On Friday, May 22nd, our guest speaker was Tracy Rubstello from Bridge Receiving. Tracy has visited our Club many times in the past, updating the members on the most recent activities of Bridge Receiving. The Bridge Receiving Center provides emergency placement beds and is described as the only option of its kind in the region. Region C includes Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan, Snohomish and King Counties. Pierece County has no beds, and when five beds are available there, they are only available for boys age 11-17. High need was emphasized due to limited statewide capacity.
The Impact of the Keeping Families Together Act where the law raises the threshold for removing “children requiring imminent danger for police action.” Recently the state legislature enacted the "Keeping Families Together Act" and the new law raises the threshold for removing children requiring imminent danger for police action.
Unfortunately, children often arrive with only the clothes they are wearing; the center provides clothing. A storage container obtained with community help--including our Club--is full. Bridge offers a safe haven allowing caregivers (e.g. teen parents) temporary respite so they can reconnect and be kids again. On-going fundraising campaign to convert an office into a bedroom, increasing the capacity to six children which is the state facility maximum. Goal is to enable approximately 20 more children served per year. So much going on and so much to do to upgrade and maintain the facility.