What IS BRIDGES?
The BRIDGES Society is a charitable, non-profit organization that serves as a community resource, a drop-in centre, a "soup kitchen," and offers programs for all who wish to participate in social outreach for their own mental wellness and for the development of healthy habits and lifestyle.
Our Mission is to provide a safe environment with support services for people with mental health needs in the Hinton area. We affiliate and partner with other support agencies in Hinton, making it easier for people to find the support they need to live more fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives as active, contributing members of our community.
What We Offer
The BRIDGES society provides support, community-based programming, information and understanding to people living with: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, panic/anxiety disorder and other mental health problems. Our hope is that everyone in our community receives support, services and the opportunity to enjoy lives which are healthy, secure and meaningful. Our activities and services help ease the loneliness and isolation that frequently accompanies mental illness, as well as promoting overall wellness and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. We are committed to providing a safe, understanding place for people of all backgrounds including seniors, youth, families, other-abled, First Nations, Metis & Indigenous peoples and LGBTQ2S+ people.
Where to Find Us
Our facility is located at
#102 - 111 Government Rd. Hinton AB
Phone: 780-865-4464
Email: Janice: info@bridgeshinton.org
Email Alphia: activities@bridgeshinton.org
Our Staff
Pictured at left, Cheryl (Kitchen Crew), Marlene (Kitchen Captain), Alphia Lachance (Activity Coordinator) and Janice Baxter (Office Manager)
Our Board of Directors
President: Chris Bourne
Vice President: Kathy Rees
Secretary: Dianne Robertson
Treasurer: Amanda DeRudder
Directors: Hank Smit, Lynne Kirstein, Marlene Hannula, Robert Lindsay, Toyin Sharman, Lena Ouellet
Alberta Health Services Community Advisor: Lois Ryan-Ottley
You Can Rent Our Facility. We Also Cater!
Our rental agreement is located on the Links & Downloads page under the MORE tab at the top of the page. You can rent the hall, boardroom, or our commercial kitchen (or all), and we can cater events for you.
Our History
- B.R.I.D.G.E.S. (Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Goals & Employment Society) was initiated by a small group of concerned parents and Alberta Mental Health staff to address the lack of support services for adults with mental illnesses.
- A Board of Directors was elected, a proposal for service funding submitted, and funding through the Alberta Mental Health Board was secured in 1996, all within months of the initial idea.
- B.R.I.D.G.E.S. became a Registered Charity in 1997 and established its Policies and Procedures, Bylaws, and core service plans.
- The initial estimates were that 6-10 individuals would be served by the program; at this point in time, nearly 23 years later, approximately 25 individuals attend programs regularly. We have a group of about 70 people – a mix of clients and support people – who consider BRIDGES to be important in their lives. Why not drop by for a visit? You may find it’s just what you’ve been looking for!
