I am reaching out to share about the trip I took to New York City in October to represent the great work of you all here at The Bridge for Youth. The work of The Bridge’s outreach team is supported by the World Childhood Foundation (WCF), co-founded by Queen Silvia of Sweden and the Carlson Family Foundation here in Minnesota. Their mission is to end child sexual abuse and trafficking across the globe, and they have a US branch of the foundation.

As the Executive Director of The Bridge for Youth, a funded organization, I was invited to attend the WCF Gala in NYC as a guest. It was incredibly inspiring – and to be in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Silvia and Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine was truly an experience I’ll never forget. This foundation’s global work is making a real difference. It’s an honor to be funded by World Childhood Foundation.

The trip as a whole to NYC was tremendously productive and insightful, full of new connections and ideas. I met with Safe Horizon’s Streetwork project staff Sebastien, Director, and Courtney, Grant Writer – we sat together and discussed our programs (very similiar!) and they gave me a tour. It reminded me of The Bridge – the programming, youth centeredness, vibe, the features of the space, even their brand! While I was there, I met their staff who designed/leads the financial empowerment program (a best practice model for NY), who is from south Minneapolis. Such a small world even in big NYC!

What was impactful about the visit is that Safe Horizon connected us to 5 members of DYCD NYC who are very interested in the YSNMN.org, a real-time shelter, housing, and resource availability platform that The Bridge developed and manages for the Youth Service Network (YSN) Minnesota. Our teams recently met virtually, and they gleaned our insight on replicating in NYC. The DYCD team expressed excitement about this tool’s potential for ending youth homelessness in NYC because of its proven success and impact for youth and partners here in Minnesota. We will continue to stay connected.

I also met with Nadia of the Ali Forney Center, an LGBTQ+ housing and advocacy program – a newish program with huge growth and impact! They used to be located just blocks from Safe Horizon, but recently moved to Times Square in a huge new building – it was fascinating to tour their space and see how they are utilizing it. 

This was timely given The Bridge is actively seeking funding to expand our transitional living program and add new long-term supportive housing for young families to our portfolio. Nadia leads their national technical assistance program supporting other organizations in best practices working with youth who identify as LGBTQ+. What an organization!

Thank you for the opportunity to represent The Bridge for Youth in NYC and to make these valued connections with peer organizations across the country. If you are curious and want to learn more, please reach out to me at l.mears@bridgeforyouth.org. 

in BFY commUNITY, 

Lisa

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The strength and support of our commUNITY is amplified when we come together to empower youth who identify as LGBTQ+.

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to our enthusiastic entertainer, Luna Muse, and special guest speakers: Nova, Makenzie Nola, Senator Scott Dibble, Robert Kraemer, Dan DuHamel. Thank you to our donors, event sponsors, and attendees whose unwavering support furthers our mission to ensure all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.

Event Image Gallery

Thank you to our 2023 event sponsors:

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The Bridge for Youth intentionally (re)focuses, (re)invests, and (re)commits to personal and organizational transformation as we center youth voice, justice, and equity in all that we do to fulfill our vision of “all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.” In acknowledgment of our organizational commitment to transformation and in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are honored to share The Bridge for Youth’s Racial Justice & Equity Statement.

The development of the Racial Justice & Equity Statement grew out of The Bridge for Youth’s Racial Justice Cohort, which launched in the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. With intention, our organization held critical conversations, trainings, restorative circles, and created a new strategic plan. All of these elements built the foundation which has resulted in a Racial Justice & Equity Statement that harnesses the voices and shared vision of our BIPOC youth, staff, and Board of Directors.

At The Bridge for Youth, we recognize that this Racial Justice & Equity Statement is an iterative statement, one that will change, grow, and transform—just as we as individuals do and as our organization will evolve. Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we invite you to not simply review the Racial Justice & Equity Statement but to join us in action—to be accountable to uphold and propel fair treatment of people of all races, resulting in equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.

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“For The Bridge for Youth, racial justice is defined as the systematic fair treatment of people of all races, resulting in equitable opportunities and outcomes for all.”

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This year’s theme celebrates Indigenous Youth as agents of change for self-determination, which is a powerFULL descriptor of the agency provided at The Bridge for Youth. Every single day we are educating, empowering and/or developing Youth. Whether educating with life-skills, utilizing the 9 Guiding Principles of Youth Work to empower and serve, holding sacred space(s) for Youth to practice their cultural/traditional beliefs or providing basic (human) rights &/or needs (ie. Shelter, food, access to healthcare, etc., The Bridge remains committed to Youth. We are (re)defining what Youth work is as an emergence of new knowledge, energy, stories and strong alliances with Youth. 

It is a common belief throughout Indigenous culture(s), namely here on Turtle Island, that Children are Sacred; they manifest as Royalty. Entering this realm, self-actualized and Sacred. Wakaneja is Lakota for Children || English translation: sacred beings. Here, at The Bridge for Youth we often solicit feedback from Youth to inform programming and what we’ve learned is simple: Respect the Sacred. This is how we achieve our mission/vision:

1. Support Youth vision
2. Show up and show-out for Youth. Shut-up and listen
3. Protect. Assist. Support Youth with their challenges
4. emPOWER Youth, awaken the Leader 
5. Believe in Youth and let them lead the way

Youth are not Leaders of tomorrow but rather, Leaders of today. So, today, as The Bridge for Youth celebrates International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we’ve invited a commUNITY leader to offer a Spiritual Blessing and Ceremonial Prayer(s), a cleansing of programmatic spaces using Sacred Medicines, as well as a Land Acknowledgment. Therein, respecting and protecting the Sacred.

