The Bridge operates several residential programs for young people in the Hartford region and beyond.
Mike Rulnick, Director of Residential Services, earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Haven. He has worked at the Bridge for 16 years, beginning as program director at the Bridge Youth Shelter. He oversees the following residential programs:
The Bridge Youth Shelter in West Hartford has been in existence since 1978 and serves Hartford area girls ages 11 to 18 whose lives are in crisis. In 2006, the youth shelter converted to the Department of Children and Families' STAR model, a Short-Term Assessment and Respite home. STAR homes provide clinical and assessment services in a small, structured home-like setting. The Bridge has opened four additional STAR homes in Southington, Manchester, Wolcott, and Harwinton. All of these homes serve girls with the exception of Hastings House, a shelter for boys.
In 1998, the Bridge opened the Moving On Project, a transitional living apartment program in Hartford (now in Manchester) that assists young men ages 16 to 21 in developing the skills necessary to live independently.
Eleanor House, a community-based therapeutic group home for girls ages 13 to 18, opened in Hartford in early 2006.
Since 1988, the Bridge has operated the
Independent Living Program in the Manchester/Rockville area aimed at helping older teens in state care to make the transition to independence. Bryan Block is director of the program.
In fiscal year 2012, 283 youths received assistance from the Bridge's residential programs.
Homes and Services
