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Community Corner

Bridging Lives at the Y

This column features the Bridging Lives program, a group of teens and children who recently spent some play time at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA.

Bridging Lives is a mentoring program that pairs teens with a partner in elementary school, between the ages of kindergarten and fifth grade. Now in its 10th year running, this program has brought many local lives much closer.

Last Sunday, the was fortunate to have this group around for a day of play. The children and mentors spent some time at the Y and made ice cream sundaes.

This program is entirely volunteer-based: high school students make a promise to spend two hours per week for a year with their little partners, and infuse their lives with some extra attention.

In many cases, the friendship lasts much longer, and what happens is a unique result of the two personalities.

“This program teaches teens how and why to care for younger people. For many of them it is the first time they are the adult in a relationship,” said Judith Black, co-founder of the Bridging Lives program.

The high school student might find him or herself jumping rope, reading aloud, baking brownies, identifying insects, playing ball, or any activity through which the two partners can connect. The ultimate objective for all volunteers is to give their little partner the attention, listening, and acknowledgment to reassure and empower them.

“When we created this program, we felt it would really build the kind of community we wanted to live in,” said Black. “It teaches teens to take responsibility and solve problems on their own. It creates a sense of family for all participants- it’s wonderful to see the little partner waiting at the window for their buddy to arrive.”

The teens receive regular support in their role as nurturers by the Bridging Lives staff at bimonthly support group meetings, and through special holiday events, endless amounts of homemade cookies, and constant phone and email access.

About Bridging Lives
Bridging Lives is the creation of Marblehead resident Dr. Jack Weltner a family and child psychiatrist, and Judith Black, a nationally renowned storyteller. They quickly found support from Judy Luise, a guidance counselor at the High School, and Paul Crosby, director of the Marblehead Counseling Center.  Since its inception, Bridging Lives has reached out to over 100 students who have been given an opportunity to nurture and be nurtured in a guided, structured program.

To learn more about the Bridging Lives program, email Judith Black at jb@storiesalive.com.

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