Bridges, formerly known as ILSY

Bridges, formerly known as ILSY

Katie Puckett

As an OU Public Relations campaign group, Team Purple was first presented with a client in hopes of implementing a new name for their unique program.  

Independent Living Services for Youth or ILSY, located in Norman, OK has recently undergone such a change. The program that helps high school students who live alone to succeed, has changed its name to Bridges. Such an important change for an agency means revamping everything from brochures to street signs. Team Purple has been working hard to implement this new and huge change for the non-profit organization.  

Team Purple first conducted primary research such as surveys and focus groups for the United Way of Norman agency. Through this research, our team got ideas from our key publics about what elements the new name should consist of. We presented our three name choices to the ILSY board members and after much anticipation, the name, Bridges, was chosen. After the new name was confirmed, Team Purple asked the Bridges' staff to give us feedback on a new logo for the organization. After hearing the staff's input, Team Purple designed three sample logos. Our team is now in the process of designing invitations and planning an open house event along with a news conference to promote the new name and logo.  

Team Purple and I are excited to move forward with our campaign and overall hope to bring Bridges more volunteers, donations and most importantly, awareness.

Name Change Implementation

Name Change Implementation

by Holly Jones
There are many factors that are implemented when an organization undergoes a name change. Not only can choosing a new name become difficult, but it can also be costly and ineffective if not completed correctly.
Just recently, Independent Living Services for Youth has undergone such a change. The organization is now known as Bridges, and is in the very early stages of the implementation process.
Impowering students who live alone to succeed. The organization has created a new tagline to follow their new logo which are both user friendly and describes the organization better than the original. These items will be the new uniform for all of the organizations documents and promotional materials.
There are three PR Campaigns groups who are assisting with the development of the new identity for Bridges. Each group is taking the lead on branding the new organization. The organization will need new brochures, press materials, fliers, signage, and to design a magnet to leave with people for later use. The groups are also coordinating an event for the organizations internal publics to help reveal the new name. The event will help to establish the new identity within the community and supporters for the organization.
The branding of the organization will also lead to other services needed by community members. These services include: volunteer opportunities, donation of goods, tutoring hours, and many other beneficial services that are needed by the students in this program.

For more cartoons on name change, clich here.

Norman Organization to Implement Name Change

Norman Organization to Implement Name Change
By Sally Swafford What’s the name again? What does it mean? Is it a cow? Isn’t that some sort of dairy product? These questions, along with many others are asked when the name “ILSY” comes to mind. Independent Living Services for Youth is far from being a dairy manufacturer.

ILSY serves as one of the few organizations that houses high school students. Many have lost their homes due to different circumstances, whether it is abuse or simply turning into a legal adult and being kicked out of the house by their parents. About half of the 200 students involved in the organization have the opportunity to live in the apartments, which are owned by ILSY. The other students are given the assistance of finding homes and managing their finances. Through ILSY, many students can find a positive influence or mentor, which may be lacking in their lives.

The story of ILSY begins in the early 1990s with a few high school counselors. Noticing many students could not attend school without a parent signature, the issue of homeless high school students was brought to their attention. These counselors, and many other passionate volunteers helped get the OU School of Social Work helping with this case. Though this organization may be striving in many ways, it is certainly lacking in one major area: its name. Many people when hearing its acronym don’t immediately know what the organization does. The name isn’t catchy and is often confused with the Department of Human Services, which is government funded. ILSY, on the other hand gains its funding from the United Way of Norman and other independent donors such as churches and families.