The Ethel B. Hammond School was left vacant by the Wareham Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Bedford on April 30th, 2021. The Bridge Church of Onset offered the best short term solution for the displaced children in need of care. They have accepted all the children from The Boys and Girls Club that were in need through new program called Onset Kidz Block. This program is running through the remainder of the school year. This allows the children to stay together in the same area, with many of the same staff, and continue with the community programs that they are enrolled in. We are looking to extend this program to meet the needs of this community by taking over the lease for the unoccupied Ethel B. Hammond School. 

The Bridge Church, along with Community Youth Empowerment, The Wareham Tigers, and Onset Kidz Block have collaborated in creating a plan that will utilize the referenced property to its fullest potential, while engaging the community of Wareham and Onset.

Our plan includes the formation of the Hammond Community Youth and Education Center @ The Bridge, a non-profit LLC/Corporation that will manage, administer, organize, and schedule the programs and general use of the facility. This organization will have a separate mission from The Bridge Church, but will be managed and overseen by The Bridge Church and it’s board of directors. The Hammond Community Youth and Education Center @ the Bridge would be willing to provide capital resources for building upgrades and remodeling.

Initial after-school and summer programs will be provided by Onset Kidz Block, Community Youth Empowerment, and the Wareham Tigers. OKB would provide programs such as Cooking, Graphic Design, Photography, Chemistry, Hip-Hop Dance, Onset Nature Club, Gardening, Yoga, Wareham History, Tutoring, Fine Arts, Music, Physical Fitness, Emotional Wellness, and Big Brother Big Sister.

CYE would provide Professionalism, Job Readiness, Financial Literacy, Sexual Education, Career Opportunities, College Applications, FASFA, Resume Building, Healthy Relationships, Mental Health, Substance Abuse/Alcoholism, Nutrition/Fitness, Incarceration, Racism, Voting Rights, Police Interactions, and Automotive Education.

We have access to the Hammond and Lopes Playgrounds for Basketball Tournaments, Fitness Relays, Flag Football, Pickle ball, Tennis, Soccer, Softball/Baseball, Volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, Cricket, Archery and so much more! The Wareham Tigers Athletic Association will provide opportunities and
training necessary for all to learn and compete at their greatest ability. The referenced property would be utilized as a practice area after hours for the Wareham Tigers Cheerleading Program. 

Additional programs such as Education, Academic, Physical Recreation and Senior Programs. Along with Citizen Engagement Activities for Elections, Community Meetings, Community Education, and General Venue Use for private activities will be added as the Community Center is established.

We are seeking support from our Wareham Community to exemplify the importance of giving back by engaging in a multitude of affordable community services, programs, events and opportunities for the families of Wareham and Onset. We aim to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential regardless of life circumstances and challenges!