Our Niche- Urban Youth

Specializing work with Urban youth is an ever evolving experience. Urban populations have very unique needs.

I remember when I first moved to Atlanta and road a MARTA train downtown, I saw a kid who looked to be about 12 years old riding the train...there was no adult with him. It caught me off guard----where was an adult to direct, protect and supervise him in this very public, risky, free, "destination unknown" environment. Then I realized, when he stood up to get off the train, threw his bag on his back, with a look stating that he knew where he was going and where he had just come from. He was an independent thinking, self-preserving, self-protecting, no fear-having, "find a way, make a way"---URBAN YOUTH.

Elana Winfrey, MEd, LPC

Staff Spotlight December 2008

THE BRIDGES CENTER PROUDLY PRESENTS:



Linda Branch
TEAM LEADER/ THERAPIST

The CEO of The Bridges Center, Mrs. Elana Winfrey , sat down with Ms. Branch for a good old family chat and here is what was said:

Mrs. Winfrey: What do you like most about your job?
Linda: There are many things that I enjoy; however, at the top of the list are that I enjoy working with the kids, and appreciate the fact that I have a good team of people to work with.

Mrs. Winfrey: What schools did you attend?
Linda: Tompkins Cortland Community College - Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts - Social Science Binghamton University - Bachelor's Degree - Psychology Major Cambridge College/Elmira College - Master's Degree - Mental Health Counseling Walden University - Ph.D. - Currently in school - Health Psychology.

Mrs. Winfrey: Who are your role models?
Linda: God and His Son. I walk a Christian walk in an effort to be like Christ! Everyone in my family! I have 2 sisters that are amazing (one is a lawyer and jewelry designer and the other a substance abuse counselor, singer, as well as minister). My dad (professor/sociologist) is a genius, and my mom (musician) is a great spiritual guide and source of strength. They are all people I look up to. My kids and nephews remind me to always have fun and remind me daily that “It's not that serious!” I have a close-knit family that I wouldn't trade for anything! I'm blessed.

In the Bridges Center I would have to give Angela Rozier props - she really set me up and on my way. She has a lot of knowledge and is a great source of guidance and information. Mr. Dunn also got me very excited to work here. I appreciate his passion. He's always there to provide good advice and remind me to handle my business, but to take care of myself!

Mrs. Winfrey: What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
Linda: Having my 2 kids. God blessed me...and they love and LIKE each other, too! My greatest accomplishment truly is being blessed with my kids. I know I'm doing a good job when my 14 year old kisses me on the cheek and tells me he loves me daily, and when my 9 year old sits on my lap and hugs me and tells me she loves me, too.

Mrs. Winfrey: Do you have any children?
Linda: Yes. Hannah is 9, and Isaiah is 14.

Mrs. Winfrey: What is unique about Linda?
Linda: I don't know how unique this is, but: I enjoy writing and composing music, I play cello and piano, and enjoy dancing and singing (dancing and singing in the privacy of my own home-of course!) I love eating Lucky Charms at night, and still enjoy watching Good Times, Three's Company and The Jefferson’s!

Vision for 2009

As we end 2008, our Managers are meeting, refocusing, and renergizing. We are determined to continue to improve in the areas of

PRODUCTIVITY- Measurable work loads, holding staff accountable
EFFICIENCY- Being consistant, streamlining our processes
TECHNOLOGY- The best software, paperless system, field work access, computer security. Technology helps us to work Smarter not Harder. Minmizes human error
PROVIDING THE BEST SERVICE TO OUR "CUSTOMERS" (Stakeholders)- We don't compete with other agencies. We strive to be the BEST we can possibly be to OUR customers.
AGENCY CULTURE- Understandig how to be laid back, "Do You" agency and still be the BEST.
COMMUNICATING OUR VISION- doing so effectively to all of are Stakeholders.

We have a very loyal and dedicated STAFF at The Bridges Center. I am excited about the coming year.

Elana

Our Marriage brought into our work

This video is of Kindred, one of my husband's and my favorite artists.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Entertainment/Detail?contentId=7999563&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=7.1.1

Bringing your relationship into your work, in a productive way, is magical. The power of two whose hearts have a common goal both personally and professionally is AWESOME. Sharing YOU and your life can be inspirational for others.

Elana Winfrey, MEd, LPC, CEO

Being "Real"

Being "Real" is not easy, but it is a LOT easier than the contrary. Keeping up facades, putting on a "face," ---it just seems like a great deal of energy and effort. So I choose to be ME in everything that I do, and I encourage my staff, Our Staff, to be themselves. The "Real" you is what makes you special. Just Do It and don't stress over what others think about the "Real" YOU. Unless you're harming yourself or others, then DO IT. If others don't support you---then you may need to consider if you need those OTHERS around you.

Several of my hardest working, most loyal and dedicated staff have told me that they knew TBC was the place that they wanted to work when the CEO conducted their interview with NO SHOES ON. I really didn't think about it at the time....I just feel at home when I'm at work. When I feel at home, and my feet ache, I take off my shoes. It's the "Real" me . A little TOO real you say? An REBT Theorist would ask you, "What exactly is TOO real??"

So, Dr. Wright, keep wearing your house slippers around the office.

Elana Winfrey, MEd, LPC
Program Director/ CEO

New Baby 7/7

For those of you who have seen me pregnant, it is finally over. The hard part is over and the fun has begun. "Bossman" Winfrey arrived on July 7th at 3am. 9lbs, 15oz (just 1 oz short of 10 pounds)...and to think, I delivered 10 days early.

He is now 4 1/2 months old and even Bossier...I guess he got it honestly.

Elana Winfrey, MEd, LPC, Program Director/CEO

...and slave to the "Bossman" at home.