Community Bridges
Our Mission
To bridge the gap between people living in isolation and the larger community. The sharing of unique passions, skills and interests enriches both the community and the participant, reinforcing the individual’s sense of purpose and belonging. Community Bridges shares the broader CSAC vision: a compassionate, resilient community that honors everyone’s full potential.
What is Community Bridges?
Community Bridges is a predominately peer-run, managed, and volunteer-attended program supporting human connection. Community Bridges seeks to connect folks who live in isolation to form a bridge in the community. We support isolated folks who are transitioning to full community inclusion. Funding is provided by CSAC.
Overview
Led by a committee of community and client participants. Community Bridges presents individuals with ample opportunities to engage in community events and volunteer projects. Its foundation is the commitment to restore the essence of community and ensure that all individuals, regardless of background, find their place within it.
Community Bridges achievements include:
- Launching a community mandala project
- Hosting free community suppers
- Volunteering at Charter House
- Card parties etc, at community centers such as Gather
- Benefit party for H.O.P.E.
- Building friendship benches
- Music at Porter Rehab & Nursing Home
- Free jewelry workshops
- International Make Music Day facilitation
- Annual Green-Up Day participation
A Two-Way Street of Benefits: According to Mary Price, Community Bridges peer coordinator, the program emphasizes mutual benefit. Participants are encouraged to discover and share with the community their unique passions, skills, and interests. The goal is not just to enrich community life, but also to reinforce the individual’s sense of purpose. Both the community and its members flourish through ongoing interaction.
Learn More/Contact
Community Bridges Calendar
Community Bridges Weekly Check-In
Thursdays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Hybrid via zoom and in person at the Center, 17 Court Street, Middlebury
This supportive check-in for Community Bridges participants is hosted by Mary Price and Thomas Hill.
Questions or need the zoom link? Email Mary at mprice@csac-vt.org
Ukulele Weekly Jam Session
Tuesdays, 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Weekly at the Center, 17 Court Street, Middlebury
Learn how to play, hone your skills or discover new tunes
Questions? Email Mary at mprice@csac-vt.org
Community Bridges Monthly Meeting
Third Thursday monthly, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Hybrid: in-person at the Center, 17 Court Street Middlebury and via zoom.
In these monthly meetings participants update information, consider upcoming activities and volunteer opportunities, and vote. Past vote examples include the Community Bridges logo and business card moto, both made by participants/members.
Questions or need the link? Email Mary Price at mprice@csac-vt.org
Community Bridges Origins
Community Bridges began in the early 2000s. CSAC’s Intensive Adult Mental Health staff, knowing that isolation harm’s people’s health, saw need to foster more meaningful community engagement in Addison County. Early initiatives of the project dubbed Community Bridges sought to connect folks who live in isolation to form a bridge to the wider community. Transitioning from isolation to full community inclusion became the goal.
With the onset of Covid-19, isolation became necessary. Though the virus kept us from being out in the community, the program carried on. Community Bridges participants rallied with online meetings, chat rooms, book clubs, and music.
Concerts via Zoom were offered on a weekly basis by local volunteer musicians. All were welcome to zoom in.
After-concert chats were hosted by participants as casual get-togethers. Strangers turned into friends during covid-19’s three-year siege. The online chats and book discussion group are still going strong.
Counseling Service of Addison County October 13, 2025
