BRIDGE MEADOWS
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Mission Statement
Bridge Meadows is an innovative solution at the intersection of child welfare, aging and affordable housing – issues that impact each of us. Not just socially and emotionally, but economically as well. Adoptive parents, foster children, and elders - those over 55 - find a true home built with love and the shared vision of a better tomorrow. Children move from the instability of foster care placements to permanent homes and families. Parents receive essential resources and guidance, while elders find safe, affordable housing and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and their children. With the community itself serving as the primary intervention, three generations unite to transform individual vulnerability into collective strength.This unique multi-generational community is located in Portland, Oregon. The only one of its kind in the region and the only one in the country in an urban setting. Bridge Meadows …the power of place, permanence & purpose.
About This Cause
PLACE. Bridge Meadows was created in 2011 to address unmet community needs in an innovative way. This unique multi-generational community is located in the Portsmouth neighborhood of North Portland. The only one of its kind in the region and the only one in the country in an urban setting. Adoptive parents, foster children, and elders – those over 55 - find a true home built with love and the shared vision of a better tomorrow. Children move from the instability of foster care placements to permanent homes and families. Parents receive essential resources and guidance, while elders find safe, affordable housing and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and their children. With the community itself serving as the primary intervention, three generations unite to transform individual vulnerability into collective strength. “This is a program that has a proven track record and should be taken very seriously as a way to turn the trauma of foster care into an experience that set children on the road to success.” US Senator Ron Wyden PERMANENCE. A healthy, stable and supportive environment is critical if a child is to mature into a successful adult. Studies reveal that children in our nation’s foster care system have a 50% chance of moving among 5 or more homes. Even with an increase in kinship care and extended family placements, financial, housing and employment insecurity are major obstacles to permanence for adults and children. For elders with limited income, aging with dignity and independence is a universal goal that is too often hijacked by limited income and lack of social support. "It is the unique fabric of relationships at Bridge Meadows that is the source of healing. Children build trust and gain stability in a compassionate environment, while busy parents welcome the support system of other parents and elders who voluntarily engage in activities that provide a little extra one-on-one time." Joy C. | Bridge Meadows Resident | Elder PURPOSE. Bridge Meadows is an innovative solution at the intersection of child welfare, aging and affordable housing – issues that impact each of us. Not just socially and emotionally, but economically as well. Ensuring that current and former foster youth have the stability, caring connections, and educational supports they need to succeed can re-calibrate the trajectory of their lives. Investing in the safety and security of these children today improves the quality of life for everyone tomorrow. Adoptive parents are better able to advocate for their children as they receive the knowledge, skills and resources to manage their own stress, build their confidence as parents and achieve a level of financial security. Elders are embraced as grandparents, mentors, teachers and friends. They hold babies, help with schoolwork and so much more. In doing so, they improve their own health and well-being. At Bridge Meadows, elders continue building the meaningful social connections that keep brains and bodies active and healthy. When I think of community, I think of a group of people with a common background or with shared interests. Yet, we are individuals with unique qualities and characteristics . . . We all make up this wonderful support system we call Bridge Meadows!” Juanita L., 90 yrs. old, Bridge Meadows Resident|Elder PRAISE. In 2012, Senator Wyden named Bridge Meadows as an “Angel in Adoption”. In January 2013, this uniquely successful intergenerational approach was featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. In July 2013, Bridge Meadows was selected as 1of 5 finalists for the Eisner Intergenerational Excellence Award. Bridge Meadows is also featured in the fall 2013 issue of the Stanford Social Innovation Review’s article, “Bridging the Generations”. “I think Bridge Meadows has proven the urban model of how you can create these communities, total communities, that are helping foster kids be successful in life and we need more of them.” Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman