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Bridging

  • Bridging

Bridging at CCS

Connecting students to resources vital to their transition to adulthood.

Bridging’s mission is to assist school-aged youth with disabilities to step confidently into their adult years by introducing them to meaningful community opportunities, exploring topics connected to healthy adult living and building healthy relationships.

Bridging at CCS partners with Burlington, Colchester, Mt. Mansfield Union, South Burlington and Winooski High Schools.

Working with interns from the UVM School of Social Work and mentors from partner high schools, Bridging Coordinator Emily Anderson guides students through a full academic year organized around four learning modules:

 

  • Career exploration
  • Community connection
  • Independent living
  • Advocacy

Career Exploration

Students reflect on possible careers and and gain valuable pre-vocational experiences. Dean Haller, a program mentor with more than 40 years business and H.R. experience, guides students through mock job application and interview processes. Students  tour potential work sites and meet local professionals working in “dream jobs,” then reflect on those experiences with their peers and mentors.

Community Connection

Participation from a variety of community partners offers our students a wealth of opportunities to engage businesses, organizations and local leaders, and to discover valuable community resources in a structured way.

“Each interaction helps erode barriers to full participation and becomes another step on the path toward true inclusion,” said Bridging Coordinator Emily Anderson.

Independent Living

Students gain training, support, and experience for independent living skills of their choosing – from using public transportation, to cooking and nutrition, to finances.

People’s United Bank in Burlington is an strong program partner, offering students sessions on: the history of money, lending, and banking.

Advocacy

Bridging participants work directly with Green Mountain Self-Advocates to learn their rights, develop skills for speaking up, and engage topics from community safety to voter education. Work culminates with students creating their own advocacy group and choosing four goals to accomplish by the end of the year.

Learn more about Bridging at CCS

Contact Emily Anderson, Bridging Coordinator (802) 655-0511 x163

Email Emily