Dartmouth Mental Health Center to Expand Help for Young People [TOWNSQUARE SUNDAY]

The Bridge on Elm Street in South Dartmouth offers pyschological, emotional and spiritual care for those seeking healing and transformation.

It's a place where people who need help coping with the struggles of life can receive the counseling and comforting that all of us may need at one point or another.

Now, The Bridge, under the leadership of its Executive Director Rev. Scott Ciosek of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Dartmouth, is starting a new Youth Ministry, and is asking for your help.

Rev. Ciosek has enlisted the always-popular Southcoast Brass Band to perform at a musical fundraiser on Sunday, August 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Peter's, located at 351 Elm Street.

Rev. Ciosek and Dr. Michal Rocha stopped by Townsquare Sunday this week to talk about the need for mental health services in this area, and the fundraiser.

Ciosek said The Bridge is collaborating with UMass Dartmouth and the Dartmouth Youth Advocate to start a big outreach to young people and youth in the community.

"We're going to be offering, together with some interns from UMass Dartmouth, some social groups for young people to help with the huge demand we're getting for appointments for children, teens and young adults," he said.

Dr. Rocha said the "Sunday Afternoon of Jazz" with the Southcoast Brass Band will be a special experience.

"We play music that really celebrates the vibe and the feeling that happens in New Orleans," he said. "Despite the difficulties there in recent years, the music is the guiding light and the thing that people celebrate."

"We're hoping to spread a little joy, and be supportive of the work and idealism that they're doing at The Bridge," he said.

Tickets are $20 and can be obtained by calling (508) 997-0903 or by emailing thebridgedartmouth@gmail.com. Tickets may also be available at the door.

The complete Townsquare Sunday interview with Rev. Scott Ciosek and Dr. Michael Rocha can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a public affairs program heard every Sunday morning at 6 and 11 a.m. on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM

The program highlights individuals and organizations seeking to make Greater New Bedford and better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.