Students' needs at center of Bridge Teen Center

Just months shy of its 10-year anniversary, the Bridge Teen Center in Orland Park can boast some pretty inspiring numbers.

• More than 125 communities served.
• More than 300 programs offered.
• More than $6 million raised to support the programs.

And one of the most impactful numbers—more than 8,000 smiles.

The smiles are from the faces of local teens enjoying myriad of events and programs designed to teach and entertain. But, the smiles also come from the staff and volunteers associated with the center.

The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 S. 71st Court, is a nonprofit community center for students in grades 7 through 12 offering nationally recognized free programs and events after school and on Friday nights designed around the interests and needs of teens in the suburbs.

“Although we often share our statistical successes, we believe our true success comes from the stories of our students,” said Aaron Heldt, Community Relations and Marketing coordinator. “From providing students with a place they can feel safe and welcomed, to introducing a young person to a hobby or passion they had never explored before, our work is impacting young lives and we consider it an honor to serve our students. It is certainly rewarding to know the work we do is positively impacting young lives.”

The center is the result of a vision by Priscilla Steinmetz, who together with her husband, Rob, followed through on a passion to help meet a growing need in the suburbs for a safe and positive environment.

First opening its doors in June 2010, the Bridge Teen Center offers programs organized into five categories, or as Heldt calls them, buckets: Mind and Body, Everyday Life, Community Connections, Educational Support and Expressive Arts.

“Each year we plan and organize more than 300 free programs for students designed to engage, connect and empower teens,” Heldt said. “Every program is different and gives the students the opportunity to try something new, possibly something they would have never done. Many students have discovered new interests by attending our free programs that have led them to their career choices.”

Students can engage in culinary arts programs that run the gamut from chicken sandwiches and Caesar salads to pumpkin lattes and Vietnamese spring rolls, or learn about career opportunities, including law enforcement, welding, journalism or computer programming.

Those with a creative side can take programs to create a candleholder, make embroidered flowers, draw or knit a pair of fingerless mittens. Programs like the Soul Café help students build more self-confidence and face their fears. Those who are musically inclined can learn to play the guitar, piano and drums, or write songs.

Programs are available to help students with social skills like learning to communicate like a pro, getting along with their parents, and how to be a better friend. Academic programs focus on education skills like developing a study plan, becoming a better writer, and learning how to better prioritize your time.

The events and programs are well received at the center, which is the only location of its kind in the southwest suburbs, and routinely change to keep the students interested and engaged while providing a much-needed service.

“Most people do not realize the hurt and pressures our young people are facing today,” Heldt said. “Each year, we see more and more anxiety and depression among our student population. Our students need a place where they are welcomed and receive hope, purpose and direction. They need community—a chance to interact with positive adult mentors and connect with peers from other communities. We’re filling an important void in the community.”

To keep the center operating and providing these services takes a solid staff, a strong volunteer system and of course, donors and sponsors who help fund programs.

Volunteers, Heldt said, are the lifelines of the organization. Opportunities include leading one of the free after-school programs, providing administrative assistance during the day, and/or building relationships with students during the weekly Friday night live events. “Our volunteers don’t end there,” Heldt said. “At the Bridge Thrift Store we always need help from individuals and volunteer groups to sort and organization everything that gets donated at our donation door.”

Donation drop-offs include clothing, shoes, decorations, books, and general household items. Hours for drop-offs are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Arrangements can be made for pick up of larger items and larger quantities.

For more information about the center and the Bridge Thrift Store, or to volunteer or make a donation, visit the Bridge Teen Center website.