Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders

At BRYDGES Inc., our mission is to enrich, empower, and engage youth and young adults. We are committed to fostering change agents and leaders within communities, focusing on holistic development that transcends traditional boundaries.

President/Executive Director’s Welcome

Goals

  • To offer at least five BRYDGES On Demand “Youth Relevant” sessions at the request of BRYDGES partner organization.
  • To create various BRYDGES Connect platforms for youths to establish collaborative relationships; and host at least two events per year to promote a culture of spiritual empowerment and Relational Connections amongst youth.
  • To promote civic responsibility amongst the constituents. BRYDGES will host at least one such enrichment activity that focuses on community engagement.
  • To inspire individuals to expand their horizons with leadership training and youth enrichment activities from an annual list. BRYDGES Equip will offer at least two of these activities annually, including the GLS Summit.

History

BRYDGES, formerly named NCGYC (Northeastern Church of God 7th Day Youth Consortium) was birthed in the fall of 2001 out of the desire of the youth leaders of four churches to enhance the current operations of their youth ministries and to establish protocols and structured training conduits to produce equipped, committed, and skilled youth leaders to assume positions in the Body of Christ. However, the organization has evolved into an entity that reaches beyond the boundaries of the church to become the change agent for reaching and impacting our communities in a holistic way. The name was changed, in February 2004, to BRYDGES (Building Responsible Youths by Delivering Genuine Enrichment Services) to better reflect our purpose and mission. The goal is to provide a comprehensive array of services to children, youths, and young adults within internal and external communities. Services that will revolutionize thoughts, empower youths, impact society, and transform lives. The organization is a dynamic one which continues to grow and expand in its vision and mission.

Purpose

BRYDGES Inc. is a non-profit organization that is purposed to provide all-inclusive services to our children, youths, and young adults to enhance and effect spiritual, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. It emphasizes the creation and maintenance of collaborative relationships among youth organizations. BRYDGES equip focus on the expansion of our horizons to provide structured and comprehensive training for current and potential Youth Ministers; youth with academic and technical vocation orientations; and workers who are committed to the development and well-being of youths. BRYDGES is committed to serving all our constituents with diligence and humility.

Board of Directors

Madrine R. Clennon-Straker, Ed.D

President/Executive Director
Bridgeport, CT 06606
[email protected]

Kivon Allen

Chairman of the Board
BRYDGES CONNECT
Program Director
Washington DC, 20018
[email protected]

Dr. Shalane Lawrence

Media Relations & Communications Director
Fairfield, CT 06824
[email protected] 

Brandon McDaniel

Treasurer
Dallas Georgia, 30132
[email protected]

Sherrie Douglas

Secretary
Bridgeport CT, 06606
[email protected]

Jurian Lee Thomas

Program Director
Baltimore, MD 21206
[email protected]