Jon Bridge, Kids Co.
Board Member

Countless caring and committed individuals have come together since we opened our first child care center in 1989 to build the organization we are today. Community support has played a major role in our success. "Child care is expensive. Because of the support of loyal donors, Kids Co. can eliminate cost as the chief barrier many parents face when it comes to accessing safe, high-quality care," according to Kids Co. President, Susan Brown. Donated dollars allow Kids Co. to provide tuition assistance to over 150 children each year.

Perhaps no donor or volunteer has given as much to Kids Co. over the years as Jon Bridge.

"My connection to Kids Co. goes back to 1990 when Susan opened the center on-site at John Hay Elementary," remembers Jon. "Our daughter, Rebecca, was starting 2nd grade and was enrolled in the center. That began a long relationship with the organization. Rebecca then went on to TOPS and remained in the center there Ð volunteering as an assistant during her 7th and 8th grade years. She then continued to volunteer after school when she attended Franklin High School. About that time I came on the Board and Rebecca was actually hired to work at a Kids Co. center. That lasted until she went away to college in California Ð but I stayed on board."

Jon and his wife, Bobbe, care deeply about the well-being of kids and families in our community. Jon's involvement with Kids Co. is but one example of how much they give back. "We, as a family, believe strongly in education and child welfare. Having children in a safe, nurturing and educational environment will make for well-adjusted, happy and successful adults. Those adults will be best able to promote peace and prosperity in the community, nation and world, making this a better place for all to live in. Kids Co. provides an outstanding environment of safety, caring and education for children, with a well-trained and dedicated staff. Clearly, this atmosphere is nearly ideal for our children and deserves community support."

We are honored by Jon's dedication to Kids Co. and grateful for his service to our community. "Jon is my mentor, role model and friend. His work in our community serves as a tremendous inspiration to me in my work," admired Susan.

As an organization, we would like to congratulate Jon and Bobbe for being chosen to receive the 2006 Isabel Colman Pierce Award for Excellence in Community Service. We'll join in the celebration when the YWCA honors Jon and Bobbe Bridge with this prestigious badge of community service on November 10.