Orland Park Teen Center In Running For 'True Inspiration' Award, Thousands In Grant Money

ORLAND PARK, IL — A beloved Orland Park nonprofit is looking for the public's support as they vie for a national award and grant money from fast food chain Chick-Fil-A.

The Bridge Teen Center has been nominated for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award, an honor recognizing nonprofit organizations making a lasting impact in their communities. Right now, The Bridge is asking for the public's vote to help bring award home to the southwest suburbs.

Thanks to the support of Chick-fil-A Orland Park and Tinley Park, The Bridge is proud to be 1 of only 5 nonprofit organizations selected to represent the Midwest Region for this award, the organization said. If selected, The Bridge could receive significant funding to expand its life-changing programs for local teens.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and volunteers, and the vital impact we strive to make every day in the lives of suburban teens,” said Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director of The Bridge Teen Center.

The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. The program supports organizations dedicated to caring for people, caring through food, caring for communities, and caring for the planet. Grants range from $30,000 to $350,000. In 2025, $6 million was awarded to organizations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Since 2010, The Bridge Teen Center has offered more than 350+ free afterschool programs and events each year to help suburban teens find hope, purpose, and direction. Program varieties include interactive STEM programs, art programs, music lessons, culinary programs, trade-focused programs, community service programs, social hangout events and more.

Winning the award would empower The Bridge Teen Center to reach even more students and positively impact more lives in our community, the organization said.

How to help:

Voting runs from September 2–30 and is open to all members of the Chick-fil-A One rewards program. To cast your one-time vote:

1. Download the Chick-fil-A App. (if you don’t have it already).
2. Create or log into your Chick-fil-A One account.
3. Tap the “For You” button on the bottom right of the app.
4. Scroll down to find “True Inspiration Awards.”
5. Tap “Vote.”
6. Select the Midwest Region.
7. Find The Bridge Teen Center and cast your vote!

“Every vote brings us one step closer to creating even more opportunities for teens to grow, connect, and thrive,” said Steinmetz. “We encourage everyone to vote for The Bridge Teen Center through the Chick-fil-A App to help us continue our mission.”

About The Bridge Teen Center

The Bridge Teen Center, located at 15555 S. 71st Court in Orland Park, 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 safe environment for Friday night entertainment. Over 14,000+ different students from 128 different communities have been served by The Bridge since 2010. The Bridge is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded by individuals, businesses and foundations in the community. 92 cents of every dollar donated directly support the free student programs offered. For more information, visit thebridgeteencenter.org or call 708.532.0500.