"One of my favorite aspects of serving on the board of the Bridge is participating in the awarding of scholarships as a member of our scholarship committee. Through the scholarship application and interview process, the substantial impact that the Bridge has had on these children’s lives becomes clear. Our children have overcome difficult circumstances and are now at the threshold of taking a step they often had never envisioned or thought possible: a college education. The Bridge has not only helped provide the tools to succeed, but, through the scholarship awards, will provide monetary support for college. The scholarship committee is a very satisfying way to count some of the tangible successes of the Bridge, one child at a time."
- David Edwards, Esq. Parlimentarian

“The Bridge is a time-tested agency that has perfected the formula for providing successful intervention and enrichment programs. A commitment is made to first understand each child’s needs and then provide services tailored to his or her individual needs. Most importantly, the agency staff is made up of dedicated professionals who truly inspire our children.”
– Nadine Carswell, JEA


“I serve on the board at The Bridge because seeing a child break the chain of poverty and hopelessness they were born into gives you hope for the future.”
– Poppy Clements, Fundraising Chair/Capital Campaign Co-Chair


“I believe the best way to combat crime, poverty and other problems in our society is through prevention at an early age. The Bridge is a role model in this regard with documented (statistical) outcomes that verify the success of their programs.”
– Mark Green, Esq., Past Chair


“I was devoted to The Bridge during my career as an educator because it offered services, desperately needed by children but unavailable in the public schools. Bridge programs service children in all of the neediest neighborhoods. We are a national model for efficiency and effectiveness. The Bridge is also a model for adaptive reuse of historic buildings. All of our projects have benefitted hundreds of children in Springfield, simultaneously helping to revitalize a blighted community.”
– Rita Reagan