In 2005, SOSBC engaged in discussions with South Vancouver Youth Centre regarding gaps in services. At that time, there was a specific need for housing for young pregnant and/or parenting women leaving the care system that offered support in transitioning to adulthood. South Vancouver Youth Centre had a level of expertise with this population through their Transition to Adulthood Program, which included a Parenting Teen Group. This population, in particular, was identified as being significantly at risk due to person and systemic issues.

In response to the critical need identified by South Vancouver Youth centre, in April of 2006, SOS BC created Bridge 19. House coaches resided upstairs, with young mothers residing downstairs; this allowed for a supportive but non-intrusive internal system. The Bridge 19 residence opened its doors to the first young mother with her new born child who had medical complications. This young mother had grown up in the system herself, born addicted to heroin and after turning 19 years of age, needed supervision and support.

Since then, four other women and their children have lived in the Bridge 19 Transition House, most entering the home unemployed and on government financial assistance. Two of those women were Aboriginal. Some had active Family Service files (Child Supervision orders) or were flagged as high risk. Of the five young women who were served through Bridge 19:

• 100% live independent from government financial assistance
• 100% have full guardianship of their children
• 80% (4/5) are employed
• 1 young mother graduated from BCIT and was the 2006 recipient of the Courage to Come Back Award.

Unfortunately due to a lack of funding, the program is closing its doors on April 30, 2009, after four years of operation. While the numbers of those served seems low, the effect is immeasurable, because the support impacted two generations at the same time. For all, the cycle of involvement in the child protection system has been broken and dependency on government financial assistance is no longer needed. What the outcomes will not reflect is the growth in confidence, the increase in self esteem, and the potential for future success not only for the women, but their children.

Our other programs:

Family Continuance Program