What is it?
Bridges is a unique support and mentoring program for mothers and their families.
Support Includes:
- Long-term support/mentoring... mom's can stay up until the baby is 3 months old... allowing us to really bond with these young families.
- Parenting education ... We have a CBE (Certified BirthingEducator) teaching these women about the changes in their body, nutrition and of course education about the birthing process.
- Tangible Support. This Program is designed to be a hand up, not a hand out! Clients can determine their level of participation and are encouraged with the reward of “Baby Bucks.” These “bucks” are used at our Baby Bucks Boutique and Three-way Thrift Stores.
- Life Skills - Taught using curriculum such as "Dads 24/7" “Boot Camp for New Dads” for men and Extreme Power for women. “Love and Logic is the curriculum used to prepare parents for their new arrival. Life skills are modeled by our mentors, taught in class and reinforced in group discussions.
- Resources and Referrals - Often additional services outside the scope of Bridges or Alternate Avenues are needed. (i.e. drug counseling, therapy, etc) A licensed social worker evaluates the client needs and links them to identifiable resources.
- Food. Food is provided every week. Meals are used as examples of the nutritional cooking learned in the nutrition classes.
How often are the classes?
With the exception for a break over the summer and at Christmas, classes are held every week at two different locations in Rancho Cucamonga and Montclair. The first Tuesday and Thursday of each month is orientation and the other three are regular classes. If there is a 5th Tuesday or Thursday we hold a Baby Bucks Boutique at the respective location.
How do they earn “Baby Bucks?”
- Attending scheduled classes.
- Watching pregnancy or childcare videos.
- Bringing in proof of well-child check ups or vaccinations.
- Reading and summarizing books or video’s on pregnancy, childcare, etc.
- Attending classes (parenting, childbirth, mommy & me, etc.)
- Following through with resource referrals.
- Keeping doctors appointments
- Personal development.
**Partners are also encouraged to participate in earning Baby Bucks.
Why was this program created?
Here at Alternate Avenues and Bridges, we recognize the importance of responsible parenting and want to encourage parents to be caring and motivated. We desire that parents know that they are not alone and can rely on our program for resources and emotional support. It is our goal that parents who “Earn and Learn” will allow this educational experience to benefit their children’s lives as well as their own.If you would like to volunteer in our popular free program, contact us. We will call you with more information and answer any questions you might have.