Love
Education
Respect
Diversity
Charlotte’s Community of Newcomers is Growing!
Did you know that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ students represent 158 countries and speak 194 languages? In fact, one in three kids speaks another language at home, and more than 30,000 of them are learning to speak English!
Refugee and immigrant families arrive in Charlotte with varying levels of English proficiency, diverse backgrounds, and life experiences. ourBRIDGE was created to address the gaps in culturally responsive services, access, and support to help newly arrived immigrant and refugee children and families thrive in Charlotte.
Since 2014, we have worked tirelessly to cultivate genuine relationships and partnerships with Charlotte’s newcomer neighbors and everyone who honors our experiences and believes in the power of diversity and inclusion.
You can help us create opportunities for many more newly arrived families to adjust to a new community and develop a sense of belonging.
Together, We Can Create a Welcoming Community
Afterschool and Summer Programs
ourBRIDGE for KIDS offers culturally responsive, hands-on afterschool and summer programs intentionally designed for newly-arrived children from all over the world. These programs include full meals, transportation, and our unique curriculum. Our programs focus on accelerating English acquisition and literacy, ensuring socio-emotional well-being, and fostering cultural pride and appreciation as children adjust to their new home in the United States.
Wraparound Support In Thirteen Languages
At ourBRIDGE, we believe the well-being of every BRIDGE Kid is directly linked to the stability of their family. What began in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and a need to keep young English learners connected to their schools and learning communities has turned into a comprehensive family support system. Our Family Support Navigators connect families to essential resources in their first language, addressing any concerns or issues they might have.
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Partner with Us
1. Get to Know Us
ourBRIDGE is a one-of-a-kind place where staff, kids, and families from all over the world work together to create a strong community where they can thrive. Schedule a time to visit us so you can see it for yourself!
2. Make a Contribution
We need your financial support to continue the work. Use our online form to make a tax-deductible monthly, annual, or one-time donation.
3. Join the Efforts and Stay in Touch!
At ourBRIDGE, we understand the importance of living in a community where we can feel proud of who we are and where we come from.
Equity, Justice, Inclusivity
Through our active community presence and advocacy, we promote equity, justice, and inclusivity to make Charlotte a city that values cultural diversity and treats immigrant and refugee neighbors with dignity and respect.
Representation
ourBRIDGE is committed to building a team that fully represents the experiences, languages, and countries of the families we work with.
Community
We host numerous community events that provide excellent opportunities to meet new friends and experience the many cultures present in our beautiful city. Check out our calendar of events!
Diversity
80% of our staff members are BIPOCs, immigrants, refugees, or first-generation Americans, and we can work with families in 13 languages.
Celebration
We are non-faith-based and uplift our students’ religious holidays and celebrations to build a more diverse, accepting community.
Sensitivity
We adopt an equity-centered, trauma-informed approach with a cultural lens.
We are proudly immigrant-led!
A trusted voice in the community
YWCA Community Champion Award
2021
MICA Global Leadership Award
2020
Dr. Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Award
2020
NC Child Hunger Hero Award
2020
Charlottean of the Year
2014/2018
