What is The Bridge program?

The Bridge  is a program for students ages 18-21 who remain in the school system and continue to require special education services. Programming prepares students to function effectively and independently at the next stage of their lives.  This includes exploring recreation and leisure opportunities in their community, social skills development, specific skill development and employment skill acquisition.

Young adults at The Bridge  are placed at work sites within the community to develop work-based skills.  The skills they learn are then transferable to competitive employment or job coaching opportunities once they age out of the program.  For students who are unable to work in the community, The Bridge offers various in-house opportunities to allow students to still obtain work skills.  The young adults participate in student enterprises such as making dog treats and doing kitchen laundry for district elementary schools.

• Goals for Bridge students include:

  • independent living skills
  • social development
  • employability skills
  • community participation

All natural dog treats are made and packaged by young adults with disabilities.

The Bridge Program has been selling homemade dog treats since the 2011-12 school year. Students in this program make and package these dog treats to sell to community members.

Two products available:

• Peanut Butter Bones
  Ingredients: oatmeal, flour, water, peanut butter
  
  
• Apple Cinnamon Oat Paws
  Ingredients: oatmeal, cinnamon applesauce, egg

Dog Treats are available in packages of 20 for $5.00. Treats will be available to order through December 9. Customers will need to pay with cash or check made out to The Bridge. Money can be dropped off at any USD232 school in an envelope labelled “The Bridge dog treats,” their name and school. 

Order here:
Dog Treats Order Form

 Please contact The Bridge at 913-667-6200 for more information.