Program areas at Bridges Safehouse
Bridges offers a warm and safe environment where families can find rest, peace, hope and a fresh start. Through staff and volunteers, we seek to equip moms with tools for success through parenting classes, one-on-one mentorship, spiritual development and life skills courses. Our residents have weekly appointments at our Bridges Family Resource Center which provides diapers, wipes, baby essentials, car seats, strollers, and bathtubs. Bridges Safehouse also connects moms with educational resources to include: GED completion, college, trade school, counseling, pregnancy centers and long-term housing options. All these services are made possible through community partnerships and dedicated staff. In 2023, Bridges Safehouse accommodated 10 mothers and 12 children who were either experiencing homelessness and/or unplanned pregnancy. Bridges also retained relations with 3 mothers that were previously a part of the Safehouse program and has transitioned into their next stage of life. Our sole purpose is to impart wisdom and care which will aid in overcoming barriers and yield stable housing through daily encouragement, transportation, education, childcare and debt reduction.
Modern day families' makeup varies from single moms and dads to grandparents and married couples taking care of young children. In today's economy purchasing diapers for even one child can be a hardship. 1 in 3 families do not have access to adequate supply of diapers. Our Resource Center & Diaper Pantry supplies the immediate needs of families, preventing a crisis that could lead to losing their home, not having gas or food for the week. Currently there is not a government program to supplement diapers. Parents need diapers for the child/children to attend daycare. Families miss at least 5 days a month from work due to not having diapers. We help offset the financial burden of baby essentials such as: wipes, food, baby furniture, baby clothing, maternity clothing, hygiene items, etc. Solely in 2023, Bridges Family Resource Center improved the livelihoods and well-being of over 3.3K families and 4.4K children in the southern sector of Dallas and surrounding areas by providing over 194K diapers and wipes. Bridges Family Resource Center meets immediate needs in the communities of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Desoto, Lancaster, South Oak Cliff, Midlothian, Garland, McKinney, Forney, Richardson and Waxahachie. Bridges Family Resource Center continually serves our clients with the following services: parenting classes, counseling, GED, college or trade school opportunities and money management. This support system provides families with confidence to be resilient, strengthen relationships between parents and children, qualify for better paying jobs, and possible entrepreneurship.