Bridge Information

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Bridge Information

Executive Director Message

The Bridge is an evolving organization. By design, services change as needs of children in the community change. In recent years we have been serving young children, under the age of six, for the first time in our history. We also have enhanced our service to children traumatized by child abuse or domestic violence by offering the SPARCS group (Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress). Our Crisis Intervention service for runaway or locked-out youth has become expert at responding to locked-out youth with psychiatric problems.

History

In 1965, Palatine Township became the second township in Illinois to appoint a youth committee, made up of community residents, to identify problems confronted by youth in the community. Over the next few years a drop-in center opened, outreach work began, and a summer youth employment program was developed. When the Simon and Garfunkle song Bridge Over Troubled Waters became popular, the youth named the agency The Bridge. The Bridge Youth Services became the official name of the organization in 1976.

Mission

To help young people and their families achieve social and emotional health.

Our mission here at The Bridge is to help young people and families achieve social and emotional health. The Bridge accomplishes its' mission by providing comprehensive counseling and therapy services, specializing in the many emotional or behavioral problems facing youth and their families. Counseling is available to preschool-age children (Early Childhood Behavioral Health Program) and youth through age 17. Mentoring programs are also available for children 7-15 years of age.

Services are available to all Palatine Township residents regardless of ability to pay.

Our Accreditation

The Bridge was accredited by the Council on Accreditation in June 2002,
following a rigorous review of its programs, services and administrative process.
We received re-accreditation June 2010.
Accreditation is done every four years.
COA accreditation logo

Service Area and Scope

Presently, The Bridge serves children through age 17 and their families.

All programs and services are available to those who live in Palatine Township.