Bridging the Gap Independent Living and Resource Center

The mission of Bridging The Gap Independent Living is to provide disadvantaged teens preparing to leave the foster care system and young adults who have already aged out with additional support and services to provide better life outcomes. Nationally, there are an estimated 250,000 in the foster care system and around 23,000 "Age Out" annually. According to a report by the National Foster Youth Institute, 1 of every 2 teens who age out of foster care will experience homelessness.  Around 25 percent will experience some form of PTSD.  The reports also states that 7 of 10 aged out female teens will become pregnant by 21 years of age. The Annie Casey Foundation discloses similar deductions in their report entitled "State Trends in Child Well Being" that a lack of a high school diploma can contribute to the disparaging outcomes teens face between the ages 16 to 19; inclusive of those who age out of foster care.  

Over the last several years, we have been working to provide the population of aged out teens and young adults with solutions by offering life skill courses, emergency hygiene products, and holiday gifts.  Consider helping us as we expand our services to teens by assisting us in purchasing a facility that will provide stability, housing, and more educational opportunities.