THE BRIDGE

The domestic violence and sexual assault service provider for Dunn and Pepin Counties.

Vision Statement  

The vision of The Bridge is to end physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence.

Mission Statement

To empower victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault to rise above the terror of violence and to educate the community in order to end violence in our society.

Our objectives to achieve our mission:

Advocate, support and empower individuals, families and survivors to work toward this goal by providing quality prevention, crisis intervention and follow-up services in Dunn and Pepin Counties.

To create a social and political environment where violence is not tolerated and which will be achieved by increasing public awareness and understanding.

History

 In 1980, the state of Wisconsin gave the West Cap Agency in Glenwood City funds to assist victims of domestic violence in eight Wisconsin counties.  In 1982, West Central Domestic Abuse broke away from West Cap and became an entity of its own, receiving non-profit funding from the federal and state government.  West Central’s first office was located in the back of a local implement dealer in Menomonie.  West Central provided services to 37 women the first year of operation.

In 1986, West Central added the Children’s Program and began providing services to children who had experienced and/or witnessed physical, sexual, emotional or domestic abuse.  The Crime Victim Witness Program was also added to the services provided by West Central.  In 1990, West Central joined with the Dunn County District Attorney’s Office to provide services to all victims of crime.

The Board of Directors of West Central Domestic Abuse Agency changed the organization’s name to The Bridge to Hope, Inc., effective January 1, 1996.  Services were now provided in two counties, in two offices, one in Menomonie and one in Durand.  Services included crisis line, one-on-one support, group sessions, legal advocacy and sexual assault advocacy.

1997: 216 clients served, including 35 Pepin County residents.

1998: 307 clients served, including 31 Pepin County residents.  The Bridge purchased a house and opened a shelter program. All services now provided 24 hours a day.

1999: 252 clients served, including 25 Pepin County residents and 61 shelter clients.

2000: 308 clients served, including 34 Pepin County residents and 71 shelter clients.

2001: 287 clients served, including 11 Pepin County residents and 88 shelter clients.

2002: 289 clients served, including 28 Pepin County residents and 68 shelter clients.

2003: 331 clients served, including 44 Pepin County residents and 65 shelter clients.

No one deserves to be abused.  1-800-924-9918  We are here to help.  Free & Confidential Services