In 1997, the 7th Judicial Circuit Judges, directly faced with this service need, asked the Junior Service League of St. Augustine to establish a visitation center in St. Johns County. Forced with having to order individuals to services in Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, or some other location, the Judges recognized that St. Johns County had a pressing need for a supervised visitation center to which they could refer families involved in cases such as divorce, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and problems with substance abuse or mental health difficulties. The Junior Service League of St. Augustine answered the call and raised the much needed funds. Kids Bridge, Inc. opened its doors and became operational in March, 2002.
Kids Bridge provides a safe, neutral, home-like setting for the continuation of family relationships during times of separation due to issues such as divorce, domestic violence, and abuse allegations. Prior to its existence, children and families in crisis did not have a safe haven in which to heal. Parents did not have a safe place to participate in court-ordered supervised visits with their children. Often, children caught in the middle of hostile custody battles were forced to be exchanged in fast food or school parking lots, which often led to arguments or confrontations. Kids Bridge has changed all of that.
Kids Bridge, a United Way member agency, has received significant local funding support from the Junior Service League of St. Augustine, the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation, and many concerned and interested community organizations and individuals. Other sources of funding have included Target, UPS, Ronald McDonald Foundation, and the PGA Tour Foundation.
During the last fiscal year, over 320 children and parents, a 60% increase from the previous year, received at least one service at Kids Bridge. It is anticipated that the tremendous population increase that is occurring in St. Johns County will mean a continued increase in the demand and the need for Kids Bridge services.