The Bridges Program at The Family Support Program: Building Foundations for Success for Generations
Chicago House’s Family Support Program launched in 1996 to house families whose head of household is living with HIV/AIDS. Today, FSP provides a home for 15 families and nearly 40 individuals, and supports entire families through case management services, linkage to care, and youth programming through the Bridges Afterschool Program.
“The Bridges program staff cares for the children in the Family Support Program year-round. This includes activities during the summer, like field trips, as well as afterschool care,” said Malcolm Townsend, Youth Program coordinator. “This model ensures that parents impacted by HIV know that their children are being looked after, and that the children know that there is someone in their corner at Chicago House.”
The children of households impacted by HIV face multiple challenges, including absenteeism in school, struggles with transitions in household composition, as well as increased vulnerability to becoming impoverished (United Nations, 2004). The Family Support Program works to promote the wellbeing of households impacted by HIV and equip the residents with life skills to help them continue building independent lives. The Bridges Afterschool Program plays a key role in providing wraparound care that encourages these children to fulfill their potential.
During the school year, the Bridges Afterschool Program provides students with structure and additional support. The program includes set schedule that includes a meal, studying, an enrichment activity, as well as free play. Enrichment is a key part of the Bridges Afterschool Program and students are exposed to everything from arts and crafts, to musical instruments, to cooking and other life skills.
Townsend expressed that watching students grow, find new interests and get excited for the future makes his work with Chicago House memorable. It strikes him to see students decide to participate after choosing not to in previous years, and he is motivated by seeing older students ask program staff for resume or homework help. Townsend’s role as program coordinator for the Youth Program allows him to be seen as a role model and mentor for these students who may come from stark home realities.
“You get to see the joy in them, in moving up and growing, so that’s special to me,” Townsend shared, “Seeing the different things that we need as a people, in this century, our community, youth, their growth, that’s what keeps me going.”
Evany Turk, Family Support and Independent Living program manager, shared her experience as a former resident, “I had kids who were part of the program, so I know the benefit for the families. It doesn’t only help the children, it helps the parents, too, in being involved with their parents’ education.”
In addition to providing children with educational opportunities, the Family Support Program assists parents in being advocates for their children in school settings. Entire families impacted by HIV are given support, which allows Chicago House’s youngest residents to advocate for themselves and understand that they have a community of care through FSP.
Read more about the Family Support Program: emerging fashion designer former resident Jacques Agbobly and Evany Turk’s return as program manager.