November Proclaimed 'Empowering Teens Month': Bridge Teen Center

ORLAND PARK, IL —In a nod to Orland Park's The Bridge Teen Center, state leaders have proclaimed November as "Empowering Teens Month," in honor of the Orland Park teen center’s free innovative programming and the impact of afterschool programs on teenagers locally and statewide, center officials said.

Following the pandemic, the mental health of adolescents is considered by experts to be a growing crisis in local communities. Now more than ever, teens need safe and encouraging places like The Bridge Teen Center that proactively address these issues by connecting, engaging, and empowering teens. The nonprofit teen center, located at 15555 S. 71st Court in Orland Park, provides more than 350 different free programs and events annually that are holistically designed to help them navigate life’s challenges and begin discovering their true potential.

"Over the past 14+ years, we are humbled to have impacted over 13,400+ young lives through our free holistic programs and events," said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director of The Bridge Teen Center. "We are grateful to Governor Pritzker and the State of Illinois for recognizing our impact and issuing this —but most importantly, we are grateful to all the individuals and entities who regularly support our free programs and programs like ours statewide."

This proclamation marks the 17th time in The Bridge Teen Center’s 14-year history that the teen center’s programs have been recognized for their effectiveness by both private and government entities. Past recognition has also come from the US Conference of Mayors, Afterschool Alliance, the Illinois Afterschool Network, and many more. Empowering Teens Month runs throughout November and The Bridge Teen Center offers many ways for the community to get involved and support this important initiative.

Sponsorships

So far, a number of businesses have already supported Empowering Teens Month by becoming corporate sponsors - including Old National Bank, Ozinga Brothers, Inc. Providence Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Republic Bank, NuMark Credit Union, Marquette Bank and Azteca Foods. Other businesses and members of the community can get involved by visiting thebridgeteencenter.org/donate.

Volunteering

The Bridge Teen Center’s sister organization, The Bridge Thrift Store, is in need of volunteers and volunteer groups to help process donations. Two hours of volunteer time from a group of 6 can generate enough support for 2 students to have unlimited access to The Bridge for a year. Service projects will be held on select dates in November for individuals, families (no children under 12), businesses and groups. Volunteers receive a t-shirt while supplies last.

Shopping

The Bridge Thrift Store processes thousands of donations each month, which means their store's stock is changing daily. Shoppers will not only get some great deals, but their bargain-hunting will support the holistic programs at The Bridge Teen Center that empower LOCAL teens on a daily basis.

Donate Your Stuff

The Bridge Thrift Store relies on the community to donate gently used clothing, furniture, and home goods to raise support for The Bridge Teen Center’s free programs. Donations are accepted during store hours at the trailer behind the store. Pick-ups can be scheduled in advance for larger items. Learn more at bridgethrift.org.

Other Ways to Support

Other local businesses have partnered to support Empowering Teens Month. The local community can join to support in the following ways:

• Macy’s, located in Orland Square Mall, is asking shoppers to “round up” their purchases October 16-31 to support The Bridge Teen Center.
• Chick-fil-A in Orland Park is donating all sales from cookies sold between October 21 and November 2.
• Starting November 1, shoppers at The Bridge Thrift Store can receive a coupon for FREE Rainbow Cone ice cream when they donate $2 or more at checkout - while supplies last.
• Robeks Fresh Juices & Smoothies in Orland Park is donating all sales from Mahalo Mango Smoothies sold in November.
• Pizza Pete is donating 20% of all sales to The Bridge on November 12 (Frankfort store) and November 13 (Orland Park store).

The Bridge is urging the community to please support the businesses that support the FREE student programming offered at The Bridge Teen Center. Individuals can also support the initiative by making a secure donation on their website.

The Bridge Teen Center is a nationally-recognized nonprofit community center that is designed around the needs and interests of teens in the suburbs, providing free holistically-designed afterschool programs and a safe environment for Friday night entertainment. Over 13,400+ different students from 128 different communities have been served by The Bridge since 2010. The Bridge has never charged families a single dollar for programs and events, with funding coming from individuals, businesses, and foundations in the community. For more information about The Bridge and Empowering Teen Month or to get involved, visit thebridgeteencenter.org or call 708.532.0500.