Moment #15: 2001 – Bridges mentoring and tutoring program begins to serve Chicago House youth

The Family Support Program’s youngest residents take part in after school and summer programming through the Bridges program. Bridges activities are designed to inspire a commitment to learning and individual responsibility, social and emotional competence, character values, and self-esteem. Through Bridges, the youth of Chicago House, whose lives are marked by poverty and instability, are able to develop ongoing relationships with an adult role model and improve their academic performance. In Fiscal Year 2020, over 80% of youth enrolled in Bridges reported stronger connections to school, family, community, and their peers as a result of their participation in the program. The Family Support Program offers housing, case management, and other supportive services for HIV and AIDS-affected families that include dependent children. Designed for families facing homelessness and poverty in addition to AIDS, the program works intensively with both the parents and children.