Bridge Communities, Inc.

"It was really hard to accept the fact that I wasn’t able to provide stable housing for my children," said Angelina. "The insecurity of bouncing around, not knowing if we were going to find a place to stay, was so scary."

By making a gift today, you become a beacon of hope, lighting the path towards stable housing for those who need it most. Every contribution transforms lives and creates a foundation for a brighter future. ✨

Join us in making a difference. Together, let's rewrite stories of resilience, turning challenges into triumphs. Click the link to make a gift and be a part of positive change. 👉 https://www.bridgecommunities.org/support-us/ways-to-donate/make-a-donation

www.bridgecommunities.org

A sincere thank you to the Bloomingdale Township Mental Health Board for the $20,000 grant! 🙏 We are so grateful for their generosity and support. These funds will assist in covering the utility expenses for one of our local buildings.

Bridge staff members Kristin and Andrea accepted the grant on our behalf. Special thank you to Mental Health Board Chairperson Dominick Lanzito and Township Supervisor Michael D. Hovde Jr. for presenting the grant to Bridge! Thank you all again!

Wine Women & Shoes is coming February 24, 2024, and tickets are selling fast! 🍾 👩 👠

Bridge Communities sip-sational event will feature delectable wine and bubbly tastings, a shoppable multi-designer marketplace, a savory lunch, exciting live and silent auctions, a fabulous fashion show! Follow Wine Women Shoes Chicago West Suburbs for additional updates, and purchases tickets on our website: https://www.bridgecommunities.org/news-events/events/wine-women-shoes

We had an amazing day at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb with the incredible teens and parents from the Bridge program!

Our teens had the chance to explore the NIU campus, guided by some awesome alumni who shared their college experiences and insights, as well as enjoy lunch in the dining hall.

Huge thanks to everyone who made this day possible – your generosity and support are shaping the future for these bright minds! Let's keep empowering the next generation and making dreams of higher education a reality.

This Giving Tuesday, we shared Anna and Henry's story with you, explaining how they were welcomed into the Bridge program just three days after their daughter, sweet Zoey, was born. And, today, we are in awe of your incredible generosity.

Because of you, we were able to raise over $42,000 for the 100+ families of Bridge Communities, with donations still coming in! We are beyond grateful for all of your amazing support this Giving Tuesday! ❤️

At this very moment, there are too many children, just like Zoey, facing homelessness. But, you can make a difference!

You can still give this Giving Tuesday and have your impact DOUBLED. But, time is running out. ⏰

Please give before midnight and help make sure that children like Zoey never have to face another moment of homelessness as they grow up.

Donate tonight: https://www.bridgecommunities.org/support-us/ways-to-donate/givingtuesday

Adorable little Zoey and her parents were welcomed into the Bridge Communities program just weeks ago when Zoey was three days old. But they are just one of ten families facing homelessness that Bridge hopes to welcome into the program between now and December 31st.

These families are looking for a second chance, and a home in time for the holidays.
Bridge Communities can welcome them into a safe, stable home; but we'll need your help.

By giving today in honor of Giving Tuesday, you can give Zoey's family - and so many others - a night, month, or even a year of stability and security inside a Bridge apartment.

Donate today at https://www.bridgecommunities.org/support-us/ways-to-donate/givingtuesday

You can be the start of something wonderful for these families; the second chance they need to thrive. By making a donation today, you will have your gift MATCHED by BMO U.S., our Giving Tuesday Matching Sponsor.

Bridge Communities, Inc. Bridge Communities is a dynamic, grassroots, non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless families through partnering with talented, resourceful individuals and groups in our community. Our program of housing, mentoring and empowering families focuses on moving them towards a goal of self sufficiency.

Celebrating 35 Years of Homes and Hope! 🎉

As we celebrate 35 years of connecting families facing homelessness to better futures, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of this incredible journey. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success.

Bridge Communities has seen so many transformative stories from the families in our program. Today we'd like to share Tieara's story of hope. After her parent's split up when she was young, Tieara and her mom were forced to forge a new path forward. While Tieara did all she could to make the best out of their new situation, she struggled to make friends while constantly moving around. Thankfully, after coming to Bridge, Tieara not only made lifelong friends with the girls her age; she also formed a great bond with Grace, her tutor from our Learning Resource Center, whom she is still close with to this day.

Today, Tieara work's as a licensed dietician after receiving her master's degree in public health, and has found stability in owning her own home, car, and steady employment. From overcoming loneliness to finding lifelong friends, Tieara's story is one for the books.

Speaking of books, interested in reading more about Tieara's journey? Read more, as well as stories of other Bridge community members, in our 35th Anniversary online flipbook. Visit: https://bit.ly/3QuyPwA

Thank you once again for being an integral part of Bridge. Here's to many more years of connection, community, and countless stories yet to unfold.