By: War Miner || Racial Justice & Equity Manager

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Thank you for being part of The Bridge for Youth commUNITY

On Sunday, June 11th we commemorated Black Liberation, and we celebrated our BFY commUNITY at the 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration Block Party at The Bridge. Liberation is love when we create intentional spaces, celebrations, and communities where we can show up as our true and authentic selves and be celebrated, supported, and loved. When one of us thrives, we all thrive – especially youth. Our vision is a community where all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.

Thank you to our 2023 event sponsors:

Thank you to our 2023 media sponsor:

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Liberation is love at The Bridge for Youth where all are able to show up as their true and authentic selves without concern for conflict, judgment, or oppression. We believe when one thrives, we all thrive. This is heArt work. We are not performers nor are we exploitative. Rather, we possess and invest in these intrinsic values:

Patience – We give space for youth to make decisions on their own timeline in their own way.
Love and Caring – We believe in acceptance, empathy, and non-judgment.
Communication – We engage in intentional dialogue to understand each other’s truths.
Integrity – We actively learn, grow, and change to align our actions in equity and justice.
Co-Creation – We seek connection to amplify the voice of youth and each other.
Community – We stand together for youth and for each other.

Since the Murder of George Floyd, The Bridge for Youth (re)committed to personal and organizational transformation as we center racial justice and equity in all that we do in fulfilling our vision of “all youth feel safe, accepted and supported”.

So, it comes as no surprise, that on this day of remembrance and reverence that we hold space for youth and staff at The Bridge to heal and be in community and belonging with one another. The Bridge is deeply committed to protecting and celebrating Black Lives – youth, staff, and community – this day and all days. To deeply honor and actively restore the commUnities and heArts that have been systemically attacked, harmed and/or targeted throughout history.

Here’s a glimpse of how we center youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do at The Bridge:

• Grow a “liberation is love” organizational culture
• Celebrate Black excellence
• Prioritize healing activities, circles, and restoration
• Contract with consultants in anti-racist trainings 
• Commit to staff and board representation, identities, and lived expertise that is reflective of youth at The Bridge
• Invest in sustainable and highly competitive compensation and benefits 
• Audit and update human resource practices, policies, and procedures

This week we intentionally honor the many Black lives lost to police brutality in Minnesota. Please take a moment to remember those who have been murdered by police brutality via this Star Tribune article or visiting the “Say Their Names” cemetery located at George Floyd Square. #saytheirnames

Howard Johnson | Andrew Teckle Sundberg | Amir Locke | Kokou Fiafonou | Winston Smith Jr. | Daunte Wright | Dolal Idd | George Floyd | Nekeya Moody | Noah Erickson | Ronald Davis | Kobe Dimock-Heisler | Mario Benjamin | Isak Aden | Thurman Blevins Jr. | Cordale Handy | Philando Castile | Jaffort Smith | Jamar Clark | Sam Holmes | Marcus Golden | Charles Logan Sr. | Edmond Fair | Terrance Franklin |Alden Anderson | Melvin Fletcher Jr.

*Since the year 2000, at least 229 people have been killed in encounters with law enforcement in Minnesota; this is a backwards, chronological list from 2023-2012 of Black lives lost to police brutality.

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Event Image Gallery

Weren’t able to make the event?

Please consider a donation today.

Thank you to our 2023 event sponsors:

Thank you to our 2023 media sponsor:

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The Bridge is a safe place for all Youth. To address the many issues & challenges that
houselessness may cause. If you know of a youth in need of shelter, basic needs or a Safe Place, send them to The Bridge because if we don’t speak about it, it can happen to yOur Youth.

Today & everyday, The Bridge stands in Solidary with commUnity to spread awareness & raise visibility about an epidemic that yOur Indigenous Womyn & Two-Spirit relatives are facing. Protect Black & Indigenous Womyn & Relatives by any means necessary. Protect the Sacred. #MMIW2S #nomorestolensisters #mmiwawareness

*The significance of the red handprint, painted across the mouth, is a symbol used to indicate solidarity with MMIW2S Relatives. It raises awareness & brings attention to the voices of MMIW2S that have been silenced.

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Our vision is a community where all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.

How Do We Support Youth Who Identify as LGBTQ+?

• Mobile, street, and site-based outreach at schools, businesses, libraries, transit centers, community centers, parks, etc. Our staff are Greenbag Certified through Streetworks’ with specialized training in harm reduction, including NARCAN and sexual exploitation.   
• Text-4-Help and Crisis Line staffed 24/7/365 available to youth, staff, parents/legal guardians. 
• Emergency shelter in Resilience House and Gloria’s Place.  
• Supportive housing in Marlene’s Place and Rita’s House. 
• So What if I Am weekly support group.
• Youth empowerment and leadership on The Bridge Youth Advisory Board.  
• Case management and specialized supports for youth who identify as LGBTQ+.
• On-site mental health supports with a licensed therapist and mental health practitioner.
• Family meetings to facilitate reunification whenever safe and possible.
• NEW APRIL 2023 Support group for parents and legal guardians.

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“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, and confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow”

On behalf of The Bridge for Youth, I express our deepest gratitude for the bravery and beauty of youth, for the love and patience of our staff, for the caring leadership of the board of directors, and for the generous hearts of our community. 

Together, we center youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do, and empower youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships. United, we envision a community where all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. 

For our #BFYcommUNITY, we are deeply grateful. Have a gentle and joyous holiday season. 

Much gratitude and grace, 

Lisa Mears, Executive Director 

The Bridge for Youth 

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