Press Releases
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.
United: One Night, One Community: Sleep Out Saturday 2021 - September 22, 2021
Families, friends take to their yard, driveway or car...
Join us for the Debut of the Bridge Communities Classic! - July 16, 2021
It's time to tee up for Bridge Communities...
DuPage Foundation’s Betty M. Bock Fund Awards $25,000 to Bridge Communities - June 2, 2021
Grant will support the Bridge Communities Children’s Program...
Join us Virtually at the 11th Annual Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives - April 13, 2021
Hundreds of supporters from the western suburbs will join Bridge Communities on Friday, April 23, 2021 for the 11th Annual Spring Luncheon, “Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives.”
Sleep Out Saturday 2020 is One for the Record Books - November 12, 2020
So far, the event has raised more than $85,000 to help homeless families...
Virtually Together: One Night, One Community: Sleep Out Saturday 2020 - September 21, 2020
Calling all individuals, families, service clubs, church groups, Scouts, teenagers, and executives: join Bridge Communities for our 17th Annual Sleep Out Saturday event!
Back to the backyard with the Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ - August 7, 2020
Get ready to go back to our roots with us this year at The Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ!
Karen S. Wells Appointed CEO of Bridge Communities - May 18, 2020
Karen S. Wells, a nationally-recognized business and community leader, has been named CEO of Bridge Communities...
Bridge Communities Invites West Suburban Women to Kick Up Their Heels on March 13 at Wine Women & Shoes - January 10, 2020
Break out the Manolos and the Jimmy Choos (or just your favorite soles) for the first Wine Women & Shoes event to support Bridge Communities...
One Night, One Goal: Join us for Sleep Out Saturday this Fall - August 23, 2019
One night of sleeping outside. One goal to help the homeless families of Bridge Communities...
Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Returns on September 7 - July 10, 2019
Get ready for meat & music at "Porkstock 2019!"...
Bridge Communities Brought the Best Seats in the House at 6th Annual A Chair Affair - June 27, 2019
On June 13, more than 200 supporters and friends of Bridge Communities celebrated art, community and philanthropy...
DuPage Foundation’s Snodgrass Family Fund Awards $20,000 to Bridge Communities - June 19, 2019
Bridge Communities was one of 38 not-for-profit organizations to receive a grant at the DuPage Foundation...
Bridge Communities Returns to Naperville for 6th Annual A Chair Affair - May 7, 2019
Naperville Parks Foundation to partner with Bridge Communities on Hobson Oak artwork at event...
DuPage Community Rallies in Support of Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives - April 19, 2019
More than 300 supporters from the western suburbs will join Bridge Communities on Friday...
Bridge Communities to Host 9th Annual Spring Luncheon - March 13, 2019
We invite the community to join Bridge Communities on Friday, April 26...
Sleep Out Saturday: Take Action for Homeless Families - November 1, 2018
Be one of hundreds across Chicagoland to take action against homelessness...
Hinsdale Real Estate Professionals & Bridge Communities Come Together - September 21, 2018
Cheers to the chairs! Please join us at the second annual A Chair Affair - Hinsdale....
Bridge Communities to Hold 30th Birthday Bash - September 5, 2018
Celebrate three decades of home and hope with Bridge Communities...
Celebrate the 10th Annual Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ - July 19, 2018
The GEBYBBQ returns for its 10th year on Saturday, September 8th...
A Chair Affair Returns to Naperville in its Fifth Year - May 21, 2018
Bridge Communities is thrilled to bring your favorite “chairity” event...
Community Rallies in Support of Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives - April 18, 2018
More than 300 community supporters will join Bridge Communities on Friday, April 27 for the 8th Annual Spring Luncheon...
Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors Give Day of Service at Bridge Communities - April 13, 2018
The families of Bridge Communities have something to smile about this spring...
Bridge Communities to Host 8th Annual Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives Spring Luncheon - March 12, 2018
We invite the community to join Bridge Communities on Friday, April 27...
