Youth never call – but they do text! Technology that youth will use.
Programs are seriously behind the curve when it comes to reaching youth through technology. Through an innovative text program called TXT4Help, The Bridge for Youth will be able to go from 500 calls to 15,000 texts a year, target key words to respond quickly (such as moving any message with the word “suicide” to the head of the queue) and respond to youth needs in the moment. The Bridge for Youth and a local network of youth programs (Youth Services Network) has also created a shelter platform, in which youth and other community members have access to the full range of information about programs, and can even sign up for a shelter bed for that night.
About Dan
Dan Pfarr is the newly appointed Executive Director at the social services agency 180 Degrees, a multi-cultural organization serving Minnesota which provides comprehensive, culturally specific services to help clients make positive choices resulting in healthier individuals, stronger families and safer communities. Before that, Dan was Executive Director at The Bridge for Youth, a program for runaway and homeless youth. The Bridge serves over a thousand youth (ages 10-20) and their families each year, offering a continuum of services from street outreach to homeless youth, short-term emergency shelter, housing skills and career development, and transitional and permanent supportive housing. Dan specializes in Strategic planning, fundraising, board management, development, evaluation, project management, capital campaigns, special events, personnel, and finance. But he is also a techno-creator, developing tools and software to reach out to youth who “just don’t call anymore”, and he has a laboratory in his own home – made up of his own his 15 year old, 13 year old and 10 year old.
About Connection
Connection isn’t just an event, it’s an experience. Each year the Connection event brings together thought leaders from the youth service field to make unexpected connections that break through the status quo. A refreshing line up of brilliant speakers challenge practice-as-usual and provide participants with the opportunity to learn about and discuss key issues in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Our innovative format means that you don’t just listen to thought-provoking presentations and fresh ideas, you have the chance to discuss and build upon them. Our broad, multi-sector network means that you can expect the opportunity to talk with familiar colleagues, reconnect where you may have lost touch, and get connected with those outside your network. Even our nontraditional space provides inspiration to move, think, and speak freely. Want to share Dan’s ideas – time for one of those 5,000 texts (depending on your age), with a link to this video.
