Straight TalkJaguar_found_logo

Straight Talk is an age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education program for youth ages 10 -17, provided through a partnership with The Jaguars Foundation. The aim of the program is to reduce the incidences of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in our community by:
  • Increasing understanding of the consequences of risky behavior.
  • Teaching better communication with their parents and other responsible adults
  • Building better skills to make positive choices and follow-through with those decisions
  • Decreasing risky behavior that could lead to pregnancy, STIs or other negative consequences
  • Increase knowledge of sexual and reproductive healthstraight_talk_pic1
The approach followed by The Bridge and The Jaguars Foundation is consistent with the growing body of scientific evidence supporting comprehensive education approaches that encourage abstinence as the first and best choice for youth but also recognizes that some adolescents are going to be sexually active and these children need protection and prevention education.

Straight Talk sessions are conducted as a regular part of the BUS program and are also offered at Southwind Villas and at our neighborhood partner, Mali Val Washington Foundation.
As a result of the Straight Talk program, 100% of the students that have attended The Bridge over 60 days have not become teen parents.

tameika_pic

Tameika Wright: Bridge graduate, College student, Teaching Assistant

Tameika started attending The Bridge in 5th grade. With encouragement from supportive staff, Tameika is the first in her family to attend college with help from Bridge scholarships.

Achieving another first for her family, Tameika became the first female family member to graduate from high school not a parent. Tamekia credits The Bridge Straight Talk program with teaching her the importance of making responsible decisions.

She is a senior at University of North Florida and will graduate in December 2008. Tamekia continues motivating students at The Bridge as a teaching assistant in The Bridge Urban Springfield Program on the main campus.

“Without them, I probably would not have graduated and would not be going to college. The Bridge is a second home and family to me. Through my part-time job at The Bridge, I am helping other young people believe in themselves and have a better attitude and do what’s right.”