OUR MISSION

The Bridge is a vital leader in providing comprehensive human services in collaboration with multitalented and diversely challenged individuals and their families. Building on more than 30 years of experience, we advocate for individuals to become full partners in the experience of lifelong learning, meaningful relationships, productive work, and community living.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1973, The Bridge is a private, nonprofit human service agency located in central Massachusetts. The agency serves children and adolescents with serious emotional, behavioral, and family problems, as well as adults with mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse challenges. The Bridge operates 33 programs, including special education, residential treatment, supported housing, community-based outreach, and assistance to families transitioning from homelessness.

Our staff consists of trained individuals from the disciplines of education, social work, psychology, counseling, and nursing. We have considerable experience and expertise assisting people in ways that suit each individual’s unique needs.

We provide services and support to individuals whose challenges include:

• Serious and persistent mental illness
• Complex family problems
• Substance abuse in combination with mental illness
• Developmental disabilities (mental retardation)
• Self-destructive behavior
• Depression and social withdrawal
• Psychosis and related confusion
• Behaviors related to past abuse
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Complex learning disabilities
• Serious emotional and relationship instability

We provide individualized state-of-the-art treatment, including:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Adventure-based therapies
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Illness Management and Recovery
• Vocational skills training

The Bridge is funded by the Massachusetts Departments of Mental Retardation, Mental Health, Social Services, the Department of Education, referring school districts, fees, fundraising and donations. Audit available by request. Annual Report downloadable here.

In 1973, The Bridge opened a group home on Grove Street in order to provide a “bridge’ to the community for boys leaving the Lyman school. That first residence was founded an operated by a group of Westboro citizens.

Also in 1973, an after school program for adolescent patients at Worcester State Hospital was established by a group of professionals who would later establish Community Treatment Center.

The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, Inc. is the result of a 1997 merger between The Bridge and the Community Treatment Center. In 2003, The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, Inc. moved its headquarters from Northborough to Worcester’s Tatnuck neighborhood.

The agency’s challenge for more than thirty years has been to provide services that enable clients to achieve more stable, productive lives in the community. More than 500 individuals and families are served each year by a staff of 300, and a budget of over $16 million.

The Bridge is:

• Accredited by the Council on Accreditation on Child and Family Services (COA)
• Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education as a private 766 day school
• Licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care
• Licensed by the Department of Mental Health
• Certified by the Department of Mental Retardation
• Member of the Massachusetts Association of Private Schools (maaps)
• Member of the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Corporations of Massachusetts
• Member of Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the Planned Giving Council of Central Massachusetts
• Member of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers
• United Way Member Agency