A New Name For Success

A New Name For Success

By: Amanda Pardee

Bridges, formerly known as Independent Living Services for Youth (ILSY), has initially chosen a new name in hopes of increasing positive awareness for its organization. Bridges is actually one of few organizations in the nation that recognizes and supports high school homelessness as something that is solvable and can be overcome with a boost of help. This United Way organization began in the early 1990's when Norman Public Schools counselors began noticing an increase in students that had become homeless for some reason or another. In turn, ILSY began and ever since has been striving to give these students the parental figure that they need to complete and succeed at the high school level. The assistance ranges from food to medical needs to even furniture. According to the organization's statistics, "In 2006, 59% of ILSY (Bridges) graduates went on to college or technology school." Bridges can serve up to 200 students with any needed assistance and can actually house 22 students in its on site apartments.

Through a variety of primary research methods, my group of PR Perceptions has utilized our skills to create not only new name choices, but also a strong campaign that will promote this organization. Through our research we found that much of the Norman community is unaware that this type of service exists and would truly support it if they knew more about it. Also through our research we were able to grasp several new ideas for the name change steering clear of acronyms and desiring a name that would display this organization's mission. PR Perceptions came up with: 1.) Bridge to Beyond- Connecting Students to Success, 2.) Step to Tomorrow- Connecting Students to the Future and 3.) Uniting Futures for Youth. After much anticipation our client informed us that the new name would be "Bridges- Empowering Students Who Live Alone to Succeed." We were thrilled by this decision and, consistent with the main goal of our campaign, we plan to create a logo as well as several publication pieces that will attract much attention to the success and importance of Bridges. We are also going to hold a news conference inviting all major media outlets in the area prior to a kick off event of the new name.