Today, my son and I took the clothes left over from our event and brought them to a wonderful resource we hadn’t known was available locally. I had the luxury of meeting Jennifer, the program director of the Bridge, a Family Resource Center. After gathering some of the clothes, Jennifer gave us a tour of the facilities and we were able to meet Jayne and Alex, who are other important staff members that make this facility run smoothly.
The programs are all free for families. They offer free clothes, diapers (they get two donations a year and they still have some smaller sizes left.), a place to come do homework, parenting and support classes and so much more. The FRC has rooms set up for playgroups for younger children under the age of six, but also for teenagers. Their art room is one of the rooms more frequently used by both children and adults.
Everyday there is something going on for children, parents, grandparents, or families. The center is open for everyone to come regardless of income or insurance.
While we were walking around, the place felt judgment free. It felt warm and inviting (and I’m not just talking about the coffee and snacks that were available). The atmosphere was welcoming. It didn’t feel as though you were walking into what sometimes can feel like a handout. It felt like you were walking into an organized friend’s home.
Drop-ins to the center are welcome. Pre-Registration to the groups is required as some fill up quickly.
We look forward to posting many of their upcoming events and hope families all over western mass are able to head to the center! You do not need to be an Amherst resident to use their services.
The clothing closet is open M,W,F 10-4
For more information, contact 413-549-0297
101 University Dr. Slogoby Building, Amherst MA
