April 2017 – BRIDGE COMMUNITIES
Most of us reading this magazine do so in a nice cozy seat somewhere in our comfortable home. Have you ever thought of what life would truly feel like if that home were stripped away and your family found themselves homeless? There are many families in our communities that are in that predicament as we speak. This is where the kindness and generosity of the Bridge Communities comes in.
Launched in 1988, the Bridge Communities, Inc. is a dynamic, grassroots, nonprofit organization that works with partners to transition homeless families in DuPage County to self-sufficiency by providing mentoring, housing and supportive services. During the two years each family spends in their program, they learn to save money, develop budgeting skills and obtain better employment. In just the past year, 127 families, 144 adults and 240 children have been served by the program. Their success statistics are astounding. 98% of clients who graduated the program in the past year were able to maintain stable housing; 93% of the clients were able to maintain stable employment.
Among the many large annual events the Bridge Community hosts, they have a valuable one coming up Friday, April 28th titled, Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives. The luncheon is held at Danada House in Wheaton and is focused on empowering women who make a positive difference in the lives of others. “The unique aspect of this event,” says, Chad Pedigo, Manager of Special Events for the Bridge Communities, “is one of the two honorees once was a child that had graduated from our program and has gone on to become a successful and self-sufficient young adult. She is now finding ways to give back to her own community.”
Coming to the luncheon is a great way to get an introduction to the Bridge Communities programs. There is also always a need for volunteers and in-kind donations including personal care products, cleaning products, and gas and gift cards. They also have programs to sponsor families and children. Please visit their website at www.bridgecommunities.org to see what might interest you.
Mindy’s April Giving Inspiration: As we have been talking a bit about spring cleaning in this issue, take some time to go through your closets and your kids’ closets. Find outgrown clothes and forgotten games and toys that can be donated to a local charity or organization that could use them (e.g. women and children’s shelter, American Vets, Good Will).
ABOUT THE WRITER Mindy Kyle is the owner of Be Inspired Studios and is passionate about helping people discover what brings them joy and to live a full, healthy and happy life. She has her Masters in Fine Arts degree in creative writing from DePaul University and lives in Naperville with her husband, three children and the cutest dog in the land.
