Fostering a sense of belonging in a safe and inclusive community where newly-arrived refugee and immigrant families can thrive.
ourBRIDGE is a Charlotte-based 501(c)(3) organization that fosters the Education, acculturation, and well-being of refugee and immigrant families through out-of-school programs and comprehensive, culturally-responsive wraparound support to hundreds of families from all over the world.
Love
Education
Respect
Diversity
Charlotte’s Community of Newcomers is Growing!
Did you know that in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students represent 175 countries and speak more than 200 languages? In fact, 1 in 3 kids speak another language at home, and nearly 26,000 of them are learning to speak English!
Refugee and immigrant families arrive in Charlotte with differing levels of English language proficiency, many backgrounds, and life experiences. ourBRIDGE was created to address the existing gaps in culturally-responsive services, access, and support, in an effort to help newly arrived immigrant and refugee children and families in Charlotte thrive.
Since 2014, we have worked tirelessly to cultivate genuine relationships and partnerships with Charlotte’s newcomer neighbors and everyone who honors our experiences and believes in the power of diversity and inclusion.
You can help us create opportunities for many more newly arrived families to adjust to a new community and develop a sense of belonging.
ourBRIDGE is the best afterschool program my daughter could attend. They support her academically and personally. Everybody is very friendly, and I have the peace of mind of her being in a safe place.Angel, ourBRIDGE Parent, Mexico
Angel, ourBRIDGE Parent, Mexico
…He became more acculturated into the culture here, and we give a huge amount of credit to the staff of ourBRIDGE.Davyd, ourBRIDGE Parent, Ukraine
Davyd, ourBRIDGE Parent, Ukraine
Together, We Can Create a Welcoming Community
Afterschool and Summer Programs
ourBRIDGE for KIDS offers culturally-responsive hands-on afterschool and summer programs that are intentionally designed for newly-arrived children from all over the world and include full meals, transportation, and our own curriculum. Our focus is to help accelerate their English acquisition and literacy, ensure their socio-emotional well-being, and foster each other’s cultural pride and appreciation as they adjust to their new home in the United States.
Wraparound Support In Thirteen Languages
ourBRIDGE for KIDS offers culturally-responsive hands-on afterschool and summer programs that are intentionally designed for newly-arrived children from all over the world and include full meals, transportation, and our own curriculum. Our focus is to help accelerate their English acquisition and literacy, ensure their socio-emotional well-being, and foster each other’s cultural pride and appreciation as they adjust to their new home in the United States.
Follow Us On Instagram
Partner with Us
1. Get to Know Us
ourBRIDGE is a one-of-a-kind place where staff, kids, and families from all over the world work together to create a strong community in which they can thrive. Schedule a time to visit us so you see it for yourself!
2. Make a Contribution
We need your financial support to continue the work. Use our online form to make a tax-deductible monthly, annual, or one-time donation.
3. Join the Efforts and Stay in Touch!
At ourBRIDGE, we know the importance of living in a community where we can feel proud of who we are, and where we come from.
Equity, Justice, Inclusivity
Through our active community presence and advocacy, we promote equity, justice, and inclusivity to make Charlotte a city that values cultural diversity and treats immigrant and refugee neighbors with dignity and respect.
Representation
ourBRIDGE is committed to building a team that fully represents the experiences, languages, and countries of the families we work with.
Community
We host many community events that are excellent opportunities to meet new friends and experience the many cultures present in our beautiful city. See our calendar of events!
Diversity
80% of our staff is BIPOC, Immigrant, refugee, or 1st generation American and we are able to work with families in 13 languages.
Celebration
We are non-faith based and we uplift our students religious holidays and celebrations to build a more diverse, accepting community.
Sensitivity
We adopt an equity-centered, trauma-informed approach with a cultural lens.
We are proudly immigrant-led!
A trusted voice in the community
YWCA Community Champion Award
2021
MICA Global Leadership Award
2020
Dr. Nish Jamgotch Jr. Humanitarian Award
2020
NC Child Hunger Hero Award
2020
Charlottean of the Year
2014/2018
ourBRIDGE in the News
Sil Ganzo featured on the cover of HOLA News Magazine
July 23, 2023
Originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sil Ganzo is the founder and director of ourBRIDGE for Kids, an organization that helps families.
ourBRIDGE for KIDS at CreativeMornings
February 2, 2023
CreativeMornings is a breakfast lecture series for the creative community. ourBRIDGE kicked off the 2023 season with the first morning.
WCNC: Charlotte After-School Program ourBRIDGE Helps Refugees Adapt
December 10, 2021
ourBRIDGE was featured in WCNC on December 10, 2021.