BULDING BETTER FUTURE
WITH THE BRIDGE TO LIFE TEEN HOMES
who we are
The Bridge to Life Teen Homes is a California non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to serving the local youth in Tulare County, CA. Our main objective at Bridge to Life is to provide housing, support, and guidance to young individuals (ages 12-21) who have been subjected to traumatic environments, governmental foster programs, and low-income households. The individuals we serve would most likely be considered “at-risk” due to possible drug involvement/exposure, illegal activities, as well as other behaviors. Our ultimate goal is to be effective in helping them navigate their transition into independent adult living by bridging the gap between the present life-trajectory and a college-educated career path.
The Bridge to Life has established and has fully completed it’s non-profit, 501(c)(3) status and is presently in the application process with the State of California to be approved as an STRTP. Upon completion of the application process, The Bridge to Life will be the only approved STRTP in Tulare County, CA. This will allow teens ages 12-21 to be able to stay within their home community and not have to be transferred to other parts of the State or out of state which can increase risk of re-traumatization.
What is a strtp?
The Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) is a vital program that offers round-the-clock care and intensive mental health services to children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This program is specifically designed to provide a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that facilitates healing and recovery for the youth. STRTP incorporates a range of therapeutic interventions, including individual, group, and family therapy, as well as educational and recreational activities. The goal of the program is to ensure that the youth receive the necessary support to overcome the trauma they have experienced and develop healthy coping mechanisms. The dedicated staff members of STRTP work tirelessly to provide personalized care and support to each child, helping them to build resilience and hope for the future.
what we need
1. MINIbus
To effectively provide for and support the educational and required social services to our youth, it is important for us to have our own means of transportation. This is especially crucial as these young individuals will most likely attend different schools within the cities of Tulare County.
2. furniture
Although we have already leased two facilities, we haven’t furnished them yet. We understand that furnishing both homes comes with a significant cost, estimated at $20,000 for each house, totaling $40,000 for both. However, we firmly believe that creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere is crucial in providing the youth under our care with a sense of belonging and stability.
3. renovation
While the facilities we have leased are generally in good condition, one of the bathrooms is in need of renovation to ensure it is clean and safe for our youth to use. With an estimated cost of $30,000, we aim to create a comfortable and hygienic space that promotes the well-being and dignity of the young boys under our care.
4. equipment
Our aim is to transform one of the rooms into an entertainment space, complete with a TV, board games, a play station, an air hockey table, a ping pong table, and more. The cost of the updating and equipping of the room will amount to $10,000. We believe that providing a space for recreation and relaxation is essential for the overall well-being of the boys. It will not only give them a chance to unwind and have fun but also promote social interaction and develop their cognitive and physical skills.
5. accreditation
According to the law we are required to obtain national accreditation from an approved accreditation agency. Obtaining national accreditation is also a crucial step in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of our teen homes. We have chosen to work with the Council on Accreditation (COA), a reputable and approved accreditation agency. However, this process comes with a significant cost, estimated at $13,000-15,000 for the four-year accreditation. By investing in national accreditation, we are demonstrating our commitment to providing the highest level of care and support for the youth under our care.