Open Arms, Inc. – The Bridge Albany GA in Albany, Georgia

About Open Arms, Inc. – The Bridge Albany GA

Open Arms, Inc in Albany, Georgia provides essential residential youth shelter through its flagship program, The Bridge Shelter Program. This structured shelter offers a safe, supervised home and comprehensive care for abused, neglected, or runaway children as well as children experiencing homelessness (from birth up to age 18).

Stays can last up to approximately 90 days. The program is grounded in values of safety, structure, and holistic healing to help young people build a foundation for long-term stability and recovery.

Inside The Bridge Shelter Program

The Bridge Shelter Program is a residential facility serving children from birth to age 18 in Southwest Georgia. This licensed program is gender-mixed and inclusive, offering a private, confidential six-bedroom, three-bathroom home where essentials like food, clothing, education support, counseling, medical care, recreation, and advocacy are provided.

Clients in The Bridge participate in daily group and individual counseling, educational support, and structured recreation designed to promote healing and growth. Safety and routine are central including meals, hygiene, learning activities, and play. Family involvement and advocacy are included when possible. The program is widely recognized locally for its caring staff, nurturing environment, and its success in helping youth move toward independent living through associated programs.

A Typical Resident’s Journey

First, potential residents participate in an evaluation of their safety, trauma history, medical and educational needs so staff members can create a personalized plan. They receive immediate support with shelter, meals, clothes, medical care, and a safe, structured environment.

From there, they’ll start participating in individual and group counseling, educational services, recreation, and life skills development. Up to six months of follow-up support is available to help youth transition successfully into further independence or into the Transitional Living Program when appropriate.

Other Programs and How Payment Works

In addition to The Bridge, Open Arms, Inc offers a Transitional Living Program for youth ages 18 to 21 focused on life skills, employment or education, savings, and scattered-site apartment living. They also have a Street Outreach Program that serves youth in the community with mentoring, resource connection, and prevention of abuse or exploitation.

There are no fees for The Bridge services. Costs are typically covered by public agency referrals such as the Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS) which pays per-diem for children in the shelter. Transitional Living residents receive basic necessities and insurance or private pay is not required for these core services.