BRIDGE INITIATIVE MISSION STATEMENT
Building Relationships to Initiate Diversity, Growth and Enrichment
We work collaboratively to introduce and expand the sport of lacrosse in nontraditional and under served communi-ties to embody diversity of players, coaches, officials and supporters. BRIDGE programs promote individual and collective growth of participants through instruction, opportunity and relationships consistent with the identities and needs of each community.

BRIDGE programs promote individual and collective growth of participants through instruction, opportunity and relationships consistent with the identities and needs of each community.
The BRIDGE Initiative is a program established nationally by US Lacrosse. Formerly Motivational Lacrosse, BRIDGE is growing nationally in other cities such as Boston, MA, Baltimore, MD, New York, NY, Wilmington NC and Richmond, VA. Programs from around the country undergo an Affiliate process and their affiliation with BRIDGE is regulated by US Lacrosse and the BRIDGE Executive Leadership Team. The results of the efforts of BRIDGE programs have been dramatic: increased school attendance, improved academic performance, improved life skills, and stronger character and self esteem … qualities that will point the students in a positive direction throughout their lives.

Board members and co-directors Andrew McDonald and Johanna Thomashefski run the only BRIDGE program in the West. Their program, Lacrosse for LIFE (Leadership, Integrity, Friendship & Education) is in its third year of working with young people in Southeast San Francisco who formerly had no exposure to lacrosse and have a need for positive, after-school activities.

Lacrosse for LIFE exists as a grass-roots, not-for-profit organization under the umbrella of the Nor Cal Foundation. Lacrosse for LIFE has received a national US Lacrosse Grant, the Governor of California's Commendation, and several grants and donations from the local community. Lacrosse for LIFE co-director Andrew McDonald and founder Josh Miller received the Urban Coaches of the Year Award from US Lacrosse in 2003. Additionally, Johanna is on the BRIDGE Executive Leadership Team and co-chairs the Strategic Planning and Objectives subcommittee for BRIDGE, working closely with other BRIDGE leaders and US Lacrosse in the development of the BRIDGE Initiative nationally.

Northern California now has a strong base of established teams and leagues at a wide range of age levels as well as individuals and corporations that can be counted on to support this project. The initial role of the Chapter to identify the students/schools and sponsors and to manage the startup of from one to four teams is an ongoing process. The Nor Cal Chapter of US Lacrosse has a long history of commitment to diversity and is pleased to amend its Inner City program to the BRIDGE Initiative. The Nor Cal Foundation continues to support the philosophy of BRIDGE and pledges its commitment to the BRIDGE program.

Anyone who has contacts in a school system, knows individuals or corporations who would might be interested in providing financial support, or would be willing to contribute their time as a mentor, coach, or administrator is encouraged to contact Johanna (johanna@lacrosseforlife.org ) or Andrew (andy@lacrosseforlife.org).
More information on BRIDGE can be found at http://www.lacrosse.org/bridge/
More information on Lacrosse for LIFE can be found at http://www.lacrosseforlife.org