Benefits of Bridges to Success
Participants in the Bridges to Success program receive help:
- Identifying what is in the way of their employment dreams.
- Creating an action plan to move closer to their career goals.
- Connecting with professionals trained in job readiness.
- Finding and maintaining stable employment.
Who qualifies?
All participants must have a dependent child under 18 years old; receive SNAP, TANF, or have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty level and meet one of more of the following criteria:
- Interested in finding a job
- Difficulty keeping a job
- Frustrated when trying to learn and remember new information
- Regularly worrying about everyday things
- Struggling to see a future different from where you are now
- Interested in creating a new path to success
- Open to working with trained professionals who want you to succeed
Success Stories
Jessica came to the Bridges to Success program as a married mom with two young children. After completing her evaluation, she found that she could be employed at a competitive level, which meant she wouldn’t need supportive services such as a job coach. She decided to pursue a college degree and agreed to try some of the well-being services offered by the program. Ultimately, of the services available, she decided to stick with therapy and used it to the fullest. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and she didn’t get to complete school as planned. At that point, she decided it would be best to focus on employment. She was referred to a vocational counselor through Bridges to Success. With the help of her VIEW case worker, she got a job through the Full Employment Program which allowed her to receive earnings over the TANF income limit and still receive TANF for six more months. Jessica excelled in her new position and learned about full-time employment opportunities at her employer. She applied for a full-time position and was hired at a starting salary of $21.99.
When Liam came to the Bridges to Success program, he was unemployed and had suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) earlier in his life. His traumatic brain injury had left him with cognitive and physical difficulties that he was able to overcome prior to joining the program. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in digital media and web technology and found contract employment. When this ended, he was feeling sad because he wanted to provide for his family. Through Bridges to Success, he began working with a therapist and a vocational counselor. He decided therapy wasn’t a good fit for him but did continue to work with the vocational counselor who helped connect him with a job coach. The job coach assisted him with his resume, interviewing skills, and working with a job club to find other employment opportunities. Through Liam’s persistence in looking for work and keeping his appointments with his job coach he secured a job with a technology firm earning a competitive salary. Liam expressed that he felt happy with his job, however, he realized there were still some unresolved life issues, such as the trauma from his TBI and stressors at home. He spoke with his Bridges Case manager who offered to connect him with life coaching services. Liam agreed to try these services. Six months after he began working with the provider, Liam felt there were major improvements. He now knew how to handle different situations that arose (instead of just “shutting down”) and was able to communicate better with his family.
Contact Information
Many people never realize they have a hidden disability or other issues that may keep them from becoming self-supporting. Bridges to Success can help.
Contact us:
Email
703-704-6864, VA Relay 711
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