their positions and will be taking the next steps in their leadership as they join The Bridge’s Board of Directors.
“Something I always say is that if I can turn my story into something good and help others in some way, then everything I’ve gone through will have been worth it,” Nova shared. “It’s still so crazy to me how I was able to use my story to impact others. I couldn’t be more excited to continue to help today’s youth!”
For Nova and Jania, joining our Board of Directors is a full-circle moment that has taken years of building upon leadership and advocacy. Read more as they reflect on their time as youth at The Bridge and look forward to their next steps on the Board. Click here to read Jania and Nova’s reflection.
- Staff helped youth get energized for Back to School with a commUNITY BBQ! Together, we grilled, played basketball, and gave each youth a customized care package to kick off the year.
- Our friends at Xcel Energy spent their annual Day of Service at The Bridge. Volunteers set a new record for the number of yard-clipping bags filled as they cleaned up our courtyard for the fall season!
- Two-Bit Game Room generously donated a foosball table. Youth are now making new GOALS as they compete with each other and staff.
- The Fencing Booth at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival are using their unique platform (and exciting sword skills) to support The Bridge! Proceeds from their booth this year are supporting youth in shelter. If you’re at the festival, be sure to visit – En garde!
LGBTQ+ youth ages 12-24 are invited to The Homecoming GAYla presented by The Bridge for Youth on October 23rd. Come together to celebrate your unique identity in a safe space with your commUNITY.
For many LGBTQ+ youth, it can be hard to show up as your authentic self. This alternative homecoming event is a night to come together in community and celebrate your unique identity in a safe space.
Enjoy a free evening of dancing and drag performances with Luna Muse, interactive activities including live screen printing and a photo booth, free food, on-site gender-affirming resources, and more!
Message [email protected] for venue information and registration.
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