Get Involved

Strengthening families is a community effort.

Bridges is able to do this work because caring people step forward to help.

Some open their homes to children in need of security. Others volunteer their time or support the mission financially. There are many ways to take part in building stronger families and healthier communities.

Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer for Bridges

Open your home to a child who needs consistency and support.
Become a Respite Family
Become a Host Family

Join the Bridges Team

Use your professional skills to help families rebuild stability.
Become a Care Manager
Become a Driver

Support Bridges' Work

Help expand support for families in your community.
Schedule a Workshop
Donate
Volunteer for Bridges

Open your home. Change a child's future.

Host and respite families provide children with a safe, secure environment during difficult periods in their lives.

Respite Families

Respite families welcome a child into their home on a part-time basis—after school, weekends, or on a schedule that works for them.
This allows a child to experience routine and care while remaining connected to their parents and home.

Host Families

When a child is temporarily unable to live at home because the environment is too unstable, they stay with a host family.
The Bridges care manager helps facilitate contact and visitation to nurture the relationship between the child and their parents.

Why families volunteer

Many Bridges volunteers find the experience deeply meaningful and rewarding—not only for the children they welcome into their homes, but for their own families as well.
Here are some of their reflections:
“Some parents are concerned that if they bring in another child, it might take away some of the love or attention that they give their own children. That's not the case at all. Just like with each new baby, the love doesn't change for the other siblings that are already there.”
“My children love him beyond words. They care for him like he's a sibling.”
“Our three year old talks about Chayala all week and waits for Friday for her to arrive!”
“It’s a blessing for our family. It's good for our children to see that we can love another person. They see her as a part of our family and it's making us better people.”
“Everyone needs to know what works for them and what they can handle. However, this experience only added to our family. We definitely have some challenging days, but the hard work pays off and just like with any other chessed, you think you're giving but you're really getting!”
“Last night when my 2-year-old went to sleep, she said a special thank you to Hashem for adding Rivky to her family.”
“The experience has been very empowering to us. I hope that my children are gaining from opening their homes, opening their hearts, and learning that not everybody has it as easy as others.”

What makes a good host or respite family

Welcoming a child into your home is a significant responsibility. Bridges carefully screens and prepares all volunteer families to ensure that every child is placed in a safe and supportive environment.

We are looking for families who:

  • Live in the Lakewood, Brooklyn, or Toronto areas.
  • Provide a safe, happy, and welcoming home environment
  • Are willing to collaborate with Bridges care managers
  • Participate in the screening and vetting process
  • Care for children with patience and consistency
  • Help children remain connected to their parents whenever possible, with guidance from Bridges clinicians

You are not expected to navigate this experience alone. Bridges provides guidance and ongoing support to host and respite families throughout the experience.

How families access IIC services

1

Submit an interest form

Complete the form below with basic information about your family, availability, and the age and gender of children you could host.
2

Initial conversation

If your application seems promising, we’ll schedule a call to learn more about your family and answer any questions you may have.
3

Screening and vetting

Prospective families go through a screening process that may include interviews, references, and a home visit.
4

Training and preparation

Before any placement, Bridges provides orientation and guidance to help families feel prepared.
5

Careful matching

If a child may be a good fit for your family, Bridges will reach out to explore the match and arrange an introduction.
6

Ongoing support

Care managers stay closely involved throughout the placement, which typically lasts about 6-12 months, checking in regularly and providing guidance and support.

What families are saying about volunteering with Bridges.

“It is so rewarding to be able to help a child in need and to know we are helping her parents as well! We love being able to give her a good time and knowing we are also making a difference for her entire week!”
Would your family like to learn more about hosting?
Apply Now
Join the Bridges Team

Use your skills to strengthen families.

Bridges relies on dedicated professionals who care deeply about supporting children and families. If you are looking for meaningful work that combines compassion, professionalism, and real impact, Bridges may be the right place for you.
Opportunities available in Lakewood, Brooklyn, and Toronto.
Learn About Opportunities

Care Manager

Care managers work with every member of a family to help them access the support they need.

  • Working directly with children
  • Helping parents regain stability
  • Liaising with and supporting host/respite families
  • Collaborating with schools, therapists, and community partners

All care managers hold a master’s degree or higher in a mental-health related field and receive specialized training through Bridges.

Driver

Drivers help transport children to and from respite or host homes. This role helps ensure that families can access support reliably and safely.

When a kid gets into my car and they're happy and glowing and they're telling me stories about their host or respite family, that makes me happy. It shows me that the work that we're doing really goes a long way.
Rivkah Parker — Bridges Driver
Interested in joining the Bridges team?
We welcome inquiries from people who share our commitment to supporting children and families.
Learn About Opportunities

Support Bridges’ Work

Partner

Schools, organizations, and professionals.
Schools, community organizations, and professionals often work closely with Bridges to support families in their communities. Bridges also offers educational workshops and consultations to help professionals better understand how to identify family instability and respond effectively.

Sample workshop topics:

  • Supporting Children During Family Disruption or Divorce
  • Recognizing When a Family May Need Additional Support
  • Strengthening Collaboration between Schools and Community Resources

‍

Get in TouchSchedule a Workshop

Donate

Help make this work possible.

Bridges' work is driven by donors who believe that children and families deserve thoughtful, responsible support during difficult periods. Your donation helps ensure that children can remain connected to their families while receiving the care and structure they need to thrive.

Bridges is a registered nonprofit organization.

Donate

Not sure how you'd like to get involved?

We’re happy to have a conversation and help you explore the possibilities.
Get In Touch
Supporting families facing instability so children get the care they need to thrive .Bridges is part of The Keystone, a system of organizations working to strengthen families and communities.
Quick Links
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Our Locations
Bridges NJ
818 Green Valley Road
Jackson, NJ 08527info@bridgesforfamilies.org(732) 473-8496
Bridges Brooklyn
1238 East 29th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11210info@bridgesforfamilies.org(718) 490-5625
Bridges Toronto
3845 Bathurst Street, Suite 401
Toronto, Ontario M3H 3N2Toronto@bridgesforfamilies.org(647) 691 3860
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