DECADES OF DEVELOPING SERVICES WITH YOUTH, FOR YOUTH
Youth and young adults deserve to be respected, informed, supported, and empowered.
Bridgeway comes alongside our youth and young adults and helps them rise to their potential. In our 35 years of experience, we have refined our programs and services to meet the needs of youth and young adults as they transition out of care. Our approach is centered around working with youth, learning from youth, and equipping youth for their future. The voice of youth and young adults is included in all program initiatives, and their collaboration is a key component of their own care.
Youth and young adults' past experiences shape their future. Their strengths are celebrated and developed. Bridgeway is confident that our young people are on their way to surpassing the Province of Ontario's after-care statistics. They are progressing well to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for sustaining employment, housing, community resources, healthy physical and mental well-being, and positive relationships.
Over 80% of Bridgeway Youth graduate with their high school diploma.
OUR COMMITTMENT TO YOUTH INCLUDES:
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RESPECT – Our philosophy is centered around inclusion and acceptance. Youth participate and learn ways to advocate for themselves. They share their perspectives and their views are respected.
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INFORM – Youth are encouraged to participate in all meetings, to receive all information and updates about their care. They are informed of their rights and their responsibilities. Youth are consulted and share in decision-making.
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SUPPORT – Placements are well-matched with Foster Parents who demostrate that they can meet their needs therapeutically. Stable, caring relationships are established in the Foster Home. Clinical support, contracted therapeutic support, and other services are individually provided to meet their needs.
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EMPOWER – Our program prepares youth and young adults for positive outcomes. We value their educational experiences and provide school success strategies. We equip them with financial literacy skills. In addition, the annual KLSA informs us on how to support their development of life skills needed for adulthood.
Why are young adults remaining in care beyond the age of 18?
We engage youth in meaningful ways.
OUR PROGRAM INITIATIVES INCLUDE:
KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE SKILLS (QUALITATIVE INFORMATION TOOL)
FINANCIAL LITERACY (CERTIFICATION COURSE)
PARTNERING WITH YOUTH
PROMOTING VOLUNTEERISM
OUR FINDINGS HIGHLIGHT POSITIVE OUTCOME MEASURES FOR BRIDGEWAY YOUTH
The Ontario Child Advocate’s report Searching for Home: Reimagining Residential Care (2016) uncovered pervasive themes of vulnerability, lack of connection, and loss self-expressed by young people in care. In response to these concerning results, we were motivated to find out about the experiences of youth in our homes to ensure a higher standard of care.
OUR GOALS FOR YOUTH/ADULTS IN CARE
1. EMPOWER each youth and young adult to advocate for themselves and set attainable goals for their future.
2. PROMOTE stability in the foster home by supporting the youth/adult, the Foster Parents, and the entire family unit.
3. INCREASE their levels of self-worth through the practicing of pro-social skills and having meaningful engagement within their communities.
4. EQUIP them with life skills.
5. BUILD a support system of people and resources that will guide their transition from foster care to independent living.