Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive both in school and beyond. Yet emotional and mental health challenges can hinder success. This is where our Building Bridges program makes a real difference.
Since its launch in 2013, Building Bridges has offered early intervention and short-term support to students in grades 4K–8. In partnership with Dane County Human Services and nine local school districts, the program provides up to 90 days of wraparound services to help families address emotional, behavioral, and social challenges before they escalate.
Our dedicated team works closely with students, parents, teachers, and school administrators to develop individualized support plans that bridge the gap between home and school. This collaborative approach not only helps students overcome personal and academic hurdles but also fosters a more supportive school environment.
“Our clients are faced with a wide array of challenges,” said Catherine Brock, Manager of Family Programs for Catholic Charities. “For the families, it is a lack of foundational resources (ex. housing, food, transportation, employment, child care, respite, health care, dental care) in addition to the inability to navigate the systems around insurance and county/state/federal programs. There is generally a mental health component as well, with family members struggling with underlying undiagnosed mental health conditions.”
Beyond providing direct support for students, Building Bridges trains school staff on mental health and trauma-related issues.
“Our Building Bridges teams do a great job of assessing every family’s needs, formulating a plan to address the deficits, and working alongside the parents and guardians to move the family in a positive direction,” Brock said.
In 2024, Building Bridges served 281 students and 595 parents and guardians across Dane County. Your generosity makes this vital work possible, ensuring that every child has a strong foundation for success. Thank you for being a champion for our children’s future.
