What’s New
at Bridges Homeward
We Need LGBTQ+ Foster Parents!
LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care. In order to help these youth feel validated, we need warm, accepting foster parents. We are looking for parents who can affirm the identities of LGBTQ+ youth even if they do not identify as LGBTQ+ themselves!
Become a Guest Speaker for our Foster Parent Support Group!
Are you an expert on topics related to parenting, life skills, and foster care? Get involved today!
Noreen Dolan to Attend 2023 ACRC Conference
Our Deputy Director Noreen Dolan is presenting at the Association of Children’s and Residential Community Service’s 67th Annual Conference! Noreen will help lead a workshop exploring how organizations can build pathways to permanency.
You’re Invited to our 29th Circle of Friends Gala!
Join us on Tuesday, May 30th, at 6PM at the Royal Sonesta Boston as we celebrate our programs, enjoy live music, and create brighter futures for youth and families!
Join Us for MAPP Training this Spring!
We are offering MAPP training this Spring! This training is required for anyone planning on adopting or fostering youth. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays starting April 25, from 6PM to 9PM. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and are due by April 14th!
Bob Gittens to Step Down from Bridges Homeward Executive Director after Seven Years
Bob joined our agency in 2016 and led us with pride and esteem. He has made an indelible impression on our organization, and he will be sorely missed.
Lisa Tejeda Hired as Harbor Area Healthy Families Supervisor
One of Lisa’s top priorities is making our Healthy Families program a staple in the communities we serve. We are happy to have you, Lisa!
How Do We Care for Youth of Color in Foster Care?
Children and teens of color are overrepresented in the child welfare and foster care systems. Acknowledging that we all see each other’s skin color, and that race matters, is a difficult and sensitive process. But it’s so important for foster parents to affirm and celebrate youth’s racial identities, along with every other part of who that youth is.
Thank You to Our Amazing 2022 Holiday Gift Drive Donors!
With support from many generous organizations and individuals, our 2022 Holiday Gift Drive raised over $30,000 for children and families around Boston!
We Need BIPOC Foster Parents!
Keeping youth attached to their culture and identity is crucial in their upbringing, especially for those in foster care. While achieving this may be easier said than done, a healthy first step is making sure there are plenty of foster families who share their identities!
Bridges Homeward Receives $300,000 Grant From Boston Children’s Hospital
We are so excited to continue our partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital! This generous grant will help young adults transitioning out of foster care have those essential support networks that can give them better outcomes and happier lives!
Bridges Homeward Recognized as One of America’s Most Adoption-Friendly Workplaces for Ninth Year
Thank you to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption for recognizing us once again! We were included because we offer comprehensive, high-quality benefits to our staff who adopt and/or foster youth.
Six Youth Adopted On National Adoption Day
Read about the five wonderful families whose adoptions we celebrated on National Adoption Day 2022!
Our 2022 Impact Report is Here!
This year’s Impact Report is full of stories about the amazing growth and resilience of our youth and families over the past year.
An Adoptive Family’s Unique Path to Permanency
For the first months of their relationship, Amy and Josh only knew their future adopted daughter Laura over Zoom. Read more to find out how (as Amy and Josh like to say) Laura ended up adopting them in October 2021!
Fall Fun with Developmental Disabilities!
Our Developmental Disabilities program is never short of fun! Following a successful Halloween movie night last month, the program will host a Fall Menu Cooking Class in December with our chefs, Assistant Program Director Sheila and Case Manager Danielle.
Want to Foster or Adopt? Start Your Journey with Us in January 2023!
MAPP training is a required 30-hour course for anyone in Massachusetts who is interested in adopting or fostering a youth in foster care. Our upcoming MAPP training begins January 2023!
Maddie Summers Promoted to Residential Clinical Coordinator
Maddie came to Bridges Homeward in 2019 as an intern at Teens Learning Choices. Her favorite part of her job is getting to know our group home residents! Congratulations, Maddie!