Community Bridges

Who we are:

Community Bridges supports approximately 1,100 people in the greater Merrimack County area and continues to grow. Our mission is to help individuals and families living with developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorders identify goals that enhance their access and participation in the community. We support these aspirations by navigating obstacles and promoting opportunities for those we serve to share their skills and talents. For over 42 years, Community Bridges has been committed to supporting people at any stage in life and striving to weave their unique strengths and contributions into the diverse fabric of our community.

You make it possible:

The need for support within our community continues to grow. Without proper support, the momentum people like Jack, Nick, and Jill have created toward success stalls.  Unfortunately, the traditional funding we receive for the services we provide is highly restricted, which limits our ability to meet the needs of those who qualify for assistance. Further, state and federal support for these services fluctuates with the values of those who determine legislative spending. This creates challenges in addressing the increasing demand for services and hinders our capacity to provide personalized, high-quality programs and opportunities that foster connections and strengthen communities.

The impact:

Jack was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Initially, the expectations for his abilities as he grew were limited. His prognosis included challenges with communication, comprehension, reading, writing, and social engagement, leading to a grim outlook for his future.

However, shortly after his diagnosis, Jack began working with Early Support and Services through Community Bridges. Within months, he started to talk, and he made remarkable progress over time. As he grew older, he participated in various programs offered by Community Bridges. Family Support Services helped identify resources that nurtured his interest and talent in art, and the In-Home Support Program provided access to a direct support professional who guided him through community engagement and social interactions.

Today, Jack’s capabilities are limitless. He has achieved the impressive milestone of making the Dean’s List during his first year of college while studying art. In addition to his academic accomplishments, he works part-time and volunteers his artistic talents with local businesses and nonprofits. Despite some of the challenges he still experiences related to autism, Jack looks forward to a bright future and continued support from Community Bridges as he works towards independence and entrepreneurship. 

Jill's early involvement with Community Bridges helped her navigate educational challenges and find resources that supported her unique needs. Always active in her community, she credits her mother and Community Bridges for guiding her towards her goals. Today, she is a proud business owner, creating aromatic candles, lotions, and soaps made from homegrown or locally sourced herbs and flowers.

Nick moved to the area at the age of 15 and became one of the first graduates of Project SEARCH, a partnership program between Community Bridges, Concord Hospital, and Concord High School that teaches young adults with developmental disabilities essential employment skills in a real-world environment. After high school, Nick focused on furthering his education. With support from Community Bridges, he secured funding to earn his bachelor's degree in music. Later, he pursued employment and began living independently. When facing challenges, Nick relied on the support of Community Bridges to help him develop a plan and build the confidence to pursue his goals. Today, Nick is gainfully employed and living independently. 

Both Nick and Jill joined the Concord Self-Advocates— a peer group facilitated by Community Bridges that promotes community engagement, peer support, and raises awareness of the contributions individuals with disabilities have to offer. Members have raised funds and collected goods for underserved populations, including the unhoused community, families facing food insecurity, and veterans' services.

Community Bridges is proud to support individuals like Jack, Jill, and Nick and invites you to contribute to fostering opportunities and inclusion in the community.

Our goal is to address the unique needs of those we support. An unrestricted contribution will enable Community Bridges to focus on the areas of greatest concern for our community members. This may mean your contribution supports operational efforts in identifying and accessing opportunities for community engagement, or it could provide the means for someone to socialize. For others, it may involve support in participating in skill-building programs that lead to employment, independence, or other ways to contribute to the community.

Please donate today. Every gift makes a difference.

Who We Are

Community Bridges, founded in 1982, is a ...