50 Year Nonprofit Leadership Board Focuses on New Funding Initiatives

For more than 50 years, The Bridge Youth and Family Services has provided vital counseling, crisis intervention and a variety of other support services for children and families in six area townships, including Palatine Township where the organization is based. The Bridge is described by clients who have been served as a 'safety net', and a 'ray of hope' for those experiencing trauma and crisis.

Dependence on state funding, which is a standard for many nonprofits in Illinois, has brought uncertainty, budget reductions and late payments from the state. It has even caused some local nonprofits to close their doors for good. Over the last few years as Illinois lawmakers were unable to approve a budget, The Bridge's administration and board grappled with serious decisions that nearly forced the organization to reduce the number of employees and services provided. Fortunately, previously successful fundraising efforts were able to help the organization carry on for the time being.

"With such uncertainty, the need to find additional private funding sources is now more important than ever," said Executive Director Gregg Stockey. "Despite the good news about a state budget finally being approved, we recently learned The Bridge will not receive $100,000 in funds we have counted on to provide services for our clients."

In light of the continued instability from the state of Illinois, a newly formed Major Gifts Leadership Board is endeavoring to refine its approach in how the nonprofit is funded, by become more locally-focused. The goal and hope is to attract individuals who are passionate about the mission of the organization, and are willing to be strong advocates in the communities where services are provided. Those who have been impacted and served by organizations similar to The Bridge are invited to volunteer, donate and/or attend fundraising events to ensure the survival of the organization.

"Our Leadership Board was formed in direct response to ongoing ambiguity and immediate shortfalls," Stockey said. "Most recently, the board, facilitated by guest speaker Rita Canning of Inverness, gathered to discuss broadening the reach of the committee to increase private donations."

The Bridge Youth and Family Services provides individual, family and group counseling for Palatine Township residents, and crisis intervention for children and families in six townships including Palatine, Barrington, Hanover, Schaumburg, Elk Grove and Maine Township.

The newly adopted Strategic Plan calls for strengthened donor retention efforts, and new fundraising initiatives which are imperative to the long-term stability of the organization.

While it will take time for The Bridge to rebound from recent cuts, the board will continue to focus its energy on being resourceful to fortify programs.

The Bridge hosts yearly fundraisers to support and fortify its annual budget, including its yearly gala in April, a golf outing in August and a walk/run for the entire family in September during Palatine's Oktoberfest celebration.

Please visit BridgeYouth.org for information about upcoming events and to learn more about the organization.

The Bridge Promise Statement: "We help kids and families overcome challenges and trauma to lead happier, more successful lives."

The Bridge Youth and Family Services provides a range of counseling, crisis intervention and support services to residents of Cook County living in Palatine, Barrington, Hanover, Elk Grove, Maine and Schaumburg Townships. All of part of the following communities are served and include Palatine, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Glenview, Park Ridge, Rosemont, Niles, Morton Grove, Glenview, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Elk Grove, Rolling Meadows, Hanover Park and Streamwood, Barrington, South Barrington and Inverness.

The 501(c)(3) organization was founded in 1965, and provides child and family counseling, including psychiatric assessments, group services in high schools, substance abuse assessments and counseling, and education regarding abuse and neglect. Crisis Intervention Services are provided for runaway, locked out and homeless youths, and include counseling, emergency shelter referrals, and suicide assessments. Prevention and Volunteer Services include Youth Advocacy Mentoring, Youth Council, parenting programs, substance abuse education in local high schools and volunteer opportunities for the community at-large. For information, visit BridgeYouth.org.

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