Rochester Public Schools -

Olmsted County is home to many organizations dedicated to improving our community. The BRIDGE (Building Resilience in Development, Growth, and Education) Collaborative works to unite these organizations towards a common goal: bringing service-oriented organizations together to coordinate and integrate resources and services for children, youth, and families in Olmsted County.

Twelve community partners make up the BRIDGE Collaborative. School District partners include Byron, Dover-Eyota, Pine Island, Rochester, and Stewartville Public Schools. Mental Health partners include Fernbrook Family Center and Family Service Rochester. The community partners are Three Rivers Community Action, Dodge Olmsted County Community Corrections, Families First of Minnesota, Olmsted County Public Health, and Olmsted County Health, Housing, and Human Services. These organizations partner to help guide community projects.

So, how does the Collaborative work? Collaboratives help improve communication and coordination between providers county-wide and generate funding through the Local Collaborative Time Study (LCTS). These funds then help provide additional programming for children and families within Olmsted County through grants. A new community project starts with a grant proposal submitted by any Olmsted County community member. The Collaborative reviews each proposal and evaluates the purpose and long-term impact before approving and funding a project. Each Collaborative partner brings their expertise to the committee and considers the proposal. Depending on the type of project, BRIDGE Collaborative partners can build a connection to individual projects and provide support in other ways within their specialty area. 

In 2023, the BRIDGE collaborative partnered with United Way's Running Start for School, which helps provide local students with backpacks and other school supplies they need for the start of school. The Collaborative provided and continues to support our schools with mental health professional development for staff. Partnering with Fernbrook Family Center, the Collaborative is part of the annual Diversity, Equity, Diversity, & (DEI) Inclusion Series. The DEI Series helps grow inclusive, equitable communities through education and advocacy. In addition, many of the projects around Olmsted County focus on supporting whole-rounded wellness for students, families, and staff in our county.

The Collaborative is also an advocate for therapists working in schools because it believes that providing access to a mental health therapist in school can reduce stress for caregivers who drive to therapy and prevent a student from missing school. 

One of the projects that has directly impacted Rochester Public School students this year is the "Rocket Boost at John Marshall (JM) High School." This program takes place over lunch periods and has an ongoing initiative to support mental health and increase a sense of belonging at their school. One example is the Red Barn Learning Farm petting zoo JM hosted in the fall of 2023. You can learn more about this project. The greater impact of this program is the conversations that lead students to consider their learning experience from a social-emotional perspective. For example, if a student feels relief or joy from petting a dog or playing with a dog at school and they have not experienced this or cannot own an animal, what other ways could they seek this experience? Can they consider volunteering at a local animal shelter, helping a neighbor with their dog, or seeking employment at a dog kennel or veterinary office? These opportunities bring joy and experiences to students and allow them to seek ways to better themselves and their community. 

Amy Ward, the BRIDGE Collaborative's coordinator, explains that her favorite part of this collaborative is seeing the programs develop. Whether it's helping build transportation options to get preschoolers to school or seeing kids interact with farm animals up close at lunchtime, she enjoys seeing the projects come to life and the community-wide impact they have. Amy serves as a connection to the resources and services provided in Olmsted County, but she is also available as a resource herself. Her job allows her to support community members, answer questions, connect, brainstorm, and collaborate to better connect community members.