What’s New
at Bridges Homeward
A Busy Winter and Spring with the Developmental Disabilities Program!
Our Developmental Disabilities Program has been hosting events for our staff and families all winter and spring. Events like our Annual Dance bring community and friends together while our various trainings provide invaluable information and guidance to our parents and guardians!
Celebrating Seven Adoptions This Spring!
Of these seven youth, four were adopted by someone in their biological family, and two were adopted by a family they already knew. We’re also proud that five of these children are now reunited with their biological siblings. A central tenant of permanency is for youth to remain connected to their siblings and biological families whenever possible. Congratulations to all these wonderful families!
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care this Pride Month
Did you know that one of the best ways you can support LGBTQ+ youth is by becoming a foster parent? If you’re interested in learning more about how you can make a real difference for LGBTQ+ youth, join us on Zoom on Thursday, June 15 for a virtual informational session about foster care!
We Need LGBTQ+ Foster Parents!
LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care. In order to help these youth feel validated, we need warm, accepting foster parents. We are looking for parents who can affirm the identities of LGBTQ+ youth even if they do not identify as LGBTQ+ themselves!
Become a Guest Speaker for our Foster Parent Support Group!
Are you an expert on topics related to parenting, life skills, and foster care? Get involved today!
Join Us for MAPP Training this Spring!
We are offering MAPP training this Spring! This training is required for anyone planning on adopting or fostering youth. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays starting April 25, from 6PM to 9PM. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are due by April 14th!
Bob Gittens to Step Down from Bridges Homeward Executive Director after Seven Years
Bob joined our agency in 2016 and led us with pride and esteem. He has made an indelible impression on our organization, and he will be sorely missed.
Lisa Tejeda Hired as Harbor Area Healthy Families Supervisor
One of Lisa’s top priorities is making our Healthy Families program a staple in the communities we serve. We are happy to have you, Lisa!
How Do We Care for Youth of Color in Foster Care?
Children and teens of color are overrepresented in the child welfare and foster care systems. Acknowledging that we all see each other’s skin color, and that race matters, is a difficult and sensitive process. But it’s so important for foster parents to affirm and celebrate youth’s racial identities, along with every other part of who that youth is.
We Need BIPOC Foster Parents!
Keeping youth attached to their culture and identity is crucial in their upbringing, especially for those in foster care. While achieving this may be easier said than done, a healthy first step is making sure there are plenty of foster families who share their identities!
Six Youth Adopted On National Adoption Day
Read about the five wonderful families whose adoptions we celebrated on National Adoption Day 2022!
Our 2022 Impact Report is Here!
This year’s Impact Report is full of stories about the amazing growth and resilience of our youth and families over the past year.
An Adoptive Family’s Unique Path to Permanency
For the first months of their relationship, Amy and Josh only knew their future adopted daughter Laura over Zoom. Read more to find out how (as Amy and Josh like to say) Laura ended up adopting them in October 2021!
Fall Fun with Developmental Disabilities!
Our Developmental Disabilities program is never short of fun! Following a successful Halloween movie night last month, the program will host a Fall Menu Cooking Class in December with our chefs, Assistant Program Director Sheila and Case Manager Danielle.
Want to Foster or Adopt? Start Your Journey with Us in January 2023!
MAPP training is a required 30-hour course for anyone in Massachusetts who is interested in adopting or fostering a youth in foster care. Our upcoming MAPP training begins January 2023!
Maddie Summers Promoted to Residential Clinical Coordinator
Maddie came to Bridges Homeward in 2019 as an intern at Teens Learning Choices. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know our group home residents! Congratulations, Maddie!
Lisa Tervil Promoted to Teens Learning Choices Program Manager
In a recent interview she said, “I’m the first in my family to do undergrad and grad college straight through… Plus, I’m one of the youngest managers at Bridges Homeward. So I’d want to remain an inspiration to other young women in their early 20’s, to show that hey, you can do this.” Congratulations, Lisa!
David Aptaker Wins the 2022 Ted Rose Award for Outstanding Service
David has volunteered for our agency for 12 years, supporting our Residential and Developmental Disabilities programs and Human Rights Committee. Congratulations, David!