Unleash the Power of The Press

The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center offers Bridges to Independence: College, Career, Community to students with Asperger’s Syndrome and other disabilities whose goals include college.

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

The Bridge Center, a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, recently announced the 2010-11 schedule for its newest program, Bridges to Independence: College, Career, Community. The program, which serves teens and young adults preparing to either attend college or join the work force, will be held weekly on Saturdays, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Wednesdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“Bridges to Independence helps teens with disabilities, including Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism, prepare for the transition to independent living as a college student or through meaningful employment,” said Jennifer Harber, executive director of The Bridge Center. “While these teens show very strong skills in many areas, college and employment can create real challenges for them — time management, taking care of themselves by preparing meals and doing laundry, and complicated social expectations. Our program provides them some practical skills that support both academic and employment success.”

The program is tailored for teens and young adults (ages 14- 25) and provides instruction and practice in the skills needed for independent living such as laundry, cooking and cleaning, and balancing a checkbook, as well as career and college focused skills such as completing a job or college application, interviewing, and selecting the best environment.  Additionally, the program provides supervised volunteer work experiences throughout The Bridge Center’s 20-acre campus.  An additional emphasis is placed on social and communication skills, especially self-awareness and skills for working as part of a group.

In addition to the “College, Career, Community” program, The Bridge Center offers an additional program, Bridges to Independence: Work, Friendship, Life. This program is for teens and young adults (ages 14-35) to provide instruction in the skills necessary for increased living independence and vocational success, as well as structured social and recreational opportunities.  Skills addressed include cleaning, cooking skills and safety, and money handling for greater independence.  As with the other Bridges to Independence program, participants practice their work skills throughout campus.

“The Bridges to Independence programs are a key element of our mission at The Bridge Center; they focus on helping young people develop their skills for more independent participation in their communities,” said Harber.

For more information about the Bridges to Independence programs or other programs at The Bridge Center, visit www.TheBridgeCtr.org.

About The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center, which is the new name for Handi Kids, was founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963. The Bridge Center’s beautiful 20-acre campus is located in Bridgewater, MA and provides accessible play and skill-building activities for all children regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups. 

The Bridge Center also offers carefully designed summer programs and social skills groups designed to meet the social and behavioral needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about The Bridge Center’s programs or are interested in becoming a supporter, please call (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

The Bridge Center offers Bridges to Independence: College, Career, Community to students with Asperger’s Syndrome and other disabilities whose goals include college.Read More

Bridge Center Golf Classic aces fundraising efforts

Ch. 5's Susan Wornick and Dr. Neal Andelman at The Bridge Center's Golf Classic.

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

The Bridge Center, a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, held its 19th annual Golf Classic on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Olde Scotland Links in Bridgewater, Mass. and the Lakeville Country Club in Lakeville, Mass. This year’s classic, which included a dinner, silent auction and traditional auction, raised $158,000 for the Bridgewater, Mass.-based center.

“We had a tremendous turnout for this year’s event with more than 175 golfers participating,” said Jenn Harber, executive director for The Bridge Center. “And with the contributions of our sponsors and others who donated items to the auctions, you’d have call this year’s Classic a smash success!”

Channel 5 anchor Susan Wornick conducted a live auction following dinner with prizes that included the opportunity to see the New England Patriots in Miami FL and a 13- day trip to Costa Rica. 

In addition to funds raised from the golf tournament, dinners and auctions, a number of local businesses sponsored the Golf Classic. Among those were: Equity Industrial Partners, New England Development, Regency Transportation, CWC Builders, Inc., U.S. Pavement Services, Inc., T.L. Edwards, Inc., R.J. O’Connell & Associates, Inc., J.W. White, Murtha Enterprises, Triumph Leasing and The Dunkin Donuts Franchise Owners

One hundred percent of proceeds of the Golf Classic are allocated to The Bridge Center’s programs and services.

