At a news conference Wednesday morning, it was announced that Independent Living Services for Youth would change its name to Bridges.

Brandon Brooks, president of the Bridges board of directors, said it was time to open a new chapter for the organization.

“We are happy to announce today we will be known as Bridges,” Brooks said.

He said in its 12 years of existence, the agency has incorporated programs to help high school students. Teenagers who need resources to graduate.

Executive Director Debra Krittenbrink said Bridges was created in 1996 to help homeless Norman Public Schools students. The name has changed because the organization’s services have expanded.

“The most important thing about this program is that it works,” Krittenbrink said.

She said eligible teenagers must be enrolled in Norman Public Schools to qualify for services. They must be living independently because of a compelling issue.

Krittenbrink said Bridges assists students in a wide range of capacities including food, shelter, clothing, furniture and school expenses. There are 20 apartments for young people who need housing.

“We require maintaining grades and attendance at school,” the executive director said.

Last year, 62 percent of students ILSY helped went on to higher education.

She said the agency serves about 170 students a year.

Krittenbrink said in 2004 ILSY became a United Way agency. A year later, three Norman Rotary clubs with the help of the Norman Housing Authority, raised funds for a student center at 1670 N. Stubbeman Ave. next to the ILSY apartments.

Meta Carstarphen, a University of Oklahoma professor, and Tabitha Brown, an OU student, also spoke at Wednesday’s press conference. Carstarphen teaches public relations at the university, and Brown is a public relations student at the college.

Carstarphen said her students helped with Bridges as part of a capstone program which is a last project for seniors.

“I am thrilled as a faculty member to participate in this program,” Carstarphen said.