History of BRIDGES

In 1922, women from Calvary Episcopal Church and St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral established the Church Mission of Help, based on an outreach mission begun at Trinity Episcopal Church in New York City in 1913. The focus was on "wayward and delinquent women and girls over 16 who found themselves in difficulty." The program was run by volunteers until 1924 when the first staff person was hired, Miss Theresa de Birmingham, as Executive Secretary. In 1925, Miss Agnes Grabau became Executive Secretary and served in that capacity until 1960. During her tenure, many changes occurred. The agency's name was changed to Youth Service on May 21, 1947 and the mission was expanded to include boys and to provide vocational counseling in 1948.

In 1962, the agency was incorporated as an independent non-profit organization known as Youth Service in Memphis. The Rev. Donald E. Mowery was hired as Executive Director in 1963 and served until 1994 when he retired. In the past the agency had provided services to young people in its office. "Father Don" took his work to the streets. During this period, the agency became one of the first in Memphis to integrate its programs and close ties to government agencies and Memphis City Schools developed. During the civil unrest that followed the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it became increasingly difficult to find outdoor spaces to hold integrated activities. This prompted a partnership with the Naval Air Station in Millington.

In 1988, a community volunteer, Rebecca Webb Wilson, brought a program called Bridge Builders® to Youth Service. Her idea was to bring together high school students from diverse backgrounds for summer conferences and year-long activities that would build leadership skills while simultaneously forging ties between future leaders of the community. The program began with 40 students from Northside and Briarcrest High Schools. Today, the Bridge Builders® Program involves more than 1,000 youth representing every public, private and parochial high school in Memphis and Shelby County.

In 1995, The Rev. James R. Boyd was chosen to lead the organization into the 21st century and became President of Youth Service. Jim brought a new vision to the agency, one based on entrepreneurial approach to social services that lessened the organization's reliance on rapidly diminishing government subsidies. In 1996, to more accurately reflect the work the agency was doing, the name was changed to BRIDGES.

Today, BRIDGES programs serve 15,000 adults and youth in the Memphis area annually. We provide experiential, hands-on learning for youth and adults to be leaders in fighting racism, poverty and educational challenges.