Sleep Out Saturday: Take Action for Homeless Families on Nov. 4 - October 19, 2017
During the 2016-2017 school year, there were 1,794 homeless children educated in DuPage County schools...
Glen Ellyn Community Prepares for Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ - August 30, 2017
In the week leading up to the 9th Annual Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ, local businesses are getting involved in the excitement...
A Chair Affair - Hinsdale to Debut October 5 - August 23, 2017
Your favorite "chairity" event is on the move...
Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Returns September 9 - July 14, 2017
Activities abound at the Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ...
Bridge Communities Children’s Program Receives $20,00 Grant from DuPage Foundation - June 22, 2017
Bridge Communities was one of 37 not-for-profit organizations and six local collaboratives to receive a grant at the DuPage Foundation’s Spring Grant Awards Breakfast...
Naperville Welcomes A Chair Affair in its 4th Year - May 10, 2017
We’re pleased to announce some exciting changes for your favorite “chairity” event...
New Program Brings Behavioral Health Services to Bridge Communities Residents - March 29, 2017
Families living in Bridge Communities now have access to behavioral health services...
Bridge Communities to Host 7th Annual Spring Luncheon - March 17, 2017
Bridge Communities looks forward to April 28...
Bank of America Partners with Bridge Communities - November 3, 2016
Support comes as part of Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders® program...
2,000 Youth to Support Neighbors Who Have Lost Their Homes - October 2, 2016
In 2014 alone, 72,895 DuPage County families fell below the poverty line...
Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Returns for 8th Year on September 10 - July 18, 2016
This year, summer doesn't end on Labor Day...
DuPage Foundation Awards $20,000 to Bridge Communities - July 5, 2016
Grant from Dupage Foundation's Snodgrass Family Fund will help underwrite the Bridge Communities Children's Program...
A Chair Affair Returns to Naperville for its Third Year - April 14, 2016
Don’t miss one of the most unique parties of the year and your opportunity to find one-of-a-kind artwork for your home...
Bridge Communities to Honor Outstanding Women at 6th Annual Spring Luncheon - March 21, 2016
On April 22, Bridge Communities is delighted to hold its 6th Annual Spring Luncheon, “Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives,” to recognize DuPage women’s commitment to the community...
Community Memorial Foundation Awards $50,000 to Bridge Communities - February 2, 2016
Bridge Communities has been named as a recipient of a $50,000 grant from Community Memorial Foundation...
West Suburban Kids Sleep Out to Support Homeless Neighbors - November 2, 2015
All over the western suburbs, an estimated 2,000 teens and adults will spend a cold night outside in boxes or cars with a goal to raise more than $100,000 for homeless families...
A Chair Affair Returns for its Second Annual Event - April 30, 2015
Back for its second year, Bridge Communities combines artistic talent with a great cause to present A Chair Affair in the Naperville community this spring...
Bridge Communities is pleased to host its 5th Annual Spring Luncheon, “Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives,” at the Danada House from 11am -1:30pm on Friday, April 24.
Bridge Communities plans the 11th annual Sleep Out Saturday to support homeless families in DuPage County.
This past spring, Bridge Communities was selected as the philanthropy supported by the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) for the next two years.
The Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ was held at the village's Glenwood Avenue lot on Saturday, September 13....
Beer, bags and BBQ: the Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ comes back to the village's Glenwood Avenue lot for its sixth year on Saturday, September 13.
Starting this Sunday, May 18, Bridge Communities' families will have access to organic, healthy produce - and they'll have the satisfaction of knowing they grew it themselves.
Bridge Communities is proud to present A Chair Affair, a unique opportunity for the community to appreciate and celebrate beautiful artwork.
Bridge Communities Receives AABE Honors - March 17, 2014
On March 12, Bridge Communities was recognized as a recipient of the 24th Annual Awards for Business Excellence (AABE).
