New Bedford’s Community Bridges Offers Mental Health Support

Community Bridges, Inc. of New Bedford opened its doors in 2020 with Director Carolyn Burke working out of her home. Her goal is to help remove the stigma of mental illness, and reach out to young people and families who need help.

She joined Townsquare Sunday to spread the word about Community Bridges, and outline the work it does in Greater New Bedford.

The Mission Behind Community Bridges

Burke is a mother, wife, pastor and community advocate. Community Bridges offers various counseling services, life coaching and therapeutic mentoring to young people and families in diverse communities. Services are provided in-person or through tele-health.

"Five years ago, COVID was everywhere, so I just started posting notes on Facebook, saying if people needed help they should let me know," Burke said. "Two days later, my roster was full, and it's still full five years later."

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Affordable Mental Health Services for Families

"The reason we are nonprofit is so people who don't have insurance or don't have money can still receive services, because finances are a huge barrier to mental health services," she said.

Burke has a small team of four people currently working with her.

"I don't want to be Child and Family Services, but I would like to have a staff of 10 to be able to deploy throughout the city, whether we need to do in-home therapy, visit group homes, wherever we need to be," she said.

Challenges Facing New Bedford’s Youth

Burke said despite more light being shed on mental illness, the need is still there.

"I personally know of eight people under the age of 20 who committed suicide in the past two years. It's overwhelmingly sad to me that these people saw no hope at such a young age," she said. "God willing, I would like to be the person who grabs their hand and says, 'You can stand up, it's going to be okay.'"

How to Get Help

For those who would like to learn more about Community Bridges, you can email Burke at cburke@communitybridgesincma.com, call her office at (774) 328-7113 or drop by at 720 County Street in New Bedford.

Community Bridges’ First 5K Run, Walk and Roll

Community Bridges is holding its first annual 5K Run, Walk and Roll on Saturday, October 11 at Hazelwood Park in New Bedford. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration is $40 for people who are running. Burke is encouraging everyone to stop by, even if you are not running. Admission is free, and there will be vendors on hand and plenty of activities for children and adults.

If you would like your nonprofit featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.