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Bridge & Anchor Youth Initiative
The Bridge and Anchor Youth Initiative is our youth-focused umbrella at Linked Family Services, created to support children, teens, and their caregivers through programs, events, and advocacy that respond to real needs in our communities.
We believe that young people need both a bridge to opportunities and resources—and an anchor of steady support as they grow, heal, and lead.
From school navigation to emotional wellness, from pregnancy support to life skills, the Bridge and Anchor Youth Initiative provides age-appropriate, culturally relevant support for youth ages 6–21, including pregnant and parenting teens.
What Falls Under This Initiative?
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Family Navigation & Systems Advocacy for caregivers of youth ages 6–17
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Youth health and wellness events, like our Pads & Pencils back-to-school cycle support event
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Pregnant and Parenting Teen support
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Emotional health education and support circles
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Parent and caregiver coaching for families raising older children
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Skill-building workshops and seasonal activities
At Linked Family Services, we’re building a future where every young person feels seen, supported, and surrounded by community. The Bridge and Anchor Youth Initiative is how we begin.
NextGen Healthy Start:
Teen Parent Support Group
The NextGen Healthy Start Teen Parent Support Circle is a safe, in-person space for pregnant and parenting youth ages 16–21 to connect, learn, and grow together.
Through guided discussions, hands-on activities, and supportive conversation, young parents strengthen their confidence and build the tools they need to thrive — both personally and as caregivers.
Each session is designed to help participants strengthen their Protective Factors, including:
💚 Parental resilience
💙 Social connections
💚 Knowledge of parenting and child development
💙 Concrete supports in times of need
💚 Social and emotional competence of children
What to Expect
Our 5-month support circle will meet twice a month on Monday evenings (5:30–7:00 PM) — because we believe in starting every week with empowerment, encouragement, and community.
Dinner and refreshments are provided at every session.
Each group includes:
✅ Guided discussions led by a Family Support Specialist
✅ Peer-to-peer support and shared learning
✅ Parenting tools from the Restoring Family Values curriculum
✅ Creative activities and reflection exercises
✅ Tiny Essentials Relief Bundle (diapers, wipes, hygiene items)
✅ Accountability workbook to track your growth
✅ SEPTA passes to help you get to and from class
November Program Dates
November 17th, 2025 and November 24th, 2025
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Dates for December through March will be shared directly with registered group participants.
Location: PHMC Health Center on Cedar
501 South 54th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143
(Located at 54th & Larchwood, take the elevator to the 1st floor)
Who Can Join
This program is open to:
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Teen mothers, teen fathers, and expecting youth ages 16–21
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Participants referred by community-based partners
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Youth who want to build stronger parenting skills, support networks, and confidence
First Annual Pads & Pencils Back to School Cycle Event- Aug 3rd, 2025
Celebrating Confidence. Tackling Period Poverty.
On August 3rd, 2025, Linked Family Services hosted its inaugural Pads & Pencils event—designed to support girls ages 8 to 18 and the mother figures who walk alongside them through puberty, school, and self-discovery.
Within just 36 hours of releasing the event flyer, all 100 registration spots were claimed—an overwhelming response that made it clear: this space was needed. Over 80 guests joined us in person for a day filled with affirming breakout sessions for the young ladies and their mothers, curated period relief bundles, community resources, and open conversation about menstrual health, confidence, and care.
Together, we distributed over 400 period products, created space for connection, and reminded families that dignity and wellness belong in every school bag.
Pads & Pencils is more than an event—it’s a movement to break the stigma, fight period poverty, and empower a generation of girls to walk into the school year proud, prepared, and powerful.
Pads and Pencils 2025 full recap.MP4
