Miami Bridge Celebrates 30 Years As Miami-Dade’s Only 24-Hour Emergency Shelter for Children

MIAMI - Oct. 28, 2015 - PRLog -- For 30 years, Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services has been the place to turn for at-risk children who have nowhere else to turn in the middle of the night.

The Bridge’s 30^th Anniversary is a good opportunity to celebrate the many lives that were touched by Miami-Dade County’s only 24-hour emergency shelter for homeless minors ages 10 to 17.

The celebration happens from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Bridge, 2810 NW S. River Drive. The party will feature music, food, arts and crafts, and plenty of games and sports. The highlight will be a talent show/ open mic starring children who have found haven at the Bridge. More than 150 guests are expected to attend.

Youngsters escaping crime, abuse, violence and drug addiction often find their way to the Bridge, where they are stabilized and taught coping skills.

“We just want to give kids a chance to be kids,” said Dorcas Wilcox, the CEO of Miami Bridge. “No adult stress. No adult responsibilities. No adult drama. Just kids.”

For three decades, Miami Bridge has been a safe alternative for young people who are locked out of their homes, run away or are discharged from institutional or other state care.

Kids can spend weeks at the shelter with mental health professionals by their side.

The Bridge is also a resource for parents who need help with their children threatening to run away.

For minors, having a refuge where they can receive help while on their own can make a big difference in their lives.

Homeless youth are at a higher risk for physical and sexual assault or abuse and physical illness, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. It is estimated that close to 5,000 unaccompanied youth die each year as a result of assault, illness or suicide. Homeless youth are also at a higher risk of depression and post-traumatic stress disorders due to exposure to violence. They are more likely to become involved in prostitution, use and abuse drugs and engage in dangerous and illegal behavior.

“Miami Bridge succeeds because the community believes in its vital mission,” said Wilcox. “We want the community to join us, not only to celebrate our past, but to help look ahead to providing more help and hope to young people who need it most.”

Miami Bridge’s mission began in 1975, when Catholic Charities opened a small shelter aimed at helping abused and homeless kids. By 1985, the Catholic Charities program ended. Hoping to ensure that at-risk homeless youth would continue to have safe haven and crucial support services, a group of civic leaders partnered to establish a voluntary Board of Directors and incorporated as a new not-for-profit organization, thus Miami Bridge was born. In 1985, Miami Bridge moved into its current residence in the heart of Miami and eventually opened a second location in Homestead.

About Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services

About Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services

For nearly 30 years, the Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services Inc. has been Miami-Dade County's only 24-hour emergency shelter for homeless children ages 10 to 17. Miami Bridge, a nonprofit organization, operates two shelters in Miami and Homestead, where it also provides food, mental health support and family counseling for youth in need. A catalyst for new beginnings, Miami Bridge works to rescue children and teens from lives of victimization and crime, and provides them with structure in a stable and nurturing environment. Miami Bridge shelters more than 550 youth and counsels more than 550 families every year. For more information on Miami Bridge or to get involved, call 305-635-8953 or visit miamibridge.org.