Bridge Builder – LOV Inc.

Bridge Builder for Youth: Lauren’s Story

Posted on March 22, 2023March 22, 2023 by Karen Koethe

LOV Inc.’s Bridge Builder for Youth Project works with teens with disabilities at a pivotal moment in their lives. Like many teenagers, youth with disabilities are navigating what comes next as they transition out of school and into young adulthood.

At the same time, they may need to address additional challenges and barriers, such as accessibility or connecting with their community outside of the school setting. That’s where the Bridge Builder for Youth Project comes in. Working one-on-one with Bridge Builder staff, participants – known as Bridge Builder members – identify their own goals and work together to create a plan, build skills, and move toward a supported and fulfilled life.

A LOV Inc. member makes cookies at a cooking class — Lauren, a LOV Inc. Bridge Builder member, participates in a cooking class.

Bridge Builder staff work with the member and their ally – often a parent or primary caregiver – to identify and support member goals.

For one Bridge Builder member, Lauren, an important goal was independently using paratransit. As a wheelchair user, Lauren previously had to rely on her parents or support staff for transportation, creating a gap in her ability to be independent as she enters young adulthood. While paratransit is available in the Madison area, obstacles and limitations can make it daunting to use, something that has only worsened with driver shortages and accessible transportation issues in recent years.

Transportation challenges are an issue that Rowan, the Bridge Builder staff, was well aware of. Together with Lauren and her family, they discussed what transportation was available through the Children’s Long-Term Support Program and how it could meet her needs. Knowing that Lauren’s concerns were valid, yet often minimized, Rowan organized for Lauren to meet with other paratransit users who had faced similar transportation issues. They shared their experiences, how to address challenges, and also their joy in independently navigating the community. Lauren learned what to expect, the challenges others experienced, and also what made it worth trying. This gave Lauren the confidence to try paratransit services.

Through more experience and practice, Lauren is growing comfortable with using paratransit and is now less concerned about the “what-ifs” and more focused on the joy she gets from attending events and participating in community life. Gaining confidence in using paratransit opens up many opportunities for Lauren. This is just one example of how the Bridge Builder for Youth can work alongside an individual and support their individual goals while developing skills and building confidence.

LOV Inc. Creates Connections between Individuals with Disabilities and Community; Expands to Milwaukee

Posted on July 14, 2022July 14, 2022 by Karen Koethe

Zach Lillo, Milwaukee Bridge Builder Staff

With a recent expansion to the Milwaukee area, the nonprofit organization Living Our Visions Inclusively (LOV Inc.) offers a new resource to people with disabilities seeking to build connections in community settings. It’s part of LOV Inc.’s broader efforts to build equity and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Working one-on-one with individuals, the organization’s Bridge Builder Project staff work to identify each individual’s goals, ranging from joining community-based interest groups – think Dungeons and Dragons or a Euchre league – or attending art classes or joining a gym.

“Our process centers on really getting to know each individual, their personal interests, and what they value in relationships,” said Zach Lillo, the organization’s Milwaukee-based Bridge Builder. “Then we begin the planning process, identifying barriers, and determining next steps.”

Barriers such as accessible and convenient transportation and fear or anxiety around new people or spaces pose significant challenges to participating in community life, said Lillo.

That’s where Bridge Builder staff come in. Building a trusting relationship with each individual is an essential first step, followed by identifying safe and welcoming groups. The Bridge Builder and the person with disabilities attend new groups together, making it easier to try new experiences or activities. Additionally, Bridge Builders work to help each person learn how to set up their social schedule, get to the groups as independently as possible, and how to look for future groups on their own.

It’s a program that has seen a lot of success in Dane County and now is offered for the first time in the greater Milwaukee area.

Lillo, who served as a Bridge Builder in the Madison area for four years before moving to Milwaukee, recalls one such success story for an individual looking to get back into theater but needed some practice and a space they felt comfortable going to. Together with Lillo, they made a plan to attend an improv group.

“Learning to navigate spaces together is key to what we do. The individual I was working with had a stutter, and someone in the initial improv group laughed at them. This was a setback, but we processed how we can’t control how others react to us in the community, but shutting out the community is not the answer.”

From there, Lillo began to seek other options and connected with a theater professor who helped create a limited workshop in a safe space. It was a great experience that led to additional theatrical explorations, including hosting dramatic reading over Zoom during the pandemic and writing a musical.

To participate in the Bridge Builder Project, individuals should contact LOV Inc. LOV Inc. works closely with IRIS and Family Care. Private pay is also available. To learn more, contact Zach Lillo at zach@lovinc.org or 608-354-1076.

Wheelhouse Video

Posted on March 14, 2016 by

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Look for two of our LOVies enjoying the studio around 0:23!