Bridge Network is a public charity 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2011 to be a "bridge" and provide resources for at-risk and Commercially Sexually Exploited Children/Teens (CSECT) out of Sacramento County Juvenile Detention Facility and in the greater Sacramento region. Bridge Network's vision is to be a connecting conduit "or the bridge" between mentors, advocates, other service provider agencies, and local community organizations.
In 2011, Bridge Network participated in an incubator group of six nonprofit organizations established as the Slider Incubator Nonprofit Collaborative (SINC). In August 2013, Bridge Network assumed leadership of SINC and leasing the Elmo Allen Slider Community Center in the Avondale neighborhood of Southeast Sacramento from the City of Sacramento where SINC was established. Since 2011, of the original organizations, we are the only remaining organization still in operation. Bridge Network has demonstrated sustainability and long-term commitment as a new startup nonprofit.
Bridge Network offers programs that serve the local community free of charge ranging from youth development and enrichment programs, such as support groups, classes, community outreach, educational support, summer programs, workforce development, case management, and crisis intervention.
Bridge Network's primary focus is in three areas called Prevention, Intervention, and Education (P.I.E.). In our P.I.E. model, the targeted programs including academics, workforce development, character building, healthy lifestyles/behaviors, the arts, sports, fitness, recreation and relationship building, community outreach, and awareness. PREVENTION includes our extended learning program, awareness training, and educational forums. INTERVENTION includes a safe place, our youth drop-in center, expanding mentor/youth advocate and case management, and programming at youth detention centers and trauma support counseling for victims of violence, sexual assault, and/or domestic trafficking and crisis intervention. EDUCATION includes extended learning programs, community awareness events, public policy advocacy, and other community outreach events.
Bridge Network provides mentoring and advocacy for youth and transitioned aged youth involved in the Juvenile Justice systems. We have partnered with multiple collaborating organizations and with focus reduction of community violence and exploitation of at-risk youth and transitioned aged youth. Our heavy focus for 2021 is on surviving the pandemic, personal development, and preparation for the workforce.