PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY

Bridges for Kids promotes the acceptance of children for who they are. There are no distinctions made for race, color, creed or family background. One definition of a Emalie-and-Janet-220“bridge” is: a means of connecting two different parts. Bridges for Kids connects adults who want to provide positive experiences to children from stressful home environments. Trained volunteers become mentors to children. The resulting relationships give children opportunities for activities that will result in increased self-esteem and a greater feeling of worth. The Bridges for Kids program began in January of 1980 as the Coalition for Children. It now provides children, ages 5 to 12, with positive adult role models. Each child is paired with a trained adult volunteer with whom they spend a few hours a week doing one-on-one activities. By establishing a trusting relationship, the child is provided with the opportunity to develop a positive self-image. Monthly group activities are also sponsored by the program.

Children and their families are also referred to agencies to help connect them with services that can help strengthen the family unit.

TO ENROLL A CHILD

If there is a child in your life who could benefit from our program, please stop by the front desk at the YWCA, or call 753-9651 to begin the application process or e-mail sarae@cortlandywca.org.

VOLUNTEER TO BECOME A MENTOR

  • Become a friend to a child
  • Reach out a helping hand
  • Increase a child’s self-esteem
  • Develop positive attitudes
  • Generate pleasant memories
  • Expand a child’s world
  • Share yourself . . . watch a smile grow!

If you are interested in becoming a Mentor you must:

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Enjoy being with children and non judgmental
  • Be willing to commit to at least 3 hours a week
  • Have a car

If you are interested in volunteering, please stop by the YWCA, call 753-9651, or fill out our on-line Mentor Application and email it to the attention of Sara Earl at sarae@cortlandywca.org.