Bridge the Gap Provides Resources and Services to Children that Need Them the Most
*Stock images are used for demonstrative purposes
THE STATISTICS FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE ARE STAGGERING
Abused and Neglected Children Have Battles That Challenge Their Well-Being and Future Success
Severe Trauma
90% of children in foster care experience severe trauma.
Teenage Pregnancy
71% of young women become pregnant before age 21 and 50% of these children are destined to be placed in foster care themselves.
High School Dropout
Only 48% of children in foster care graduate from high school.
Suicide
25% of children in foster care attempt suicide.
Incarceration
Of the 23,000 children who age out of foster care each year, 81% of the young men become incarcerated.
Separated from Family
Only 50% of children in foster care reunite with their biological families.
EVERY CHILD DESERVES TO THRIVE
With Help From Our Community, We Can Build a Brighter Future for Children in Foster Care
All Children Deserve a Childhood That Prepares Them for Success
Bridge the Gap provides resources and services to abused and neglected children in the foster care system to aid in their wellness and well-being, set them up for success, and minimize their risk of the statistics listed above. With early intervention, BTG aims to increase the rate of graduation and improve the childhood of those in foster care.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR COMMUNITY, BTG OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SUPPORT:
Tutoring and Academic Support
Bridge the Gap pays up to $1,500 per year/child for tutoring to help more children graduate from high school.
Tutoring
We provide tutoring to help with academic success. Tutoring for children in foster care is a valuable and rewarding way to support their educational needs. Children in foster care often face unique challenges that can affect their academic progress, such as frequent changes in schools or disruptions in their home lives. Tutoring can provide them with personalized attention, academic support, and emotional stability, helping them succeed academically and develop confidence in their abilities.
Camps and Enrichment Activities
Bridge the Gap pays up to $400 per year/child for camps of all kinds, in addition to other enrichment activities of up to $120 per month/child.
Camps
We provide up to $400 per year/child for camps of all kinds. Camps offer children in foster care opportunities for recreation, socialization, emotional support, skill development, stability, and post-camp support. They play a vital role in enriching the lives of these children, fostering personal growth, and helping them overcome challenges associated with their unique circumstances.
Swim Lessons
We provide up to $120 per month/child for activities, such as swimming. Swimming offers numerous benefits for children in foster care, including water safety, physical fitness, confidence-building, socialization, therapeutic effects, and the development of important life skills. By providing them with access to swimming lessons and opportunities to engage in aquatic activities, we can empower these children, improve their well-being, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Dance Classes
We provide up to $120 per month/child for activities, such as dance classes. Dance classes can play a significant role in the lives of children in foster care by promoting their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development. They offer a supportive and creative environment that allows these children to explore their potential, build confidence, and experience the joy of self-expression.
Sports/Athletics
We provide up to $120 per month/child for activities, such as sports/athletics. Sports can play a significant role in the lives of children in foster care, providing them with numerous benefits that can positively impact their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Some key importance of sports for children in foster care is physical health, emotional well-being, skill development, social integration, stability and routine, and educational opportunities (such as scholarships).
Gymnastics
We provide up to $120 per month/child for activities, such as gymnastics. Gymnastics can have several important benefits for children in foster care. Some reasons why gymnastics can be particularly valuable for these children are physical fitness, emotional well-being, social development, discipline, goal setting, building trust, body awareness, and confidence.
Music Lessons and Instrument Rentals
We provide up to $120 per month/child for activities, such as music lessons and instrument rentals. Providing music lessons for children in foster care can have numerous benefits, including promoting creativity, self-expression, and emotional well-being. It enhances their musical experience and provides a sense of community.
Horse/Equine-Assisted Therapy
We provide up to $120 per month/child for activities, such as horse therapy. Horse therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy or hippotherapy, can be a beneficial intervention for children in foster care. It offers unique opportunities for emotional, physical, and psychological growth by engaging children in activities involving horses. Here are some key points to consider regarding horse therapy for children in foster care: emotional well-being, building relationships and trust, self-esteem and confidence, sensory and motor development, regulation and coping skills, increased social skills, and healing from trauma.
Weighted Stuffed Animals, Holiday Gifts, Winter Coats/Clothing/Shoes, and More
Bridge the Gap pays for items that enrich the childhood experience.
FluffyWeight Plushies
We provide FluffyWeight plushies to children who need additional comfort after being removed from their homes. Weighted stuffed animals provide comfort and support for children, including those in foster care, who may be experiencing emotional or sensory difficulties. These stuffed animals are designed to have a specific weight distributed evenly throughout their bodies, providing a gentle, calming pressure.
Holiday Gifts
We provide gifts during the holiday season on a case-by-case basis. Holiday gifts hold significant importance for children in foster care for several reasons: a sense of belonging and inclusion, normalcy and celebration, boosted self-esteem, emotional support, joy and excitement, opportunities for positive experiences, and strengthening connections. By ensuring that children in foster care receive holiday gifts, society demonstrates its commitment to their well-being and inclusion. It sends a message that they are part of the community and deserve the same opportunities as other children.
Winter Coats/Clothing/Shoes
We partner with local businesses, such as The Mattress Firm (Ticket to Dream) to provide brand-new winter coats, clothing, and shoes. Often, when a child is removed from their home, everything is left behind. Providing new clothing and shoes to children in foster care is essential for their physical, emotional, and social well-being. It helps address their basic needs, fosters self-esteem and confidence, promotes social integration, empowers individual expression, promotes equality, and normalizes their experience. By supporting them in this way, we contribute to their overall growth, development, and happiness.
Prom
We provide prom entrance fees, tuxedo rentals/cost of a dress. Prom can be of significant importance for a child in foster care. Some reasons why are inclusion and normalcy, self-esteem and confidence, social skills and relationships, creating lasting memories, educational and life skills, and empowerment.
ASB Cards
We provide an ASB card for students, each year. Some reasons why ASB cards can be important for foster children are the entrance to school events (such as sports), inclusion and belonging, academic support, and social development.
Yearbooks
We provide one yearbook per year/child. Yearbooks serve as more than just a collection of photographs and messages. They provide a meaningful and lasting keepsake for children in foster care, helping them navigate the challenges of their circumstances, foster a sense of identity and belonging, and preserve connections with peers and support networks.
