'Humbled' Bridge Teen Center Founder Invited To State Of The Union
Priscilla Steinmetz will attend as a guest of U.S. Congressman Sean Casten.
The leader of an essential and beloved south suburban social services agency for teen will get a glimpse inside the nation's capitol this week.
On Thursday, March 7, Priscilla Steinmetz, Founder and Executive Director of The Bridge Teen Center, 15555 71st Ct, in Orland Park, will attend the historic State of the Union address in Washington D.C. as the invited guest of Congressman Sean Casten. The State of the Union address is delivered by the President every year to members of both the House and Senate, reporting on the state of the country, and outlining policy priorities for the coming year.
Each member of Congress can bring one guest to the State of the Union address, and Congressman Casten of Illinois’s 6th district selected Priscilla Steinmetz. Casten has been an advocate for the mission of The Bridge and is currently working to secure $700,000 in support to help the organization pay off the loan on their Orland Park facility.
"I’m thrilled to have Priscilla Steinmetz join me at the State of the Union," said Congressman Casten in a release. "Priscilla’s work at The Bridge Teen Center is a crucial resource for teens in our community. With an ongoing mental health crisis impacting teenagers, spaces that foster community and personal growth are important to support and invest in. I’m also proud to have chosen the Bridge Teen Center as a Community Funding Project recipient and will vote this week to secure $700,000 in federal funding for teen mental health in the 6th District in the FY 2024 appropriations package."
Part of Steinmetz's time in DC will be spent meeting with the media to discuss the importance of this funding and the impact it will have on the mission of The Bridge.
"For a grassroots organization like The Bridge to be represented at such a meaningful and historically significant event like this is difficult to put into words," said Steinmetz. "I am humbled to be part of history, but most importantly, I am humbled to represent all our supporters and the families we serve."
Updates on Steinmetz's trip to DC will be shared on The Bridge’s social media accounts.
The Bridge Teen Center is a nationally-recognized 501(C)(3) nonprofit community center that is designed around the needs and interests of teens in the suburbs. Since 2010, over 12,500+ unique students from 128 different communities have been served. The Bridge is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is funded by individuals, businesses, and foundations in the community. For more information about The Bridge Teen Center, visit www.thebridgeteencenter.org.
By: Lauren Traut
Source: Patch