A Special Apartment Community

At Bridge Meadows.

Destination: Portland, Oregon. An apartment community, BRIDGE MEADOWS, in the northern section of the city. There are probably hundreds or thousands of apartment communities throughout the US. So, why this one?

This one stands out, for its intergenerational blend. It combines low-income elders, foster youth, and adoptive parents. They all live near each other, making a home that includes love, stability, and a vision of a better tomorrow. I used to work with foster children and I know that many of their young lives are marked by instability, wondering if those who took them in this time really love them, or they're just a source of income. That's different here. Not only can they have that important connection with their foster/adoptive parents, but the elders here provide additional support, education, and love, those things that children in this situation need to survive.



Of course, such a setting also gives the elders something, too. It's the ability to remain active, not just physically, but cognitively. It gives them a role in the development of the next generation, as grandparents to these children, who need so much. And it gives the parents a helping hand, the ability to get advice from a knowledgeable elder, and being able to take a break, some time for themselves, when they need it, because of the support around them. It's a brilliant idea!

Spreading the word at this year's Annual Bride Builders Luncheon.

Because this type of living has become so popular, there are plans under way to develop another, similar community. As has been noted, more parents are becoming interested in adopting, as there are more foster youth available to adopt. In order to provide the type of community that is needed, a campaign is underway to finance two additional communities. It is estimated that 18,496,000 is needed. So far, the campaign has raised $17, 816,250, so the goal is in sight.

One of the female heads of household, who lives with her adoptive children at Bridge Meadows.

Bridge Meadows-Beaverton will replicate the three-generation approach used so effectively at Bridge Meadows. New Meadows will be for a different type of housing, for youth who are aging out of the foster care system. Since these young people don't have the stability and support provided by their own family, this community will allow them access to the housing, stability, and life skills that they need for independent living.

Thanks for information from the Bridge Meadows home page, and the above link.

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