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Bridge Communities regularly releases topical information that is related to Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing program and relevant to issues surrounding homelessness and affordable housing to local, regional and national news outlets.
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During the year ending December 31, 2009, Bridge Communities, housed and served 163 DuPage homeless children through our Transitional Housing Program. Bridge Communities is the largest service provider for homeless families in DuPage County. A safe home paired with support services was provided for 103 families resulting in nearly 70,000 nights of housing.
“Reliable internet service is critical to every member within the family as they work towards improving their education, employment and quality of life,” said Joyce Hothan, executive director of Bridge Communities. “Through the generous gift from Tellabs Foundation Bridge will be able to provide reliable internet services, at a very affordable rate, to many of the formerly homeless families served through our Transitional Housing Program.”
“Because of the growing recession hardships, more and more families enter the Bridge Program in a desperate state of crisis. This grant will help us provide the needed items to help stabilize the family so that we can begin to work with them towards creating long-term change,” said Joyce Hothan, executive director of Bridge Communities. “We appreciate this grant from The Bufka Foundation and their continued commitment to helping our neighbors with the greatest need.”
Ms. Wells will share her experiences of growing up in a single-parent family facing poverty, racism and near homelessness and her rise to the top of personal and professional success and happiness. Ms. Wells will help instill hope, faith and determination into the families present
First-time award recipient, Adelbert (last name deleted for privacy) shared, “I have come to understand that my future is in my own hands and I don’t plan on running it into the ground. Furthermore, I know because of organizations like Bridge Communities, my family back home is alright and taken care of, and that I can focus on pursuing my own goals.” Adelbert will soon begin his second year at Winona State University with a major in chemistry and a minor in psychology. He hopes to someday work for Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
“Because of the growing recession hardships, Bridge has increased its emergency response to our client families and this grant will provide funding needed to help with employment training, transportation, child care and other unanticipated client needs,” said Joyce Hothan, executive director of Bridge Communities. “We value the strong relationship we share with DuPage Community Foundation and appreciate its commitment to our neighbors in need.”
Nancy is currently a Professor of Business and Management at the College of DuPage. Her most recent efforts include the development of new course offerings in the field of finance. “I am thrilled to be part of the Bridge Communities’ team,” Nancy shared, “The more I learn about Bridge, the more I am impressed with the life-long change they help create in partnership with the client families and the volunteers. Their delivery model of volunteer, client family and staff partnership is one to be admired and duplicated.”
On June 19, 2009, Bridge Communities – a non–profit, transitional housing program serving homeless families in DuPage County was presented a grant donation of $10,000 from Bank of America.
“Bridge Communities is honored to be chosen for the inaugural Service Excellence Award in 2009,” said Karen Stewart, Bridge Communities’ program staff member. “The Emergency Fund has been an outstanding partner for 5 years. The Fund allows us to help a family with immediate emergency needs and overcome obstacles that stand in their way such as car repairs to get to work as they become stable in our Transitional Housing Program.”
"Lombard Christian Reformed Church is concerned about social justice issues affecting our community. Our participation with Bridge Communities will enable our church to tangibly offer a "cup of cold water" to individuals in need of assistance." shares Wayne Postma, Program Partner Leader and member of Lombard Christian Reformed Church.
"Bridge Communities reported a 17% increase in the number of calls received from persons experiencing a housing crisis. Bridge recorded 1131 calls in 2008 compared to 970 calls the previous year. “The new face of homeless is a family with children,” says Joyce Hothan, executive director..."
On February 7th, 2009, nearly 400 people attended the Garage Party at Gearhead European Auto Repair in downtown Glen Ellyn. The party featured food from various Glen Ellyn restaurants, live music from Local Favorite and a silent auction featuring artwork from E-Lumin proprietor Erik Peterson. The Garage Party was hosted by the Bridge Builders of Bridge Communities and was a fundraiser to benefit the Auto Donation Program sponsored by Bridge Communities.
Bridge Communities is celebrating its 20th Anniversary of transforming lives of homeless families who live and work in DuPage County. What began by co-founders Mark Milligan and Bob Wahlgren when they decided, in 1988, to begin to help homeless families, has now become a powerful current of change in the lives of thousands of DuPage County residents in need.
Burr Ridge resident Carol Gavin has joined the board of directors of Bridge Communities. Carol is currently president of Winston Advisors Ltd, specializing in providing consulting services and advice on corporate governance issues. Carol also serves on the board of directors for Tellabs Foundation and board of visitors for the University of Illinois College of Law.
The contribution will be used to complete the acquisition of a six-flat apartment building in Westmont, IL. The apartments, currently under renovation, will be converted to condominiums an sold to formerly homeless families who have completed the Bridge Communities transitional housing program in a special equity-sharing arrangement.
"Partnering with organizations like Bridge Communities who utilize the talents and resources of so many in the community is unique and valued by everyone in 100(+) Women Who Care." says Bridge Communities mentor and nominating Club member Karen Guyser.