Dear Bridge friends, family members, and supporters,

As the founder of The Bridge Teen Center and The Bridge Thrift Store, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news…we are expanding! This fall, we’ll be opening a second store in Frankfort called Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration.

Just like our original store, this new location will redefine the thrifting experience. It will feature:

• Stylish furniture and home goods
• A live plant boutique called "Taking Root Plant Shop"
• A rotating Pop-Up Shop featuring local artisans and makers
• A dedicated jewelry section
• The ever popular "Antique & Cool Junk" area
• A creative craft and repurposing section...and more!

But this store is about much more than shopping. Bridge Thrift Home & Restoration will also feature a first-of-its-kind Job Readiness & Leadership Training Room. This dedicated space will enhance The Bridge Teen Center’s existing programming.

This second store will also create a crucial new sustainable revenue stream to support The Bridge Teen Center’s free programs, which have impacted over 14,000+ teens from 128 suburban communities.

Where and When?

Our new store will be located just 7 miles south of our current location, at 21420 S. Harlem Avenue in Frankfort, IL (just south of Route 30 on the west side of Harlem Ave).

Construction teams and volunteers are working hard to put the finishing touches on the space. We’re targeting a Fall 2025 grand opening. Stay tuned—an official opening date will be announced soon.

In the weeks leading up to opening, we will begin accepting donations at the Frankfort store. We’ll announce that start date on our website and social media channels. Please hold off on donations until then.

Join the Team – Now Hiring and Welcoming Volunteers!

With a new store comes new opportunities. We’re hiring for several paid positions, including:

• Store Operator
• Floor Leads
• Sales Associates
• Donation Receivers & Sorters

If you or someone you know would be a great fit, visit thebridgeteencenter.org/jobs to view openings and apply.

We’re also looking for dedicated volunteers to serve on an ongoing basis. Whether it's a few hours a week or a couple of times a month, your volunteerism will support the local mission of The Bridge Teen Center. Visit our volunteer page to learn more and apply.

How Did We Get Here?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, one of The Bridge’s goals has always been to be self-sustaining. Each year, we need to raise over $850,000 to keep our doors open and our programs free for teens. After the success of our original thrift store, we knew that a second location would allow us to spend less time fundraising and more time making an impact.

In early 2022, we discovered a long-abandoned, 9,000-square-foot building in Frankfort—an eyesore for more than 30 years. Despite its leaky roof, dirt floor, and overgrown landscape, we saw potential. With the support of generous donors, we purchased the 4.5-acre property in November 2022.

What followed was a two-year transformation involving village officials, architects, contractors, and volunteers. One unforgettable highlight? A former student—now a professional roofer—volunteered his crew to install an entirely new roof in fall 2024. A true full-circle moment!

In March 2025, we reached another milestone: Ozinga Bros., Inc. donated nearly 8,500 square feet of concrete—creating a foundation for the sales floor, plant shop, donation center, and student training area. Since then, construction teams have completed:

• A covered donation drop-off zone
• New parking areas and walkways
• Installation of electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems
• Drywall, painting, and even a fresh coat of white paint on the formerly red-brick exterior.

It’s all coming together beautifully—and it looks entirely different from what it was just a year ago.

Help Us Cross the Finish Line

This is a massive project for a small nonprofit, and we need your help to finish strong. Every dollar makes a difference. You can support this project with a secure online donation by visiting thebridgeteencenter.org/donate. Click the PayPal icon and choose “Frankfort Expansion Project” from the dropdown menu.

For in-kind donations or to learn about specific volunteer opportunities, email us at [email protected].

Sneak Peek

We’ll continue to post photos and updates on our website, Facebook, and Instagram—so be sure to follow along as the excitement builds! Thank you for believing in our mission and for walking alongside us as we continue to impact teens’ lives in meaningful, lasting ways.

With gratitude,

Priscilla Steinmetz
Founder & Executive Director
The Bridge Teen Center | The Bridge Thrift Store

THANK YOU SUPPORTERS!

This expansion could not be possible without those who have generously supported the construction project:

• Michuda Construction
• CJ Erickson Plumbing
• Operation Nehemiah
• Vogt Masonry
• Lee Werner Excavation
• Eco Energy Services
• Kamp Builders, Inc.
• Ozinga Concrete
• Richards Building Supply
• Jondec Painting
• Sherwin Williams
• Chuck Fritz
• Bob Steinmetz
• A&P Industries
• Mike Lunsford
• Steve Sandt
• Dan Werner
• Sue & Steve Lecas, Gander Builders
• Melissa Ferriter
• Orange Cabinetry
• Service Hardwood Flooring
• William Quinn & Sons Landscaping
• Len Miller
• David Flamm
• Ron Rottmann
• Richards Building Supply
• Guzior Family Foundation
• Barnes Foundation
• Blue Island Community Healthcare Foundation
• Jim Oberman
• Ryan Hallett
• Rick & Pattie Powell
• Pat & Paula DiOrio
• Dave & Karen Heide
• Jim & Twila Kadela
• Tim & Julia Cooper
• Many generous financial supporters.