No One Left Behind: How the Salvation Army's Bridging the Gap Program Successfully Innovated and Adapted Programming During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a program created by the Salvation Army in 1996 that provides programming and support services to court-involved youth ages 12-17. The program was designed for in-person delivery and has been done that way since inception. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the program to pivot to a synchronous, online format and also created new challenges for participants and their families. The BTG facilitators were not only able to shift the program to a synchronous, online format in a matter of weeks, but they also remained in close contact with their participants and ensured that they and their families had all needs met. The current article discusses how the BTG program adjusted delivery methods, provided services and support to its participants and their families, and their protocols for a safe reopening. How the BTG program pivoted and were able to successfully facilitate quality programing and support their participants during the pandemic can serve as a roadmap for other programs.