Community Bridges was founded in 1997. Over the years, we have provided holistic, sustained support to more than 3,500 girls, helping connect them with their futures – and with their community.
Here are some highlights of our growth and impact.
Community Bridges Timeline
2015
- Launched CB College and Career Planning Program
- 100% graduation and acceptance to college or university
- Organization received the EWomen Foundation Award
- Executive Director inducted into the National Association of Black Women
2014
- 100% of graduating CB girls seniors enrolled in institutions of higher education
- 85% of girls indicated a positive change in all goal areas
- Launched the CB Girls Mentoring Project
- Launched the Sponsor A Girl fundraising initiative
- Proclamation for 1st International Day of the Girl sponsored in Montgomery County
- Hosted International Day of the Girl county-wide event
- Developed KPI’s (key performance indicators) for measuring Social and Emotional Growth/Learning in our girls in partnership with students from Rutgers
2013
- Launched NEW CB Model, Vision and Values
- Expanded programming in six feeder schools to serve more girls per neighborhood
- Exeutive Director receives the 2013 The Daily Record Leading Women Award
- Executive Director appointed to Montgomery County DHHS Advisory Board
- Our True Colors annual showcase expanded to include all participating schools
2012
- Hired fourth Executive Director, Cynthia L. James
- Held first Annual Intern Appreciation Lunch for program assistant interns
- Awarded for participation in Excel Beyond the Bell Middle School Pilot Program
- Received Annual American Newswomen’s Club Holiday Award
2011
- Participated in Excel Beyond the Bell Out of School Time Middle School Pilot Program at Mario E. Loiederman Middle School. The program is a collaboration between Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery County Recreation Department, and Montgomery County Collaboration Council.
- 3rd Annual Conference held at Montgomery College Silver Spring/Takoma Park Campus. The theme of the conference was “Speak your Soul” with a theme of storytelling.
- Held first annual Winter Art Showcase at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
- Achieved the vision of a 7th grade Jump Start girl to hold a fashion show with a purpose. Held the Our True Colors Talent + Fashion Show to promote inner beauty and the power of being yourself.
- Featured on County Cable Montgomery for our out of school time programming. The video featured our Middle School and Elementary School programs.
2010
- Created new position for Family Institute Program Manager to work with parents/families of participants to create a more holistic approach to our work.
- Enabled Ana Lopez van Balen, Executive Director, and Jacilyn Skupien, High School Program Manager, to travel to Morazan, El Salvador with Montgomery County Sister Cities Delegation for a week long experience.
- Held 2nd Annual Conference at Montgomery College Silver Spring/Takoma Park Campus. The conference “Smart: The Rebirth of Cool” focuses on the social pressures to not act smart in school and how to counteract them.
- Held first annual End of Year Retreat as a reward for girls in all programs who have had 80% attendance in program and have made their school’s honor roll.
2009
- Piloted High School program in the Spring semester of 2009.
- Held first annual conference on the topic of sexual harassment.
- Honored: Ana Lopez, Executive Director was awarded the distinguished Eugene & Agnes E. Meyer Foundation’s Exponent Award for 2009.
- Honored: Ana Lopez selected as a Washingtonian of the Year for 2009 by the Washingtonian Magazine.
- Received citation from State Delegate Tom Hucker and a County Proclamation from Councilmember Nancy Floreen.
- Recognized through Nourishing Heart Award from MCCF.
2008
- Held first annual Open House for families and first annual Family Picnic.
- Participated in art project with artist Carien Quiroga.
- Standards for Excellence Certification through the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations.
- Chosen for inclusion in the 2008-09 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington.
- Citation from Representative Chris Van Hollen, U.S House of Representatives. and from Delegate Sheila Hixson, Maryland House of Delegates.
2007
- Celebrated our 10th Anniversary.
- Changed name of Chicas Hispanas to L.U.N.A. (Luchando Unidas con Nuestras Amigas) The name means persevering together with our friends.
- Received proclamation from County Executive Isiah Leggett.
- Made an official partner of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and received in-kind resources from MCPS.
2006
- Selected by the Community Foundation of the National Capital Region for outstanding work with middle school students.
2005
- Named one of “40 for a Better Future” by Washingtonian Magazine, for our work to “strengthen the bodies and spirits of young Washingtonians and give them the tools needed to build better futures.”
- Citation from Congressman Chris Van Hollen, in recognition of extraordinary work in helping girls to achieve academic success and develop outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Received Nancy Dworkin Award for Outstanding Service to Youth, co-sponsored by Gazette Newspapers and Montgomery County Commission on Children & Youth.
- Received Long Branch Athletic Association Community Hero Award, in recognition and appreciation of extraordinary contributions to the youth of Long Branch and the promotion of team sports.
2004
- Began Dreamcatchers mentoring program for 8th grade girls. Girls were partnered with a professional woman from the DC Metro area and go out on monthly outings.
- Selected as a Catalogue for Philanthropy organization doing outstanding work with girls in the community.
2003
- Began Chicas Hispanas program in response to requests from two middle schools for mentoring for recently immigrated Latinas.
- Received recognition from Douglas Duncan, County Executive of Montgomery County, Maryland, in recognition and appreciation for the Jump Start Girls! Adelante Niñas! program.
- Received recognition from the SHARE Food Network for building strong communities through SHARE-DC Metro.
2001
- Received recognition from Eastern Middle School, in appreciation for contributions and support of after-school activities.
2000
- Received Daily Points of Light Award, honoring those who have made a commitment to secure for all Americans – especially young people – the fundamental resources needed to lead a productive life.
1999
- Received Washington Area Women’s Foundation Leadership Award.
1998
- Began Jump Start Girls! Adelante Niñas! Middle School program begins at two Silver Spring middle schools.
- Began Jump Start Girls! Adelante Niñas! Elementary School program at Oak View Elementary School.