ourBRIDGE for KIDS

ourBRIDGE is a Charlotte-based 501(c)(3) organization that fosters the education, acculturation, and well-being of refugee and immigrant families through out-of-school programs and comprehensive, culturally-responsive wraparound support to hundreds of families from all over the world.

We believe that the best way to help refugee and immigrant families adapt and thrive is to connect them with culturally responsive and trauma-informed wraparound care and out-of-school programming, all delivered in the context of a loving and diverse community. We believe this is the single best approach to helping immigrant and refugee children and families adjust to being in the United States and ultimately fulfill their dreams of a better life here.

We offer experience-based learning after-school and summer programs, using a robust STEAM curriculum, developed entirely in-house, that reinforces linguistic and cultural pride. We are proud to offer these services in conjunction with local schools and mission-aligned organizations and partners. Since 2014, ourBRIDGE programs have welcomed over 800 newly arrived children. Every one of them received transportation, participated in unforgettable field trips, and were offered culturally responsive meals, including vegetarian and halal options.

Our Family Wraparound Support team formed out of a recognition the we can't separate the success of students from the success of their families. The ourBRIDGE Family Support team plays an essential role in supporting families as they navigate life in the United States through a range of community events and workshops, covering topics such as immigrant rights, school system navigation, ESL classes, and health clinics. Our focus extends to supporting families in enrolling children in school and accessing essential services, addressing time-sensitive challenges like food insecurity and emergencies, and offering emergency funds through our partnership with the United Way of Charlotte. Additionally, our team actively works to decrease chronic absenteeism among K-12 ELL students by identifying and removing attendance barriers through translation services, transportation assistance, home visits, referrals, healthcare access, and community service connections.