Improving well-being and strengthening resilience.

Our mission is to partner with individuals, youth, and families to improve well-being, strengthen resilience, and create a brighter future. Resilience is how we cope with stress and trauma over time. It means building strengths within ourselves, and having supports within our families and communities. These supports help us adjust to challenges, heal, and stay well, even during difficult times.

Resilience is not something we are born with or without, and it is not a personality trait. It is not about being tough or handling everything alone. Resilience grows as we build inner skills that help our bodies and minds feel more settled, learn ways to solve problems and ask for help, and when we have caring relationships and safe environments that support our well-being.

Founded during the Civil War as the Ladies Relief Society, our organization has been committed to supporting children and families in need. Over time, we have evolved from the Bridgeport Orphan Asylum to Woodfield Children’s Village, then to Family Services of Woodfield, and in 2015, we rebranded as LifeBridge Community Services. For over 175 years, we have been proud to serve the Bridgeport community as a leading provider of behavioral health services. In addition to our core programs, we have two additional divisions: Sign Language Interpreting Services and Senior Meals on Wheels.

Located in Fairfield County, Bridgeport is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, but it also faces serious challenges. Generations of systemic issues have created barriers like economic and educational inequality, racial disparities, and high levels of violence. Many children experience multiple traumatic events before adulthood.

• 21% of Bridgeport residents live below the poverty line (compared to 2% countywide, 10% statewide, and 15% nationwide) – one in three children lives in poverty.
• Median household income is $45,441—far below neighboring towns like Weston or Darien, where incomes top $200,000.
• Fairfield County is 60% White, while over 80% of Bridgeport residents identify as Black, Hispanic, or Latino.
• 30% of residents are foreign-born, and nearly half speak a language other than English.
• Violent crime is 75% higher than the national average.
• Well-being disparities in Fairfield County remain among the greatest in the country.

Bridgeport, situated along the Long Island Sound, is a diverse community with a strong cultural heritage. Known for its role as a transportation hub and industrial roots, the city has long attracted families seeking better lives. Today, it offers a vibrant arts scene, recreational activities, seaside attractions, and Seaside Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of Central Park. Bridgeport is a lively community filled with energy, color, culture, and grit.