AT&T awards $7,000 to Bridge Family Center

AT&T Connecticut gave a $7,000 donation to the Bridge Family Center to support its Moving On Project recently.
State Senator Beth Bye, a long-time supporter of the Bridge, helped identify the Bridge program as a cause that is in keeping with AT&T's mission for its philanthropic giving.
The Bridge Family Center has been serving young men as they transition out of foster care since 1998. AT&T Connecticut's donation will support the Moving On Project, a residential program that serves approximately twenty young men a year. This program has had measurable success in moving its residents toward productive and fulfilling lives. Located in Manchester, MOP is the only program of its kind serving the Greater Hartford area. The boys, who are between 16 and 21, can stay in the program for up to eighteen months. They live in one of four apartments and share a common space. Residents meet with a case manager at least once a week and work toward finishing their education, building life skills, and preparing to live independently.
The MOP is well-integrated into the community. Its Advisory Board, which includes the Manchester Deputy Chief of Police, the Director of the Manchester Youth Services Bureau, and the Principal of the Alternative High School, meets quarterly. The program operates with the philosophy that poverty, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, and isolation pose enormous obstacles for young adults, and that all youth need support, guidance, and opportunities during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. As such, the MOP provides a safe and nurturing environment in which young men can envision and then work toward a successful, independent future.
"AT&T Connecticut's support will help ensure these youth acquire the knowledge, skills, and values for successful independent living," said Bridge Executive Director Margaret Hann.

"AT&T is impressed with the work the Bridge is doing with its Moving On Project," said Abby Jewett, Director External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T Connecticut. "We're proud to support their efforts and look forward to assisting in their development and success."