The Bridge Teen Center Will Host Drive Out Bullying Initiative

ORLAND PARK, IL – Beginning in October, The Bridge Teen Center will host their annual “Drive Out Bullying” initiative. October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month and several local Orland Park businesses including Kiwani’s Club of Orland Park, Joe Rizza Lincoln and Marquette Bank are getting involved to help the Bridge sponsor the initiative. The Bridge Teen Center positively impacts thousands of local teen lives through their free afterschool programs and the Drive Out Bullying initiative helps bring awareness to that fact.

"The Bridge's programs are designed in a holistic way to proactively combat bullying on a daily basis by engaging, connecting and empowering our students," said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder of The Bridge Teen Center. "We are honored to serve on the front lines of this issue in our community, providing a safe and positive environment where students feel accepted and encouraged.”

The Drive Out Bullying initiative raises much-needed financial and in-kind support for the free programs provided by The Bridge. In fact, 89% of all funds raised directly support these programs without a single dollar of state or federal funding. "The Drive Out Bullying initiative is an easy way for the community to give back - and we are humbled by all the sponsors and volunteers who make this annual initiative a huge success," said Steinmetz.

The Bride Teen Center’s sister organization, The Bridge Thrift Store, plays an important role. Located adjacent to The Bridge Teen Center, the thrift store provides 30% of the total operating budget for the teen center. Furthermore, they provide ongoing job readiness programs and service opportunities for teens. During the Drive Out Bullying initiative the thrift store provides three ways for the community to get involved in the initiative:

Volunteer – Groups and families are encouraged to volunteer at The Bridge Thrift Store. They need help sorting through donated items. So far, many volunteer groups from the Orland Park community, including members of Parkview Christian Church, Providence Bank staff members and Carl Sandburg High School National Honors Society officers, will serve at the thrift store. Individuals and groups age 10 and older are needed to volunteer Saturdays in October from 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. Volunteers must sign up in advance. Other service dates are available. To inquire about volunteering, call at 708.532.0500 or send an email to amber@thebridgeteencenter.org.

Donate – Drop off your gently used items at the back of The Bridge Thrift Store building located at 15605 S. 71st Court in Orland Park. Clothes, books, games, furniture, dishes and more are accepted. Plus, people who donate on Saturdays in October will receive a free Drive Out Bullying t-shirt, while supplies last. Donations are tax deductible. Saturday thrift store hours are 10am to 4pm.

Organize a Donation Drive – Help collect donations in support of The Bridge Thrift Store. This is great for groups, businesses, or churches. The Bridge has free promotional materials available to help promote your donation drive when you register. Register by contacting 708.532.0500 or email amber@thebridgeteencenter.org.

The Bridge’s work in combating bullying has gained national recognition, most recently through the U.S. Conference of Mayors. In 2015, The Bridge helped develop a multi-tiered anti-bullying campaign with the Village of Orland Park that won the village a highly-coveted Livability Award. The Bridge has also been recognized at the local, state and national level for their innovative and successful teen-specific afterschool programming.

The Bridge Teen Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing free programs during afterschool and unsupervised hours that help teenagers develop emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually in a safe environment. Since 2010, The Bridge has served more than 6,700+ different teens from 128 Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana communities. The Bridge is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, and is funded entirely by individuals, businesses, and foundations in the community. For more information, visit www.thebridgeteencenter.org or call 708.532.0500.