The Bridge for Youth
Lisa Mears has had a successful career in various leadership roles within nonprofit organizations. Currently serving as President of The Bridge for Youth, Lisa has also held positions such as Founder & Owner of Marine Magnolia LLC, Chief Executive Officer at Family Pathways, and Executive Director at The Open Door. With a strong educational background including a Masters of Public Affairs from the Hubert H Humphrey Institute University of MN, Lisa has demonstrated expertise in public administration and nonprofit management throughout their career.
The Bridge for Youth
The Bridge for Youth centers youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do, and empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships. Our vision is a community where all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. #BFYcommUNITY The Bridge is on the forefront of addressing youth homelessness in the Twin Cities, serving the most vulnerable youth with effective, youth-centered programs that offer a pathway out of poverty and chronic homelessness. Committed to meeting the changing needs of youth currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness, current programs at The Bridge include: * Youth Response Center: Available 24/7/365, the Youth Response Center provides immediate support and resources for youth and families. *Resilience House: Emergency shelter, meals, access to healthcare, case management, and support for youth ages 10-17 experiencing homelessness. *Gloria’s Place: The only emergency shelter in Minnesota for pregnant or parenting homeless youth (ages 15-17) and their children (ages 0-3). Provides temporary shelter, meals, access to healthcare, case management, and parenting education. *Marlene’s Place: The first and only site-based transitional housing and case management program in Hennepin County for pregnant or parenting homeless youth (ages 16-20) and their children (ages 0-3). *Rita’s House: An intentional living community providing affordable housing and teaching independent living skills for youth ages 18-21. *Outreach & Support Services: Connects with youth in the community through street, site-based, and mobile outreach; school partnerships; community education; counseling; aftercare; support groups; and specialized case management for crime victims and youth who identify as LGBTQ+. Please support The Bridge today!