MISSION
The mission of The Bridge, Inc. is to provide substance abuse treatment opportunities producing positive, lasting change by partnering with each adolescent, family and community through honor, excellence and integrity.
VISION
To be the leader in the field of adolescent treatment, providing programs and services that “Flat out Work.”
VALUES
Demonstrating a compassionate, welcoming attitude and achieving consistently high levels of service by responding to each individual in a timely, professional and courteous manner.
Creating a positive, caring, supportive and safe environment for clients and employees
PURPOSE
Plan, develop and implement quality treatment services.
Provide an environment in which each client is treated with dignity and respect.
Provide a therapeutic setting conducive to recovery and personal growth, free of architectural, attitudinal, and financial barriers.
Monitor and evaluate programs and processes to ensure quality outcomes.
Explore additional opportunities to provide innovative services addressing the needs of adolescents and their families.
The Bridge was founded in 1974 in Gadsden, Alabama as a local “Drug Alert Center.” A Gadsden minister, Ray Crowder, volunteered his time to assist addicted individuals and combat the growing drug problem in northeast Alabama. Reverend Crowder's vision and tenacity were the primary ingredients for the development of The Bridge. He enlisted the help of the Etowah Baptist Association and the Gadsden Kiwanis Club to place a “hot line” telephone in his home. The number of calls for help was both astounding and overwhelming. Crowder then contacted the Alabama Department of Mental Health regarding grant money to open a counseling center in Gadsden. He was successful in securing a grant to open The Bridge in July, 1974. It opened with three employees and served 37 clients during the first year.
From those small beginnings The Bridge has grown to become a leader in adolescent substance abuse treatment. In the mid ‘90’s The Bridge began working with the Alabama Department of Youth Services and expanding services to include behavioral rehabilitation and juvenile corrections. In addition, the organization began opening community-based outpatient programs to increase the number of teens and families receiving substance abuse treatment services.
The Bridge is licensed/certified by the Alabama Department of Youth Services or the Alabama Department of Mental Health – Division of Substance Abuse Services.
We extend our thanks and gratitude to the countless board members, staff members and volunteers who have helped to grow and shape our organization.
National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare - Member
Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards - Member
Alabama Department of Youth Services - Licensed Provider
Alabama Department of Mental Health, Division of Substance Abuse Services - Certified Provider
Alabama ALL KIDS - Provider
Alabama Medicaid - Provider
Public Education Employees' Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) - Provider
National Health Services Corps - Approved Site
Blue Cross and Blue Shield - Level II.1 and II.5 - Provider