“The Bridge Center is central to the live of so many children and families, mostly due to the programs we offer, such as specialized summer camps, Bridges to Independence for teens and young adults, and Hippotherapy that provides occupational and physical therapy services,” said Harber. “And it is the generosity and loyalty of our supporters in the community that make it all possible. For nearly 50 years, there’s been unbelievable support for the work we do here. The Golf Classic is an annual reminder of how strong that base truly is.”

For more information on The Bridge Center, including the 2010 program schedule, please visit http://www.TheBridgeCtr.org. The Bridge Center strives to achieve a “no child is turned away” policy. Financial assistance and assistance with transportation are available.

About The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center, which is the new name for Handi Kids, was founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963. The Bridge Center’s beautiful 20-acre campus is located in Bridgewater, MA and provides accessible play and skill-building activities for all children regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups. 

The Bridge Center also offers carefully designed summer programs and social skills groups designed to meet the social and behavioral needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about The Bridge Center’s programs or are interested in becoming a supporter, please call (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

Bridge Center Golf Classic aces fundraising effortsRead More

The Bridge Center to host annual golf tournament at Old Scotland Links and Lakeville Country Club on July 19

Deadline for entry extended to June 30

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

The Bridge Center, a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, will host its 19th annual Golf Classic on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Olde Scotland Links in Bridgewater, Mass. and the Lakeville Country Club in Lakeville, Mass.

A scramble format will be in play for the Classic. Entry fee is $250 per person and includes golf fees, cart, prizes, lunch and buffet dinner. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to The Bridge Center. Of the $250 entrée fee, $175 is tax deductible.

“The Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser we hold every year and is always well attended, which is why we’re holding it on two courses,” said Jenn Harber, The Bridge Center’s Executive Director. “In the past, this event has sold out, so anybody interested in playing for a great cause should sign up by June 30.”

Interested golfers can register for the Classic online on The Bridge Center’s Web site at http://www.thebridgectr.org. If you can’t make the golf tournament, you can attend the dinner for $75, including cocktails. Registration for dinner is also done via The Bridge Center’s Web site.

In addition to the golf tournament, a live auction will be held during dinner. Channel 5’s Susan Wornick, a longtime supporter of The Bridge Center, will be the guest auctioneer.

If you own a business and are interested in sponsoring the Golf Classic, you can get more information by clicking on the Golf Classic link on The Bridge Center’s home page.

About The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center, which is the new name for Handi Kids, was founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963. The Bridge Center’s beautiful 20-acre campus is located in Bridgewater, MA and provides accessible play and skill-building activities for all children regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups. 

The Bridge Center also offers carefully designed summer programs and social skills groups designed to meet the social and behavioral needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about The Bridge Center’s programs or are interested in becoming a supporter, please call (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

The Bridge Center to host annual golf tournament at Old Scotland Links and Lakeville Country Club on July 19Read More

The Bridge Center names Robert Rhuda as development director

Robert Rhuda
Robert Rhuda

BRIDGEWATER, MASS…

 The Bridgewater, Mass.-based The Bridge Center, a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, recently named Robert Rhuda as its Director of Development and Communication.

 In this role, Rhuda is responsible for bridging the gap between the cost of offering The Bridge Center’s programs and services and the nominal fees they charge to families.  He is also charged with raising the organization’s profile in the philanthropic community to secure the long-term funding required for long-term sustainable growth.    

“We’re pleased to have someone of Rob’s skill and experience in this newly created position,” said Jennifer, Harber, executive director of The Bridge Center. “Fundraising is the lifeline of our business and with Rob’s extensive experience as a grant writer, special events organizer and outreach coordinator, it gives us a proven commodity in raising monies and generating interest in The Bridge Center.”

Rhuda has worked with non-profit organizations that support adults with disabilities and inner-city youth, both in raising funds and awareness. Prior to his work in development, Rob was employed as an MIS project manager in the financial services industry. Rhuda holds an undergraduate degree from UMASS Boston with a major in Economics and earned an MBA from Boston College with a concentration in Finance and MIS.

