Community Corner

Help Bridge the Gap for The Bridge Youth and Family Services

Palatine social service agency provides crisis intervention and other vital services for children and families despite their ability to pay, and an upcoming fundraiser will ensure those programs continue.

The Bridge the Gap Walk, now in its third year, is an opportunity for the community to help raise funds for The Bridge Youth and
Family Services.

The Bridge the Gap Walk will be held on Saturday Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. It starts and ends at offices at 580 N. 1st  Bank Drive.

Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz and Rolling Meadows Mayor Tom Rooney will lead participants. The registration cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children grades 7-12 and $5 for kids up to sixth grade. Those interested in joining the walk can register on The Bridge Youth and Family Services web site. To support your favorite walker, donations can also be made through the website. For more information, call (847) 485-3085.

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By supporting the event, the Palatine-based social service agency will be able to continue its mission to leave no child in need, behind.

“What The Bridge does is help countless children and their families in our community; we’re the social service safety net, and fundraisers
ensure no one is turned away due to an inability to pay for services,” said Michael Strauss, board of directors’ chair.

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The Bridge Youth and Family Services is a contracted social service provider for the state of Illinois, and is located in the , 721 S. Quentin Road. 

In addition to serving residents of Palatine Township, the agency also takes clients from Maine, Elk Grove, Barrington, Hanover and Schaumburg townships.

In recent years, the nonprofit organization has experienced long delays in receiving funding, as well substantial cuts because of the economy, said Barbara Sipe, development specialist.

One of the many services offered is around the clock help for chilldren in crisis.

“Our crisis intervention program is our most urgent program for kids who have run away from home or been kicked out of the house; our counselors are on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Carrie McHaley, development director.

Counseling to address anger issues, sexual, physical or emotional abuse as well as an array of other circumstances are available to children, and to their families.

Early Childhood programs also are available for children six years old and younger who have emotional or behavioral problems resulting from family conflict.

“Early childhood helps parents so they can better deal with these young children who are just starting to form their personalities,” Strauss said.

At-risk youth ages seven to 15 living in Palatine Township can benefit from the Youth Advocacy/Mentoring program. Children are paired with a mentor they meet with weekly, and are encouraged to volunteer in the community.   

“The mentoring program truly gives these kids a sense of self-worth,” Strauss said. “It’s a very important program when you think of kids who grow up without a mother or father or that type of strong relationship in their lives.”

Advanced registration for the walk is preferred and people are encouraged to not only sign up and walk, but also fundraise prior to the event by contacting family and friends to sponsor them. 

“People should take advantage of social media to get the word out through Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for example, and be sure to
link to The Bridge website,” Sipe said.

This year’s goal is to raise $10,000 and have a minimum of 175 walkers. Last year, there were 100 participants who garnered more than $8,000 for the social service agency.

A free water bottle will be given to the first 200 people to register, and anyone who raises $50 or more (above and beyond the registration fee) will receive a free T-shirt.

Major sponsors for this year’s event include School District 15, Northwest Community Hospital and Knipex Tools.


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