Building Bridges to Hope

Substance use prevention & intervention for youth, adults & families

About

Funded by the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Building Bridges to Hope is program dedicated to promoting substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and intervention by offering community-based educational opportunities and resources. The goal of the program is to equip and empower youth (11+ years old), adults and families with the knowledge, strategies and support they need to prevent substance use and address SUD related challenges.

Eligibility

  • Youth (11+ years old), adults & families
  • Family history of substance use
  • Individuals at risk of substance use
  • Resident of Newport News, Portsmouth, Isle of Wight or Franklin

Services/Resources Provided

Youth Workshops & Trainings

  • Substance use awareness
  • Peer pressure & refusal skills
  • Stress & mental health coping strategies
  • Healthy decision-making & goal setting

Community Engagement & Outreach

  • School partnerships for prevention education
  • Parent workshops on talking to teens about drugs
  • Collaboration with law enforcement, mental health agencies, and faith-based organizations

Adult Education & Trainings

  • Mental Health First Aid
  • CPR Certification

Leadership & Skills Development

  • Peer leadership training for youth ambassadors
  • Conflict resolution and life skills workshops
  • Employment and Education Referrals
  • Job readiness & career exploration

Training for Professionals & Community Partners

  • Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) & substance use prevention training
  • Identifying early warning signs of substance use
  • Motivational interviewing techniques for educators and mentors

Media & Awareness Campaigns

  • Social media awareness campaign
  • Anti-drug Public Service Announcements (PSA)
  • Storytelling and lived-experience testimonials

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

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