ourBRIDGE for KIDS

Year Founded
2013
EIN
46-3784901
Local Leader/Exec. Director
Sil Ganzó
Primary Contact Name
Sil Ganzó
Main Address

3925 Willard Farrow Drive
Charlotte, NC 28215
United States

ourBRIDGE South
5338 Nations Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28217
United States

What We Do

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.

Interesting Info
  • In Fall 2022, we opened our South Site in CMS Pinewood Elementary. Between our two sites, we welcome 230+ into our out-of-school programming.
  • According to 2022-2023 teacher surveys, 97% of BRIDGE Kids improved their literacy skills, and 97% increased their class participation.
  • Our 40+ team represents 20+ cultures and countries and speaks a combined total of 15 languages!
Geographic Location

Albemarle Rd/Central Ave

Volunteer Opportunities
Classroom Support Volunteers For The 2024-2025 School Year!
Repeats daily on Monday to Friday, 3:30pm - 5:30pm for 304 times
Duration of 2 hours

Event Volunteers!
Repeats daily for 365 times
Anytime

11th International Fall Fest Volunteers Needed!
-
Flexible Timing

Kids playing outside with instruments and scarves
Young girl kayaking