Southport, CT - LifeBridge Community Services, a community based non-profit, whose mission is to partner with Bridgeport’s youth and families to build resilience and help people reach their full potential in life, honored Brendan and Carolyn Miles of Southport on Saturday, October 17 for their unwavering support of its mission and leadership on this year’s Building a Brighter Future Campaign.
The Building a Brighter Future Campaign replaced LifeBridge’s annual fundraising Gala, which was cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite overwhelming circumstances, the Miles’ leadership fortified the agency’s ability to continue its legacy as an indispensable force for good for generations to come in Bridgeport. The Campaign raised over $400,000 and made it possible for LifeBridge to transform over 6,000 square feet of space into a youth-friendly, Center for Youth Development, home to the Urban Scholars Program. The Urban Scholars Program offers in-person after school and summer programming for Bridgeport middle school students in need of academic tutoring and enrichment. This year, the Urban Scholars program has served 58 middle school students in Bridgeport and is accepting applications for this fall.
"What Carolyn and Brendan Miles have done for LifeBridge is really incalculable. It's beyond measure and I'm so grateful to them for giving LifeBridge the ability to give back to our community and to celebrate life," said U.S. Senator Richard Blumnethal. Letters of congratulations and gratitude were also presented on behalf of the Mayor of Bridgeport, Joseph Ganim and First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick from the Town of Fairfield.
Brendan and Carolyn Miles recognize the urgent youth and behavioral health needs of their neighbors in Bridgeport and coordinated with friends, colleagues and family members to help. As the immediate past chair of the Board of Directors, chair of the strategic planning committee and current treasurer, Brendan played a crucial role in LifeBridge’s decision to develop the Center for Youth Development. Through the Center, LifeBridge has strengthened and redefined its focus on providing mentorship, academic, and emotional support to Bridgeport’s youth. Brendan is a finance professional with MAN Investments, USA – GLG Partners and former US Army Captain and Carolyn is the former President and CEO of Save the Children.
Brendan explained, “The mission resonates with me because I believe in the dignity and potential of each and every individual on this earth. Life’s possibilities and opportunities to achieve them should not depend on where a baby is born, but rather on that young person’s inherent goodness, his or her drive to succeed and ability to overcome obstacles and adversity – which may be inherent in the ambitious goals they have set or in the environment in which they live. Bridgeport’s youth deserve the same opportunities and the resources to help them achieve their full potential as every other kid in Fairfield County – and around the world! LifeBridge is the equalizer. Carolyn’s work at Save the Children proves that it can be done. And thanks to everyone’s support and dedication, we will do it!”
Donations to help with this effort can be made at http://www.lifebridgect.org/building-a-brighter-future-campaign/. For more information, visit: www.LifeBridgeCT.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About LifeBridge: LifeBridge’s mission is to partner with Bridgeport’s youth and families to build resilience. LifeBridge believes in the unlimited potential of every child and family in Bridgeport. By providing a helping hand up through opportunities that have lasting impact, LifeBridge offers a combination of behavioral health services, youth development, and asset-building resources that enables families to thrive and live safely and securely in their neighborhoods.