It’s Back-to-School time at Bridge to Home! As the first school buses came and went this week, our clothing pantry has been busy helping many kids get ready for the new school year. However, we’re still in need of gently used kids' shoes and clothing for ages 4 to 12, so if you can help, please email Marisa for donation information!

In other exciting news, we’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of our newly designed meeting spaces, made possible by the hard work and generosity of our dedicated volunteers. These adjoining rooms have been thoughtfully arranged to create a welcoming environment where parents can meet with case managers while keeping an eye on their little ones through a clear window between the spaces. We’re excited about how these new spaces will enhance our services and make a difference for the families we serve!

FPTV's annual fundraiser is coming up and we need your help!

You can support us by :

• Volunteering to help procure or pick up auction items. Contact Elise Laubach, elise@familypromiseoftv.org 917-279-9569.
• Donate auction items. Fill out this form or contact Elise.
• Have your business or employer be an event sponsor.

After a summer filled with fun and learning opportunities, children at FPTV are heading back to school. Thanks to the generosity of Resurrection Catholic Parish, St. James Episcopal Church, Lori with Westover Inns, and many thoughtful individual donors, they will be furnished with new backpacks, water, bottles, and appropriate school supplies for their grade level.

Summer activities culminated in a Back-to-School Bash complete with a Kona shaved ice truck, a FLIP (Fun, Learning, Inspiration, and Play) Museum visit, and an opportunity for children to select their backpacks and supplies. When hearing about the afternoon of fun, one young guest exclaimed, “I have to go tell my sister. She’s going to pass out.” The day of the event she excitedly declared, “This is the best day ever.” Many of our guest families expressed their sincere gratitude for the opportunity to receive the needed supplies.

As we work to plan activities for the fall, we want to express our appreciation for everyone who assisted with summer programming. Coco Camp, bingo nights, movie nights, reptile show, pizza dinner, Sunday art afternoons, Olympics night, July 4th bash, FLIP Museum visits, back to school bash, and more were incredible opportunities for our guests to make lasting positive memories.

Summer enrichment programming at Bridge to Home provided an array of learning opportunities and experiences to encourage development of children in our program. For some of our participants a lovely tea party with Belle was a highlight. Robyn, our Broadway Theater Director, shared thoughts about theater camp below.

"Arthur Miller said, 'the mission of the theatre, after all, is to change, to raise the consciousness of people to their human possibilities.' Yes, there was the magic of Belle's tea, but I believe the fun that was taken back to families came from within the students themselves. Sharing choreography and lyrics with their parents or siblings. Sharing the joy they felt dancing and singing with their friends. But most vitally, finding confidence and courage that they did not know they possessed. THIS is what Arthur Miller's quote speaks to."

One camper was the ultimate example of this. On the first day she was so shy and didn’t make eye contact with me. Each day she grew and challenged herself. On Friday, after a very welcome spontaneous hug, she looked me straight in the eye with a fire of passion newly lit blazing and said, "I LOVE theatre!!!" Her mom laughingly confirmed the truth of that statement and her sweet little brother made sure I knew she'd made him practice choreography DAILY.

Consider joining our dedicated team of volunteers! You will work hand-in-hand with our staff to help program families regain sustainable independence.

“I have truly enjoyed meeting all the families in the past three weeks, and I so appreciate their enthusiasm and participation in the Sunday afternoon art time. – Theresa, Sunday Craft Leader

“I honestly can't tell you how much I enjoyed the week of theatre camp!! It was EXACTLY what I needed in every way. I was able to reconnect with some of my treasured students and watch them convey their love of performing to the sweet campers.” – Robyn, Broadway Theater Camp Director

Your support fuels our mission and makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Please consider donating some of our most needed items:

• Large plastic storage containers
• Children's shoes and clothing
• Ikea bags
• Diapers size newborn, 5, and 6
• Swiffer mops or mops of any kind
• Auction items for our annual Eat, Drink, and Be Giving Fundraiser including activities such as restaurant experiences, sports events, golf, pottery classes, or axe throwing