The Bridge Community Development Center

The mission of The Bridge Community Development Center is to improve lives by reducing socio-economic barriers with the creation of strategic collaborations throughout Richmond, VA.

We, The Bridge Community Development Corporation (The Bridge CDC), a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, are embarking on a large-scale initiative to improve the quality of life for non-native English-speakers, particularly Hispanic immigrants, of Richmond, VA.

In pursuit of our mission of erasing socio-economic barriers to success, The Bridge CDC created Casa de Success, an ESL program. With the implementation of Casa de Success and interactions with other organizations and community leaders, we at The Bridge realized that most, if not all community ESL programs, are faced with the same challenges: limited funding, volunteers, trained staff, classroom supplies, transportation, and childcare.

As a result of this discovery, our organization decided to change its focus and create a network that eliminates a variety of resource barriers that limit Richmond Metropolitan ESL programs. We will help ESL programs provide a higher quality of service and increase the number of non-native English speakers who enroll and continually advance to subsequent proficiency levels. We also aim to have every ESL program enhance or add "cultural considerations" as a key portion of their staff development, and ensure that programs are focused on outcomes rather than output. We know the job can be accomplished and are dedicated to researching and developing the most effective and efficient ways to enhance the quality of life for the non-native English-speaking residents of Richmond.

We will enhance and implement programs that will positively influency equity and cultural harmony in Richmond.