Dear Friend of the Bridge,

Your gift means more than ever for children and families in these tough times. Print a contribution form to mail us, or click on the Donate Now button.

As we enter the holiday season, we give thanks for our blessings and look forward to celebrating with loved ones and friends. It's a joyous time of sharing and building happy memories for years to come.

But for too many families, it is hard to feel joyful. They are overwhelmed by layoffs, major illness, and daily stress. They are filled with anger, depression, and despair. Broken homes and domestic violence are increasing, with children emotionally insecure-some in physical danger, others abandoned.

For 43 years, the Bridge has provided critical support for children and families in West Hartford and the greater community. In these tough times, we are helping people find the courage to meet the challenges they face and build fulfilling lives. Our safety net remains strong and secure because of donors like you.

As a Bridge donor, you help people cope with stress in healthy ways and turn their lives around. Here are a few of their stories:

"Mike," a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with ADHD, was suspended from school several times. His parents were overwhelmed, and the school referred him to the Bridge. With both individual and family therapy, Mike and his parents are now doing well. Mom and Dad are more confident as a parenting team, argue less, and things are more in balance at home. Mike's behavior has turned around, he's concentrating better in school and succeeding academically-and he hasn't been suspended all year. As his therapist says, "Mike is doing great!"

Connie is a mother with a serious drug addiction and felony drug charges. Her five-year-old son has suffered the most. They live with his grandparents, with his grandmother raising him.  When they first came to the Bridge, Kenny was very defiant, aggressive, and sometimes wouldn't even speak. Regular, intensive therapy at the Bridge has made real changes in their lives. Connie has stayed clean, and an employer has given her a second chance and offered her a job. She now serves in a more active parenting role, and Kenny's behavior has greatly improved. They continue their therapy, but no longer need to come in every week.

Every day, children and families come to the Bridge for help. Young children who think it's their fault their parents are divorcing. Teens who think they're not "good enough" and harm themselves through drinking, drugs, starvation, or other forms of self-injury. Girls who think they "deserve" to be sexually abused. Parents who lose jobs, battle illness, and feel they are losing control of their lives.

The Bridge has been a safety net for Mike and Connie--and thousands of other children and families each year. These days, they turn to us for help more than ever.

Your support makes a difference in so many lives...The boy whose father was diagnosed with cancer. The mother who attempted suicide. The single mom with a young daughter who took in her sister's two kids after a fire. Through their ups and downs, the Bridge is here for them-with your help. Please send your gift to help them meet their challenges and succeed. On behalf of each of these children and parents, I thank you.

Very Truly,






Margaret A. Hann
Executive Director

P.S. Your gift means more than ever for our children and families in these tough times.  Every dollar makes a difference in the services we can provide. Your gift can go twice as far with a company match.  Please make your donation today!

Thank you for helping children and families feel more secure and succeed in meeting life's challenges.