Bridge Communities Receives $7,500 Grant from The Chrysler Foundation - March 7, 2014
Bridge Communities has been awarded a $7,500 grant from The Chrysler Foundation to support its Transitional Housing Program, which provides housing, mentoring and supportive services to over 100 homeless families annually in DuPage County.
On Friday, April 25, two outstanding DuPage County women will be recognized at Bridge Communities' Celebrating Women...Transforming Lives celebratory luncheon.
Illustrator Designs Mural, Teams Up With Children of Bridge Communities - January 31, 2014
Art, kids and philanthropy come together for the perfect mixture on Saturday, February 8, when renowned illustrator Geoff Bevington will collaborate with the children of Bridge Communities to create a mural for their Glendale Heights Learning Resource Center (LRC).
On October 4, 2013, Bridge Communities will celebrate 25 years of helping homeless families in DuPage County at a special celebration at Esplanade Lakes by Doubletree in Downers Grove.
The Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-Off benefiting Bridge Communities is back for another year of BBQ, blues, bags and more.
Volunteers are needed for Bridge Communities' Learning Resource Centers in Naperville and Westmont.
Bridge Communities received a $25,000 grant from the Alfred Bersted Foundation, Bank of America, N. A., Trustee; the grant supports the general operating budget of Bridge Communities’ Transitional Housing Program, which provides housing, mentoring and supportive services to over 120 homeless families annually in DuPage County.
The $20,000 grant, awarded at a special distribution breakfast on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at Glen Oak Country Club in Glen Ellyn, will help support the Bridge Communities’ Employment Program, which provides at-risk adults in Bridge’s Transitional Housing Program with job readiness and employment counseling.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has declared the Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-Off an official Illinois State Competition. This year’s Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-Off takes place Saturday, September 14, 2013 and benefits homeless families in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program.
Saturday, June 15th, six glorious gardens will be on display in the Glen Ellyn Garden Walk, with all proceeds benefitting the homeless families in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program.
Hermes Creative Awards, one of the world's most esteemed marketing/communications competitions, has awarded Bridge Communities a gold award for its 2011 annual report entitled "Family and Friends."
Mary Ellen Durbin and Sue Principe will be honored at this year's Celebrating Women...Transforming Lives luncheon on April 26 at Danada House in Wheaton.
Homeless families in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program are in need of safe, reliable transportation.
Bridge Communities was one of 14 non-profits from a national pool of 85 applicants that received new funding from the Allstate Foundation. The funding will support digital development to improve and enhance Bridge's Transitional Housing Program Information System.
Want to have fun and help a great cause? The Garage Party is the perfect solution to beat the winter blahs while supporting Bridge Communities' Auto Donation Program.
November 2012 kicks off a year-long celebration of Bridge Communities' 25th anniversary. Since 1988, Bridge Communities has helped homeless families in DuPage County transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency through its comprehensive Transitional Housing Program.
Homeless families in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program need cars to get to and from work. Please donate your old car.
Bridge Communities welcomes two new Board members, announces its new chairman, and bids farewell to three board members.
The ninth annual Sleep Out Saturday for the Homeless asks people to IMAGINE what they can do to help homeless families in DuPage County.
Bridge Communities co-presents a half-day symposium addressing the latest information regarding homelessness in our community.
Bridge Communities' buildings will receive over 30 hours of care and repair from Mr. Handyman of Wheaton as part of its National Day of Service.
Enjoy a day a BBQ, blues and bags at the Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-Off. Proceeds from the event support homeless families in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program.
During July, August and September, customers shopping at Whole Foods Wheaton can donate their 10 cent per bag refunds to Bridge Communities to help homeless families in their community.
Mary Zienty has been hired as Bridge Communities’ Employment Coordinator, a new role that will enhance Bridge’s employment services to its clients, which are run by Employment Director Patty Kelly.
Seven beautifully crafted gardens will be on display Saturday, June 16th in the 9th annual Glen Ellyn Garden Walk. A number of new features have been added to this year's event. All proceeds benefits homeless families in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program.
