About Us

The Bridge Youth Center is an outreach of FCC and is located near downtown Fort Myers on the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Edison Ave . The Bridge is a grassroots, faith-based, non-profit organization that serves youth ages 11-18 years old (grades 6-12) in the local community. The center strives to reach those teenagers who are struggling academically, social and financially, and spiritually to enable them in their personal development.

The Bridge strives to make a REAL difference in the lives of youth and their families.

RELATIONSHIPS - Building a bridge to different cultures thru a safe, creative environment and programs.

EQUIPPING - Building self-esteem, character, life skills, and positive attitudes.

AFFIRMATION - building confidence through support & encouragement.

LEADERSHIP - Building the community by sending out those who have been developed.

To provide a safe, caring place of hope that will build faith, character, self-esteem, health and respect through vocational, educational and social programs. The center assists in the restoration and development of relationships between families, youth and adults, community and Jesus Christ.

In 2007 The Bridge reached out to more than 1,400 different students over the year. Assisted 240 sheltered students, 29 different homeless adults with food & clothing, formula, baby clothes and furniture to more than 23 teen moms, gave out more than 600 book bags full of school supplies and assisted close to 500 foster care children during the Christmas Season.  Also 29 students and 3 adults accepted Christ as their Savior. Support from businesses, churches & private donors exceeded $132,740.00 in financial support and about $18,503.00 in goods/donated items. The Bridge volunteer staff donated an estimated $169,284.00 in hours of service to the community/center.

The Bridge operates its programs and events with 3 paid staff and close to 50 volunteers.

The Bridge has programs and activities that address the following needs:

• Daily after school tutoring for students in all school subjects by volunteer school teachers. (Free services)
• English classes for Spanish speaking students.
• GED, SAT/ACT preparation classes, FCAT testing assistance, resume writing and job placement assistance.
• Life skills development classes such as; creating a budget plan, checkbook and financial development, vehicle maintenance, computer classes and many more.
• Health and fitness awareness, drug abuse recovery and parent support groups.
• Sporting activities including basketball, boxing instruction, organized dance and local field trips.
• Community beautification projects, beach adoption project and community service events.
• The Bridge supports several local agencies in their efforts including Local School system, L.A.M.P. school, The Children's Network, Juvenile court & Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) and many community agencies.

An experienced and humorous speaker who has been a youth pastor for the past 24+ years, Jeffrey Shicks has spoken to thousands of teenagers across the globe. He served as a police officer & juvenile probation officer in Ohio and is currently the Director of The Bridge youth center - an urban outreach center for at-risk youth. He is also a Union Station Network coordinator, and serves as the Faith Rep for the Lee County Florida Juvenile Justice board & and a sought after speaker on youth gang & violence information. He has spoken at Teen Mania, NACC, FCYC, SYATP and many other youth conferences, public school assemblies and churches. Jeffrey speaks on a variety of topics to both youth and parents at schools, churches, camps & organizations which include: Youth Culture, Purity, Sex, STD's, Violence & Bullying, Suicide, Gangs, Urban Outreach and many other topics. Don't miss an opportunity to hear his powerful message "Reality Check Youth Talks." For booking info visit web at www.christianspeaker.net or call 239.337.3798

The Boxing ring is back & open to ages 8-88 every Monday-Friday at 5:30pm

The Bridge Boxing operates out of the Bridge warehouse and

teaches respect, discipline, physical fitness thru boxing, wrestling and MMA techniques.  For more info see coach Mike.

(Wrestling Tues & Thurs 4:30pm)

The Bridge Youth Center is a success in the community due to the support of many businesses, organizations and people who give of their resources, funds and time.

Here are our sponsors:

Gold's Gym                                     Henkels & McCoy

Heitman House                                Hilton Garden Inn

Beneficial (Household Finance)              Imaginaruim

Impact Florida                                    International College

Internet Services Group  (ISG)             Investment Brokers Inc.

Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC)      Lee Co. Sheriff Dept.

McGlo Plumbing, Inc.                         Micky Franklins Tires & Wheels

Mimi's Cafe                                            Morgan Stanley

Orthopedic Specialists of SW Florida, P.A.

Patnode Roofing, Inc.                      Next Level Church

Rowley Auto                                           Ruth Messmer Florist

Sanibel Harbour Dinner Cruise      Sea Oats Print

Smokey Bones                      Southwest Florida Symphony

S.W. Florida Workforce Dev. Board, Inc.

The Rock Hair Salon                                 The Veranda

Top It Off Salon & Spa                               West Coast Valet Service

Who's Shoes