Anna, Henry, and their sweet, baby Zoey have the stability they need in a Bridge apartment today. However, to help them overcome the traumas of homelessness and ensure Zoey never knows homelessness as she grows up, we need your help.

When you give a Tuesday on Giving Tuesday, you provide a family facing homelessness with a night of safety and stability inside a Bridge apartment. You give them a home.

And thanks to our Matching Sponsor, BMO U.S., your Giving Tuesday gift will be DOUBLED.

But, you have to act before Giving Tuesday on November 28 comes to an end! Visit https://www.bridgecommunities.org/support-us/ways-to-donate/givingtuesday to give hope to families today!

#GivingTuesday By giving a Tuesday, you provide a family facing homelessness with a night of safety and stability inside a Bridge apartment. You give them a home.   Make Your Gift On top of providing safe housing for the entire family, your generosity also provides mentoring, budgeting help, me...

Today, as we gather with friends and family around a table, we are filled with gratitude for friends like you. 🙏

When Bridge families like Anna, Henry and Zoey's needed support, you were there. Whether you gave your time, talent, or treasure, you were a friend in their corner, encouraging them through some of the most difficult times of their lives.

On behalf of everyone at Bridge Communities, we thank you and hope you and yours have a very happy Thanksgiving.

Remember client A and her daughter from last year’s Giving Tuesday? We have an exciting update!

Client A is working hard at a fulfilling job that allows her to be close to her daughter. Plus, she is on track to graduate in 2026 her bachelors in early childhood education! Her now 2-year-old daughter continues to thrive in daycare, and has the stability a child needs in the family's Bridge apartment.

Client A has also been able to utilize her time in the Bridge program to plan for her family's future, and is building up her savings in a way she never thought possible. She is putting in the work, so she and her daughter can thrive, just like the 100+ other parents in the Bridge program. But they can’t do it without your generous support!

When you give to Bridge Communities this Giving Tuesday, your impact will be doubled thanks to our Giving Tuesday Match Sponsor, BMO Capital Markets. To donate, visit https://www.bridgecommunities.org/support-us/donate/giving-tuesday/pay

We are 35 Years Strong, thanks to your support! 💪

As we celebrate 35 years of connecting families facing homelessness to better futures, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who has been a part of the Bridge journey.

In the midst of our anniversary celebration, we want to spotlight Brian's encouraging story. Brian and his parents never felt stable before entering Bridge; whether living in shelters or staying with relatives, their previous living conditions never came equipped with a true feeling of belonging.

But that all changed in 1991, when Brian (then in second grade) and his parents were accepted into the Bridge program. For the first time, Brain's family felt the stability of staying in one home for four years, and Brian had a place to celebrate holidays, his own room, and friendships that remain intact today!

Now, life is good for Brian, as he is married with a 12 year old daughter. In the next year, Brian is planning on buying his own home, where he hopes to provide for and support his family in the same way he felt supported by Bridge when he was a young boy. From overcoming challenges to finding peace and stability in the darkest of times, Brian's story is a source of inspiration for us all.

Learn more about Brian's story in our 35th Anniversary online flipbook: https://bit.ly/3QuyPwA

Thank you for being an integral part of the Bridge community. Here's to 35 years of shared stories, and to many more chapters to come.

Because Every Child Deserves a Home 🏡 ❤️

Anna, Henry and their sweet baby Zoey got the keys to their Bridge apartment just 3 days after Zoey was born. But if we're going to make sure that Zoey never knows a day of homelessness as she grows up, we're going to need your help.

When you make a Giving Tuesday donation in honor of Zoey's family, you provide them with the safe, stable housing and compassionate mentors Anna and Henry need to create a better future for their family.

You will also have your donation MATCHED, thanks to our Giving Tuesday Matching Sponsor, BMO U.S.

Please help us welcome home families just like Zoey's by making a gift today: https://bit.ly/3Qy2MvN

Sip, strut, and sparkle at the most glamorous soiree of the season! All tickets are now on sale for Wine, Women & Shoes, where chic meets shimmer and your glass is always half full.

Tickets for this sensational event sell quickly, so purchase yours before they're gone! Learn more and get your tickets:

https://www.bridgecommunities.org/news-events/events/wine-women-shoes

Happy National Philanthropy Day! Today we celebrate the generosity of our donors and share our gratitude for the impact your investments in Bridge Communities make to the families we serve. Whether you give your time, talent, or treasure, thank you for your incredible support!

🌟 Thank You for 35 Incredible Years! 🌟

As we celebrate 35 years of connecting families facing homelessness to better futures, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of this incredible journey. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success, and we are thrilled to share this milestone with such an amazing community.

