Kids Matter: A New Chapter in Family Support
October 16, 2025
We are piloting a new program, called Kids Matter, as an addition to Bridge of Hope’s whole family case management. The goal is to promote family connection and resiliency.
Once stability has been established, parents can choose for their family to participate in Kids Matter. Case managers then work with parents to choose family goals and activities that build family connection and resiliency. The program is designed to meet each family’s unique needs, taking into account different ages, circumstances and interests. There are 10 topics, like bonding and attachment, child development, communication, and nutrition, each with different activities that case managers can invite the family to participate in.
One family experienced a meaningful shift just after a single home visit. During the visit, the mother and children engaged together in a game. At the next visit, the children were eagerly waiting to discover what activity the family would engage in together. The mother reported feeling connected with her children every day and was able to set parenting goals using the family questionnaire.
Another parent engaged in learning strategies to respond to her child’s tantrums, modeling emotional regulation and redirecting. She reported that her daughter’s tantrums have since minimized. A few other parents have observed their children demonstrate skills that they hadn’t previously noticed.
We are collecting feedback and plan to make modifications so that, eventually, Kids Matter can be rolled out across the entire Bridge of Hope Network!
 |  |
| Jessica Sisemore | Caleb Simmers |
| Program Director | Church Engagement and |
| JessicaS@bridgeofhopeinc.org | Housing Director |
| CalebS@bridgeofhopeinc.org |
Program Need:
• Car Donation
We need your help to win a grant from HARTZ Physical Therapy
We have been selected as one of four finalists for October’s HARTZ Physical Therapy $2,500 grant! Only two organizations with the most votes will be awarded a grant.
Will you vote for us? Voting starts Wednesday, October 15th and runs through October 25th! Voting is limited to one vote per email.
To vote, please visit this link:
https://www.hartzpt.com/community/25th-grant-vote/