The results are impressive: 100% of participants in Community Bridges’ Girls Program graduate from high school, and 100% achieve college acceptance and enrollment. But the program is about more than numbers — it’s about equipping girls to think critically, make healthy choices, and become life-long leaders. Working with girls in 4th through 12th grades from diverse backgrounds in Montgomery County (where immigrants represent 35% of the poorest residents), CB engages girls in school, after school, and on weekends. Through a continuum of services (from mentorship and leadership development to field trips, debates, and service projects), girls explore their identities, build character, and realize their potential. College access and success advising assist them in the critical steps toward postsecondary education, while family workshops equip parents to champion their daughters’ growth and success. These girls can break the cycle of poverty.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: MD-Montgomery County; Silver Spring, White Oak, Long Branch, Takoma Park and Wheaton.

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Women/Girls; Students; Immigrants/Refugees

Schools They Work In: JoAnn Leleck at Broad Acres ES; Rolling Terrace ES; Sargent Shriver ES; Pine Crest ES; Highland ES; Silver Spring International MS; White Oak MS; Takoma Park MS; Eastern MS; Argyle MS; Newport Mill MS; Loiederman MS; Montgomery Blair HS ; Springbrook HS; James Hubert Blake HS; John F Kennedy HS


  • High school graduation rate (or GED completion rate) of our students:   100%
  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   350
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:   50
  • College acceptance rate of your students:   100%
  • Number of people we serve annually:   425

Awards & Recognition

2019:
Executive Director, Shannon Babe-Thomas awarded Washington Business Journal 40 under 40 award.

Executive Director, Shannon Babe-Thomas awarded The Daily Record 2019 VIP Award.

2018:
Atlantic Renewal Awards Finalist

2017:
Executive Director, Shannon Babe-Thomas awarded with a 2017 Leading Women award by the Daily Record

Awarded the 2017 Nonprofit Village Small Nonprofit Making a Difference Award

2015:
Citation from Maryland House of Delegates for opening of new center

2014:
Montgomery County Council Proclamation for United Nations Day of the Girls activities in Montgomery County

2013:
Executive Director, Cynthia L. James awarded with a Leading Women award by the Daily Record as one of the top 50 women under 40 in Maryland
2009-2010:

-Ana Lopez, Executive Director of Community Bridges, was selected as a Washingtonian of the 2009 by Washingtonian Magazine.
-Ana Lopez, recipient of 2009 Meyer Exponent Award

-Community Bridges recognized with a State Citation from Delegate Tom Hucker
-Community Bridges recognized with a County Proclamation from Councilmember Nancy Floreen.
-The Montgomery County Community Foundation recognized Community Bridges through the Nourishing Heart Award.

2008-2009:
-Chosen for inclusion in the 2008-09 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, one of only 69 organizations selected from 230 candidates.

-Community Bridges also received the Standards for Excellence Certification through the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

Press

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Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Community Bridges is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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