Among the countless stories that have shaped Bridge Communities, Jay's journey stands out as a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of human connection. Right when his family was considering moving into a one-bedroom apartment too small to fit all of them, Jay, his mom, and his two sisters were accepted into the Bridge program. They were met with helpful mentors and support from staff, and they began to build their savings. Bridge also connected Jay with people that helped guide him through his college search, and assisted him in the financial aid process.

Today, Jay is happily married and has his own home, as well as a fulfilling career as an optometrist. From overcoming challenges to finding hope in unexpected places, Jay's story is a true inspiration.

For those eager to dive deeper into Jay's remarkable journey, we invite you to explore the pages of our 35th Anniversary online flipbook. To read more stories like Jay's, visit: https://bit.ly/3QuyPwA

Thank you once again for being an integral part of Bridge. Here's to many more years of connection, community, and countless stories yet to unfold.

To all our Sleep Out Saturday participants and donors - THANK YOU for showing up last week!

You joined around 1,000 other DuPage County residents as we slept outside to raise support for and awareness of local families facing homelessness. Specifically, you helped provide the 100+ families of Bridge Communities with the compassionate mentoring, employment coaching, and education resources they need to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness that they are facing.

You made a life-changing difference for these families on their journey to self-sufficiency. For that, we are so incredibly grateful! Here's a few of our favorite moments from the night!

Thrilled to share some fantastic news! Our organization has been one of 76 nonprofits awarded the new Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Impact grants! We couldn't be more grateful for their support.

This grant program seeks to address social determinants of health, focusing on community-based efforts that can have a measurable, positive impact on the health and wellness of the population. This new grant will enable us to make an even greater impact in our community and help us continue our mission of fighting homelessness in DuPage county.

Thank you, BCBSIL, for your commitment to positive change and for believing in our work. We're excited for the journey ahead! 💙

Read the full press release here: https://www.bcbsil.com/newsroom/news-releases/2023/community-organizations-illinois-receive-three-million-dollars-blue-impact-grants

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to Award $3 Million to Community Organizations as Part of Blue Impact Grants Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois announced today that it will award $3 million to community organizations in fiscal year 2024 — which begins July 1 — through its Blue Impact grants.

Meet one of our youngest clients, Zoey! Zoey's family joined the Bridge program while Anna, Zoey's mom, was still pregnant with her. Thanks to the generosity of friends like you, their family now has a safe, reliable, first home for Zoey.

However, we'll need your help to make sure this family gets the mentoring, job training, and financial counseling needed for future planning, and to make sure Zoey never knows a moment of homelessness while she grows up.

When you give today in honor of Giving Tuesday, your impact will be doubled thanks to our Giving Tuesday Match Sponsor, BMO U.S.

Please consider donating this Giving Tuesday for Zoey and her family, as well as other Bridge families facing homelessness: https://bit.ly/3Qy2MvN

Bridge Communities, Inc. Bridge Communities is a dynamic, grassroots, non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of homeless families through partnering with talented, resourceful individuals and groups in our community. Our program of housing, mentoring and empowering families focuses on moving them towards a goal of self sufficiency.

Thank you College of DuPage for including us in this amazing project, and for bringing to light the fight against homelessness; something that so many DuPage County residents are struggling with.

“Finding Your Way Home" is the second episode in College of DuPage’s docuseries 'Lifelines,' which examines housing and food insecurity while highlighting community resources and efforts to combat these often hidden hardships.

We are so thankful to partner with an institution that values the importance of raising awareness of this issues. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/kWyN3C9OuNU

VIP Tickets for our Wine, Women & Shoes event are on sale NOW! 👠

Join us on Saturday, February 24th at the Oak Brook Hills Resort for an afternoon of dazzling delights - a pour-fect blend of fashion, wine, and fabulous fun.

Secure your tickets TODAY, and get ready to shine bright as a VIP! ✨

https://www.winewomenandshoes.com/event/bridgecommunities/

The Sleep Out Saturday live stream starts now! If you weren't able to join us at College of DuPage tonight, check it out with the link below:

Sleep Out Saturday 2023 MAKE A DONATION AND HELP MEET THE MATCH AT:https://www.bridgecommunities.org/Sleep-out-Saturday/Make-a-pledge.html

Tonight is the Night! 🌙 Join us at 6:30 p.m. at the Lakeside Pavilion at College of DuPage for the 2023 Sleep Out Rally.

You won’t want to miss a mission moment with a Bridge client speaker, delicious soup and bread provided by the COD Culinary Arts students, wool hats for all Sleep Out participants, entertainment and more!