Bridge Graduate Megan DeAngelis and her two sons are living the good life in a newly renovated apartment, thanks to 12 generous and creative business leaders in her community.
Over 40 volunteers generously gave their time and energy to do spring clean-up at a Bridge Communities apartment building in Glendale Heights as part of Comcast Cares Day.
Dozens of Bridge kids will be running around in new shoes, thanks to the generosity of Share the Spirit, a foundation giving kids from Bridge Communities the opportunity to shop for new shoes at the Payless shoe store in Naperville.
Hundreds of moms will celebrate Mother's Day together at Run Like A Mother, a women's only 5k race for moms of all ages and fitness levels. Run Like A Mother benefits Bridge Communities', helping homeless families cross the bridge to self-sufficiency.
Glen Ellyn Garden Walk Springs Gardeners into Summer - March 20, 2012
One of Glen Ellyn's most highly anticipated events, this year's Garden Walk - benefiting homeless families in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program - promises to be better than ever.
Join us for "Celebrating Women, Transforming Lives," Bridge Communities' annual spring luncheon that celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of extraordinary women in our community.
At least four families are currently in need of safe, reliable transportation. Please consider donating your used car.
Over 400 people will attend The Garage Party for a good time benefiting Bridge Communities' Auto Donation Program, which provides safe, reliable transportation for homeless families in DuPage County.
Bridge Communities announces the newly created position of CEO and welcomes John Hayner to staff.
Over 1,500 volunteers raised $130,000 to help homeless families in DuPage County . . . and found the experience life-changing.
Bridge client families learn healthy ways to solve dinnertime dilemmas at a hands-on workshop made possible by a grant from the J. R. Albert Foundation.
Please consider donating a used vehicle to a Bridge client family in need.
Text To Give to Sleep Out Saturday - October 18, 2011
Text "BRIDGE" to 20222 to donate $10 to help homeless families in DuPage County.
Learn about the new face of homelessness from a panel of experts at this free symposium on October 12, 2011 at College of DuPage.
3rd Annual Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-Off raises over $20,000 for Bridge Communities.
Naperville residents are invited to the First Annual Friendraiser to learn more about how Bridge Communities helps families in our community.
Five students head off to college with help from scholarships provided by Bridge Builders.
Diane Nilan's critically acclaimed film, "on the edge," puts the spotlight on homelessness in DuPage County at the Naperville Independent Film Festival.
It's time for BBQ, beer, bags & blues at the 3rd annual Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ on Saturday, September 10, 2011 in historic downtown Glen Ellyn.
Moms and kids in Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program in Naperville can now benefit from fun, creative and helpful nutritional workshops, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the J. R. Albert Foundation.
Bridge Communities welcomes its newest Program Partner, New Horizons Christian Fellowship in Aurora.
At its annual Grant Distribution Breakfast on June 15th, The DuPage Community Foundation gave Bridge Communities $10,000 to support its Transitional Housing Program.
Bridge Communities recently purchased a six-flat apartment building in Westmont, Illinois. The new building will allow Bridge to serve six additional families through its Transitional Housing Program, which helps families cross the bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency, permanent housing and financial stability.
Bridge Communities, and its Program Partner, Families Helping Families (FHF) join together offer classes to help the moms in their Transitional Housing Program to solve the age-old dilemma: "How do I feed my family healthy quick meals on a limited budget?"
Host a Giving Party for Your Child's Next Birthday - July 23, 2010
As you plan your child’s next birthday, consider hosting a GIVING Party to benefit the client families in the Bridge Communities Transitional Housing Program. The GIVING Party birthday party guests can participate in activities from the “What’s It Like to Be Homeless” education curriculum written by Bridge Communities staff.
For many area gardeners the Glen Ellyn Garden Walk, sponsored by Bridge Communities, has become an annual rite of passage from spring into summer. Each year they are delighted by gardens that are formal, whimsical, grand and diminutive, with plantings done primarily by the homeowners themselves.
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.