A sizable grant received from the Connecticut General Assembly will support the West Hartford-based Bridge Family Center’s ‘Turning Points’ program for at-risk youth and young adults.

Submitted 

The Bridge Family Center in West Hartford recently received a grant in the amount of $100,000 from the Connecticut General Assembly, pursuant to Public Act 19-117 to support their Turning Points program. Through age appropriate interventions and life-skills training, at-risk youth and young adults from 4-26 years old will benefit from the diverse services and activities that comprise Turning Points.

Recognizing the importance of reaching youth at an early age and providing supportive adult role models throughout their childhood development, Turning Points delivers a continuum of services through its Family Resource Center, Teen Center, and supportive housing program.

For younger children, the program includes two four-week sessions for children entering kindergarten who have not attended preschool, after-school enrichment activities, and a children’s theater group. Middle and high school youth are offered one-on-one mentoring, life-skills workshops, and Teen Center programming. For adult teens and young adults, job training mentoring, addiction recovery support groups, and assistance in transitioning to independent living are available.

“Through these various activities, approximately 280 children will have the opportunity to improve their self-esteem, build social skills, form healthy relationships, and increase their confidence and ability to make positive life choices,” said Margaret Hann, Executive Director of the Bridge Family Center. “The goal of the program is to connect youth with their greater community and help at-risk youth improve their academic performance and avoid dangerous behaviors. We greatly appreciate State Rep. Tammy Exum for advocating for the Bridge to receive this funding and enabling us to reach and serve this vulnerable population.”

“I am happy to secure this new grant for the Bridge Family Center,” said Exum. “The Bridge Family Center has been doing wonderful work for children of all ages and backgrounds, from birth all the way through young adulthood. The afterschool programs, mentoring services and risk prevention programs give children and families the tools they need to develop mentally and physically. They make stark, life-changing improvements in outcomes for participants and our community,” she concluded.

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