“These are very exciting times at The Bridge Center and it’s an honor to be a part of this team.  We so fortunate to have a group of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities,” said Rhuda. 

A resident of East Bridgewater, Rhuda enjoys golf and hiking the White Mountains in his spare time.

About The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center’s beautiful 20-acre campus is located in Bridgewater, MA and provides accessible play and skill-building activities for all children regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups. 

The Bridge Center also offers carefully designed summer programs and social skills groups designed to meet the social and behavioral needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related disabilities.

If you’d like to learn more about The Bridge Center’s programs or are interested in becoming a supporter, please visit their website at www.TheBridge Ctr.org, call (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

The Bridge Center names Robert Rhuda as development directorRead More

The Bridge Center hosts April 13th fundraiser, featuring local comedians and live auction, to benefit children with disabilities.

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

 April 13th benefit at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre features five of Boston’s funniest comedians, live music by Ernie & the Automatics and a live auction hosted by Ch. 5’s Susan Wornick. All proceeds go to benefit the children and families of The Bridge Center. 

The roster of nationally known comedians with local ties includes:

  • Patty Ross – A former opening act for Andrew Dice Clay in 10,000 seat venues, Ross received a nomination for Best Female Guest-Star in a Sitcom for one of her appearances on Roseanne. She regularly appears at the Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, and Improvisation in Los Angeles and most recently shot the pilot Bev for 20th Century Fox.
  • Chris Tabb – On stage, Tabb is often described as a comic who “appears in control and out of control at the same time”. Mostly he is described as just very, very, funny.
  • Paul Nardizzi – Winner of the Boston Comedy Festival Competition, Nardizzi has made numerous appearances on Conan O’Brien and Comedy Central and is considered one of the top stand up comedians in Boston/New England. 
  • Paul D’Angelo – The comedian/writer/actor The Los Angeles Times calls “…quite likely the funniest entertainer you’ve never heard of… yet”.  He’s opened for internationally acclaimed artists such as Ray Charles and Tony Bennett and is currently co-starring in the soon to be released Godfathers of Comedy feature-length motion picture.
  • Paul Gilligan – In addition to appearances on the Conan O’Brien show, Gilligan and is a staple on the New England comedy circuit.  His unique brand of humor has audiences rolling in the aisles

The evening will include a live auction hosted by Susan Wornick of WCVB-TV.  Wornick joined the station in 1981 has anchored its midday newscast since 1989.  She is the recipient of numerous honors including several Emmy awards.

Items up for bid include opening day tickets to the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. Guests can also bid to appear on The Phantom Gourmet and Eddie Andelman’s Sports Huddle. Dinner at a leading restaurant will also be part of the auction fare.

“We all enjoy a good laugh – and this evening will deliver a lot of laughs.  But more importantly it’s a way to support children with disabilities and their families” said Jenn Harber, executive director of The Bridge Center.  “This promises to be a spectacular evening for all involved,”

Located at 246 Tremont Street in Boston’s Theatre District, the Wilbur Theatre will open its doors for The Bridge Center’s Comedy Night at 6 p.m. The entertainment will begin at 7 pm with Ernie and the Automatics, followed by the comedy show at 7:30 p.m.

 Tickets to The Bridge Center’s Comedy Night are $125 for VIP Table Seats (including hors d’oeuvres and beverage), $75 for VIP Floor Seating and $37 for a pair of tickets for general admission. Tickets can be purchased directly off The Bridge Center’s Web site at wwwTheBridgeCtr.org.

If you’d like to learn more about The Bridge Center’s programs or are interested in becoming a supporter, please call (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

About The Bridge Center

The mission of The Bridge Center is to support families by providing children with opportunities to build social, emotional and physical skills so they may participate fully in their communities. Founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963 and located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, The Bridge Center is a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups.  For more information, you can visit The Bridge Center’s Web site at (www.TheBridgeCtr.org).

The Bridge Center hosts April 13th fundraiser, featuring local comedians and live auction, to benefit children with disabilities.Read More