An Open Letter, Inspired by Our 150th Anniversary

Culture

Jan 8

*Children at the Avon Home, early 20th century.*

The year 2024 is a truly significant one for Bridges Homeward. It marks our 150th year of advocating for children, adults, and families. Our story began with James Huntington's vision when in 1874, the Avon Home orphanage opened near Harvard Square, housing just five children. From those humble beginnings, Bridges Homeward has expanded into an agency serving thousands across Greater Boston.

Our mission

As we celebrate 150 years of service, we’re more energized than ever to carry our mission into the next century and a half. Reflecting on our history, Bridges Homeward's journey mirrors the life of a river: always flowing, sometimes slowly, sometimes swiftly, capable of changing course, yet unstoppable. In these past 150 years, everything we've been through has made Bridges Homeward who we are as an agency. We have remained true to James Huntington’s vision and continue to strive to provide high-quality support and advocacy for children, adults, and families, to develop and nurture safe, permanent relationships, and maximize individual growth for every person we serve. For us, permanency defines everything we do.

Our values: resilience, adaptability, integrity

Throughout our history, there is much evidence showing that the strength of our agency comes from people: both those we employ and those we serve. People are the heart and soul of our work. Their resilience and spirit shine through the years. From our early beginnings to today, our practices and results reflect our values of resilience, adaptability, and integrity. The children, adults, and families we serve have drastically changed their personal lives throughout the pandemic. We've also had to adapt our operations, but our commitment to integrity when it comes to advocating for youth and families has remained consistent.

Our culture: diversity, equity, and inclusion

I am very proud of our staff, board members, supporters, partners, and friends. At Bridges Homeward, we greatly value the diversity of our staff, youth, and families. By understanding the differences and perspectives of all people, we are a stronger agency and best able to fulfill our mission. We must continue to nurture our core values, organizational culture, and belief system.

Our partnership

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, our work would not be possible without the consistent support of our friends, partner organizations, and our philanthropic partners. That support has enabled our agency to play a role in thousands of families’ stories over the years. The way I see it, every contribution we have ever received has played a significant role in our history. My hope is that our stories inspire meaningful contributions to the next 150 years of advancing Bridges Homeward’s mission and legacy.

As we embark on the next 150 years, we’re building on a strong foundation, and I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds. I invite you to put your hearts into action to learn from our past, stay engaged in the present, and build a brighter future where children, adults, and families flourish.