A Bridge for Kids Brings the Arts Into Health & Wellness

This past Saturday, ten students from A Bridge for Kids stepped into the historic San Diego Civic Theatre to experience the timeless production of Les Misérables. For all of them, it was their very first time seeing a Broadway-caliber performance.

The addition of theater outings to our Health & Wellness Program came from the vision of one of our most dedicated team members, Grace Jo. As the daughter of immigrant parents, Grace grew up with a focus on practicality. Life was about saving money, doing well in school, and getting into a good college to honor her parents’ sacrifices. The arts were not part of that path, yet she was always curious.

That curiosity found a spark in the summer of her junior year of high school. As part of a leadership program, Grace traveled from Orange County to San Diego for a field trip to the Old Globe Theatre, where she saw Molière’s Tartuffe. A lifelong lover of literature, she was enthralled by the story coming alive on stage. The performance left an indelible impression, and she promised herself that when she “grew up” she would seek out plays and musicals. It was the beginning of a deep love for the arts and a sense of community she continues to cherish today.

Now, years later, Grace is giving back by creating those same opportunities for A Bridge for Kids students. “I want to give our students the same opportunity I had as a high school student by exposing them to the arts,” she explained. “I hope it intrigues and inspires them, and gets them interested in the arts and broadens their horizons.”

Last month, Grace piloted this idea with a trip to the Old Globe Theatre for a showing of Noises Off. The event was such a success, sparking curiosity, conversation, and new dreams among students, that it quickly became a new addition to our Health & Wellness calendar.

At A Bridge for Kids, Health & Wellness has always been about more than hiking trails, climbing mountains, or physical activity. It is about the holistic well-being of our students, nurturing not just their bodies but also their minds, passions, and sense of belonging. From outdoor adventures to cultural enrichment, we are dedicated to providing opportunities that broaden horizons and open doors.

Our night at Les Misérables was another step in that mission. With the dedication of leaders like Grace and the openness of our students, the Health & Wellness Program continues to grow into a vibrant, well-rounded journey that shows our teens their world is full of possibilities, both on and off the stage.