Longtime Board Member of 'The Bridge' Resigns After Years of Advocacy

After nearly 13 years of tireless advocacy on behalf of The Bridge Youth and Family Services (The Bridge), Board of Director Michael Strauss has resigned his seat. During his distinguished board service, Michael has served terms as the Board Chair, Development Committee Chair, and Chair of Board Membership and Training.

Along with his wife Debra and Diane Hill, he led a highly successful fundraising campaign that launched The Bridge's services for children under the age of six. The three also chaired The Bridge 50th anniversary gala in 2015, an event that succeeded in raising substantial funds that enabled the organization hire an additional youth and family counselor.

During the yearly golf outing that benefits The Bridge held at Inverness Golf Club, Michael engages golfers in a game called, "Beat the Schmo," challenging them to better his shot or make an additional contribution to The Bridge. This activity raises thousands of additional dollars every year that ensure the wide array of services provided to countless children and their families, can continue.

Michael has been (and is expected to continue to be) a tireless ambassador and advocate for The Bridge. So many young people and their families have received services that would not have been, without Michael's continued efforts. Fortunately for The Bridge, Michael isn't totally, going away. While he will not be on the governing board any longer, he intends to continue convening the Leadership Group, which includes business and civic leaders that meet quarterly to stay informed and advise The Bridge on business and community concerns.

On behalf of The Bridge community, we collectively thank Michael and express our sincere gratitude for the amazingly positive impact he has made on this organization - his dedication to helping those in-need remains boundless, and his influence on the organization will surely be felt for years to come.

Sincerely,

The Bridge Youth and Family Services Board of Directors, Gregg Stockey, Executive Director and the entire staff.

ABOUT THE BRIDGE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES (The Bridge)

The Bridge helps kids and families overcome challenges and trauma to lead happier more successful lives, regardless of their ability to pay for services. The 53-year old nonprofit organization's mission is to help young people and their families achieve social and emotional health. The Bridge is known as the premiere agency for counseling, prevention, and crisis intervention services in the northwest suburban Chicago area. The Bridge is contracted by the State of Illinois to provide crisis intervention services to Palatine, Barrington, Hanover, Schaumburg, Elk Grove and Maine Townships.

For more information about The Bridge's mission or services, please visit bridgeyouth.org.