The Bridge Center (formerly Handi-Kids)

CONTACT:

470 Pine St.
Bridgewater, MA 02324
508-697-7557
www.handikids.org

Jennifer Harber, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

This is how a successful benefit organization grows. Established in 1963 by King Solomon Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Handi-Kids' original goal was to provide assistance to meet medical costs for disabled children. Succeeding in that first goal, the program expanded to include a "Home Bound" program providing physical and recreational therapy for disabled children confined to their homes.

In 1978 Handi-Kids was given 30 acres of woodland in Bridgewater, which enabled them to create a comprehensive therapeutic center for disabled children, featuring eight riding horses enjoyed by 50 children every week, a pond for boating, a ball field with a 1/4-mile track, and a recreation center offering computer training, arts and crafts. In summers, over 325 children from 66 communities in three states participate in activities tailored to individual needs and abilities, and designed to help develop motor and social skills and to boost self-esteem. Staff-to-child ratios vary from 1 to 1 for severe handicaps, up to 1 to 3 for milder disabilities; every child receives a scholarship that covers 50-100% of the cost. No child is turned away for financial reasons, and every child who wants to attend, does. Your support is very much needed to meet high demand.

(1998: HUMAN SERVICES: Health and Aging: Disabilities and Children's Disease)