Milford, CT, April 20, 2016– Barbara DiMauro, President and CEO of Bridges…A Community Support System, Inc. and Susan McGrath, Board Chairperson of the Young Parent Program of Milford (YPP), have announced that effective April 19, 2016, Bridges has assumed management and operations of the Young Parent Program.

YPP has provided confidential parenting and pregnancy prevention services to teens and young adults in our area since 1987. Services are designed for pregnant and parenting residents of Milford and surrounding towns, up to age 22, in need of prenatal care, individual support and referral to other community resources. YPP offers childbirth classes, pregnancy prevention and reproductive health education, and community outreach activities.

“Ensuring the health and well-being of pregnant and parenting young women, their babies, and the fathers of the children is critical to the long-term success of these families,” said Barbara DiMauro. “This program meets a vital need in our community, and is the only program in our area to offer these specific services. We are very excited to devote Bridges’ extensive experience with youth and young adults, and agency resources to continue the work of the YPP and broaden our outreach, prevention and education services for youth and young adults.”

YPP will join a growing list of services Bridges offers under the umbrella of its Youth and Adult Outreach Department. The Young Parent Program will continue to help and support teens and young adults by promoting healthy choices, responsible decision-making, healthy birth outcomes, and prevention of future unwanted pregnancies.

“Bridges has a long history of helping young people make good decisions and take positive action when they are faced with challenging circumstances,” stated McGrath. We thank Karen Schur for her many years of dedication to serving the young women and men who have turned to YPP for assistance,” McGrath continued. Schur recently retired after serving as the program’s executive director the past 18 years. McGrath will join Bridges’ Board of Directors.

All YPP services can be accessed confidentially by calling 203-301-2353, or emailing ypp@bridgesmilford.org.