Thank you to College of DuPage for being our In-Kind Sponsor, DoorDash for being our official Food Delivery Sponsor, and First Eagle Bank for being a Bronze Sponsor. Your generosity helps us take action against the family homelessness crisis in our community. Thank you! 🏕️ ❤️

Bridge CEO, Amy Van Polen, recently had the chance to sit down with to discuss family homelessness in DuPage County and our upcoming Sleep Out Saturday (SOS) event.

While SOS is happening TOMORROW, it isn't too late to join us for an empathy building night in support of families facing homelessness! Learn more about SOS and check out Amy's interview with the link below:

Sleep Out Saturday to help raise money for DuPage County transitional housing program With winter fast approaching, there's a growing focus on helping people experiencing homelessness in the Chicago area.

🏕️ LAST CHANCE to Sign up for Sleep Out Saturday! 🏕️

There's still time to sign up for our upcoming Sleep Out Saturday, and we want YOU to be a part of it! 1,000 DuPage County community residents will brave a night inside tents, boxes and cars to raise awareness of family homelessness and funds for Bridge Communities' Transitional Housing Program. Our goal is to change people's view on what it's like to experience homelessness, and to encourage other's to support those that are facing homelessness every day.

Shoutout to these SOS groups who are ready to brave the night with us: First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lisle Teens With Character, Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Southminster Presbyterian Church Arlington Heights, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, St. Matthew United Church of Christ, St. Timothy Lutheran Church.

Register today for Sleep Out Saturday: https://bit.ly/45lRyQc

We are excited to have the support of our gold sponsors for this year's Sleep Out Saturday! Your generosity helps us take action against the family homelessness crisis in our community. Thank you!

Learn More and Register Here: https://www.bridgecommunities.org/news-events/sleep-out-saturday

🏦 Bank of America
🌐 Comcast
💳 Great Lakes Credit Union

Client C shared her experience in the Bridge program at this month’s Mentor Training. She was nervous to speak in front of the entire group at first, but was able to express her feedback with honesty and positivity. Of the experience, Client C said,

“It was such a great experience! I am so proud that I was a part of Bridge and also Bridge is a big part of my life journey. You all make a difference in people's lives, especially me and my family. My children and I never thought we would be here today!”

We're so happy for you and your family, Client C!

Bridge Communities Boutique (BCB) is seeking volunteers! Our BCB, open to all Bridge clients, serves as their fashion haven, a place they can visit every quarter to elevate their professional wardrobe or discover that perfect interview ensemble!

BCB volunteers spend a minimum of 2 hours per month collecting, curating, and styling clothing to help our clients look polished and professional at their jobs and interviews.

If you are interested in giving your time in this rewarding way, email us at [email protected].

Communities

Client L recently participated in the Autumn Gone Fishin’ Derby, hosted by Glen Ellyn Park District! 🎣

Glen Ellyn Park District (GEPD) is extremely generous to our Bridge families in Glen Ellyn. They offer free family memberships and allow our kids to participate in sports, music, and other GEPD activities free of charge. This generosity makes it easy for us to connect families to enrichment activities they can affordably enjoy.

L’s mom has fully taken advantage of the chance to sign him up for many different fun experiences while they’ve been in Bridge! 😊 L even won the “Best Dressed Angler” trophy! What a wonderful ending to a fun day of fishing with his grandpa!

You can still join 1,000 of your friends and neighbors for an empathy-building night in support of families facing homelessness by registering today for Sleep Out Saturday on November 4th. Then join us for our Sleep Out Rally!

Our rally will take place on the 4th from 6:30-8pm in partnership with the College of DuPage at their Lakeside Pavilion. You won’t want to miss a mission moment with a Bridge alumni speaker, high energy entertainment by DJ Ca$h Era, door prizes, wool beanie hats for all participants, soup and bread provided by the COD Culinary Arts Students, and more!

Learn More & Register: https://www.bridgecommunities.org/news-events/sleep-out-saturday

A HUGE thank you goes out to our silver sponsors for supporting this year's Sleep Out Saturday! Your generosity helps us take action against the family homelessness crisis in our community. Thank you!

Learn More and Register Here: https://www.bridgecommunities.org/news-events/sleep-out-saturday

🏦 BankFinancial
🏦 Republic Bank of Chicago

In DuPage County, parents depend on their car to get to work and drive their kids to daycare. Imagine what it would be like for a mother facing homelessness with a car that broke down?

This terrible situation was a reality for client T as she entered the Bridge program. But thanks to a generous donation from a friend like you, T and her family now have the reliable transportation they need to thrive!

This is still a reality for so many other parents in the Bridge program. Without reliable transportation, they have no way to get to their job, nor get their kids to school and daycare. You can put families like T's on the road to success by making the generous gift of a used car today.

Visit our Car Donations page to learn how you can donate: https://www.bridgecommunities.org/Support-us/Make-a-gift/Car-Donations.html