Prevention Programs

Bridges for Youth and Families

Bridges for Youth and Families is a runaway and homeless youth program that can provide a “bridge” of communication between youth under the age of 21 in Tompkins County and their families.

We work with youth, and families of youth, who may be thinking of running away, have run away or are homeless and who want to reunify with their identified family. We offer culturally-sensitive services that are open and affirming for all youth and families.

Services we can offer:

• Information and Referral
• Advocacy
• Outreach and Education
• Family Mediation and Support
• Short-term Solution-Focused Counseling
• Intensive Case Management
• Transportation
• Short-term Emergency Housing
• Host Home Certification and Training
• Anger Management Groups
• Youth Advisory Committee Opportunities
• LGBTQQI Youth Group

All services are:

• Free
• Confidential
• Voluntary
• Accessible 24 hours per day

Program Philosophy

Bridges for Youth and Families provides transitional support during times of crisis. While building on natural supports and strengths, Bridges partners with youth and families to create individualized plans which encourage safety and security. The plans may involve working to solve a problem at home or in the school, locating a temporary living situation, or collaborating with other service providers to coordinate longer term support. Bridges helps youth and families overcome challenging situations by always advocating to keep their needs and desires in clear focus and as top priority. This philosophy is why Bridges for Youth and Families works. Bridges for Youth and Families offers several means of assistance when challenges compromise safety. These challenges can result in referrals from local schools, police departments, the court system, Department of Social Services, other local agencies, or even the youth themselves or families.

Volunteer!

There are many ways to volunteer for Bridges for Youth and Families. We are currently looking for individuals and families to volunteer as a host home.

Host Home Description

A Host Home is a voluntary family or individual who provides safe temporary shelter to a youth under the age of 21 who is experiencing a crisis in their family of origin. The average stay is five days and up to a maximum of 30 days.

Host Homes Provide

• A safe and supportive environment
• A bedroom for sleeping, a dresser, access to a bathroom
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of each youth
• At least three healthy meals a day for youth

Bridges for Youth and Families is partially funded by:

• NYS Office of Children & Family Services
• Tompkins County Youth Services
• Federal Basic Center Grant
• with project funding from local private foundations, and private donations

Community support is essential to support the lives of youth in our community. In addition to host home volunteers, we rely on the financial contributions of community members and charitable in-kind donations of any of the following items:

• Office supplies
• Hygiene items
• Gift cards