A foundation for success ... for females
The Diakon Bridge Female Alternative Program is our community-based female component of the Bridge Program. Bridge incorporates female-responsive programming by focusing on adolescent females from ages 11 to 18.
The program outline incorporates a five-phase competency-development objective. These skills are relevant to an adolescent female’s future success. Each phase operates for a period of 30 days, with students transitioning from one phase to the next.
The program uses a point-based behavior-modification system to reinforce positive behaviors. Students earn points for attending school and participating in scheduled appointments and activities, in addition to working toward their individual and program goals.
A point score of 20 points, per month, determines successful completion of each phase, with all five phases equally 100 points. Students are expected to earn a program total of 75 points to complete the program successfully, with those earning 90 points or above successfully graduating from the program. Program participation typically averages 150 days, but can be extended on a case-by-case basis.
The five program phases are ...
- Phase 1: Self-Awareness
- Phase 2: Life Skills
- Phase 3: Accountability (BARJ)
- Phase 4: Career Exploration
- Phase 5: Community Outreach
The Bridge Program provides community-based support and accountability through mentoring and positive adult role modeling. Traditional Bridge services include ...
- Holding students accountable for their actions.
- Utilizing gender-specific programming.
- Positive adult role modeling and mentoring.
- Support to establish a strong foundation for our community-based approach.
Core objectives ...
- Provide intensive community-based services to male and female students.
- Increase self-esteem.
- Motivate students for success.
- Educate.
- Prepare male and female students for young adulthood.
- Role model, support, and mentor.
The five-phase schedule is listed below. Participants may enter the program at anytime and begin program participation during the current phase.
Program activities include:
- Individual contacts with an assigned case manager.
- Scheduled group activities.
- Established relationships/communication with community agencies.
Phase 1: Self-Awareness
- Decision-Making
- Self-Respect
- Female health issues
- Healthy relationships
- Body image
Phase 2: Life Skills
- Independent Living Skills
- Organization/Money Management/Time Management
- Credentials/Documents: Photo ID’s, SS Cards, Birth Certificates
- Parenting
Phase 3: Accountability (BARJ)
- Community-Service Projects
- Apology letters/Community retribution
- Financial arrangements for restitution, fines, and court costs.
Phase 4: Career Exploration
- Education
- Employment
- Resume Building/Interview skills
- Career Exploration: Trade school, Tech school, College, & Military.
Phase 5: Community Outreach
- Victims of Abuse
- Mental Health Support
- Domestic Violence
- Female Health Issues/Planned parenthood
- Substance Abuse Support
- Wilderness Center Experiential Activities
While the Bridge Girls Alternative Program (G.W.A.P.) can be utilized as a stand-alone community-based alternative for adolescent females, it is often more effective in combination with the Diakon Girls Weekend Alternative Program. Use of both programs can assist referring counties in providing:
- Alternative options to long-term placement.
- Alternative, community-based intensive programming to aid in the reduction of placement costs to referring counties.
- Short-term, intensive programming that addresses competency issues, while providing accountability and community protection.
- Gender-specific curriculum.
Both Bridge and G.W.A.P. establish a nurturing environment in which to explore gender roles and expectations, as well as in finding solidarity with other women and encouraging a positive connection between mind and body.
Staffing
Bridge Program staff members who provide direct service to youths are bachelor’s-level counselors. Where required, they have been specially trained to oversee group activities around education and awareness issues. Treatment supervision and direction is provided by a master’s-level clinical director.
Information and referrals
The Bridge Program currently serves youths from Delaware, Chester, and Lancaster counties, although inquiries from other counties are welcomed. The program is also helpful to those returning home from residential program by adding discipline and structure to their life as they re-enter the community.
Referrals and inquiries may be made by e-mailing or telephoning Ron Davis at (610) 291-7731.