WELLINGTON, FL – Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) recently hosted its annual BRIDGES Partner Brunch at the Wellington Community Center, bringing together community leaders and partners to celebrate the impactful work of the BRIDGES program.
The event, held on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., honored the strong collaborations that support families across Palm Beach County.
The BRIDGES program, a key initiative of the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, provides 10 neighborhood gathering places and offers free services to families, including parent workshops, tips for child development, assistance finding community resources, and access to lending libraries and business centers. By connecting families to vital resources, BRIDGES helps ensure children are born healthy, remain safe, are prepared for kindergarten, and have access to quality afterschool and summer programs.
This year’s brunch theme, “Where Are You From? Celebrating Diversity,” honored the rich cultural backgrounds of the families and partners served. Attendees, representing diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, and faith-based organizations, were encouraged to wear attire reflecting their heritage, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
A highlight of the event was a video tribute featuring children from the BRIDGES program who shared how the services have positively impacted their lives. The program also included presentations from partners like Journey Church as well as 30-second spotlight videos from each of the 10 BRIDGES sites.
A standout “Table Talk” activity titled “Serving Better Together” sparked meaningful conversations about unmet community needs, aligning services to reduce duplication and the vision for future collaborations.
“The BRIDGES partner brunch was a beautiful opportunity to pause and honor the people and partnerships that make our community stronger,” said Torrie Conley, Community and Partner Engagement Director for Community Partners of South Florida. “Sharing a table together reminded me that connection is at the core of everything we do.”
BRIDGES staff are planning on using the information gathered during the talk to inform future initiatives.
“This annual brunch is a testament to the power of our partnerships,” said Kelly Powell, CEO of Community Partners of South Florida. “The BRIDGES are crucial for ensuring that children thrive. They act as resource centers that connect families to a wide range of opportunities and work alongside parents and caregivers to build a strong foundation for children’s well-being while providing necessary resources and supports.”