Garage Party Blog

The buzz around town is all about the third annual Garage Party Benefit to be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 7:30 to 12:30 a.m.  Nearly 400 guests will attend what is being called “The Party of the Season!”  The Local Favorite band will be performing so come and dance the night away. This dynamic event held at the Gearhead Garage in Glen Ellyn is sponsored by The Bridge Builders, an auxiliary group of community residents who raised nearly $22,000 last year with 100% directly benefiting the Auto Donation Program of Bridge Communities.

This year many local restaurants will be donating a portion of their profits to Bridge Communities during the Garage Party weekend, including: Cab’s, Honey Café, Shannon’s Irish Pub, Adelle’s, Bells n’ Whistles and more. Plan to stop by and enjoy a great meal while you support Bridge!

So please join us at the Gearhead Garage for appetizers, cash bar, and music by “Local Favorite”.  Tickets can be purchased for $40 either in advance or at the door. RSVP and purchase tickets in advance through www.bridgecommunities.org or at the door by responding to bridgebuildersge@yahoo.com with your name, address and number attending by January 23, 2010.

One of the biggest challenges the families in the Bridge Program struggle with is finding and retaining employment that will support their families, and a significant barrier is often that of unreliable transportation. Many of the families enter the Program with no car or one that is in disrepair. Through the Auto Donation Program, Bridge is able to give clients a safe, reliable car.  Since there is limited public transportation in DuPage County, gifts of a reliable used car or donations needed to make the car roadworthy will directly help a homeless family on their road to self-sufficiency.

If you are thinking of purchasing a new car, donate your used car to Bridge. You may be able to claim a higher tax deduction than donating it to a charity that sells used cars for cash.  To donate your used car or make a donation to help homeless families served by Bridge Communities, call Mark Milligan at 630-545-0610, ext. 10.

Angela and David Share their Story with Dignity and Hope

Written by: Amy Van Polen

Bridge has been blessed to work with so many hardworking and hopeful families throughout the past 21 years.  Every now and again, we accept a family that is exceptional in their support of the Bridge program and want to share their story with everyone that will listen.  Angela and David do just that – and we are so grateful.

Angela and David have shared their story countless times (I have been blessed to have Angela by my side for many presentations and public speeches) and we are always thankful for the honesty and hopefulness they bring to everything they do.

The Daily Herald has just published a two part series about Angela and David.  It features in-depth their struggles to overcome senseless drug use, poor decisions and some bad luck.  But the real story is their never ending love for one another and that optimism that if someone (or organization) would just give them a chance, they could succeed.  Bridge has given them that chance and they are working very hard to learn everything they can so that they will achieve long-term housing and self-sufficiency.

We applaud Angela and David for their candidness and bravery to share their story so publicly.  And we hope that all the “reviewers” that so often speak/write before careful consideration, will reflect more on their own decisions and good fortunes.  It is not our responsibility to judge, but it is our responsibility to act to achieve change.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

As another year draws near we pause to remember those whose friendship and goodwill mean so much to us.

In warm appreciation of our association during the past year we extend our very best wishes for a happy holiday season.

Blessings to you and thanks for all you have contributed.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR 2010

Written by: Patty Kelly, Employment Director

Where is the crystal ball when I need it?  To try to even speculate what is around the corner for employment in 2010 is very difficult.  The so-called experts are split on their outlooks and forecasts.  There are articles saying it will be grim until 2011, others that report it could be even 3- 5 years before we experience real job recovery.  And then the more optimistic reports that focus on the small advances we have made in 2009.    I honestly don’t think anyone really knows what to expect.  And I feel if we completely focus on all the doom and gloom, I believe we will not move forward.  What we can do is to prepare Bridge client families to be more competitive when applying for jobs and getting that all important interview.

In looking over the past year, Bridge Communities has focused on helping clients reach goals that many of them never thought possible as far as education, training and employment.  I am really proud of how the client families are persevering and moving forward, even when their circumstances seem overwhelming.

Thirty-six client families have furthered their education towards Certificates, Associates and Bachelors degrees.  Some have reached the goal of graduating and getting jobs.  While others are still in school and when they graduate will be far ahead of where they were when they entered Bridge.

Eight client families are taking computer classes, ESL or preparing for their GED.

Thirty client families that entered Bridge unemployed or lost their job in the past year have found new jobs and are back out their working towards their goals.

I continue to help client families enroll in training programs for job interviewing techniques, job clubs and networking groups.  I also continue to work one-on-one with clients as they practice their interviewing and job search skills.  It is always a joy to get the call saying they were hired!

So in looking at 2010 the focus will continue to be getting people placed in the right college and courses, the right vocational training programs and the right jobs where there are opportunities to grow and learn.  All of this is done through the teamwork of mentors, clients and Bridge staff.  And without all the financial support of so many donors we would not be able to continue touching so many lives in such positive ways.  Thanks to all who are involved in whatever role you play for all you do.

Have a wonderful 2010 and our crystal ball says we will continue to see growth and success in our client families!!

Give the Gift of a Home

Having a place to go is a home.

Having someone to love is a family.

Having both is a blessing.

Please share your blessings at this special time of year with a gift that gives a home to a homeless family.

Your donation to Bridge Communities creates long-term change in the lives of homeless families.  Our successful program mentors families to become financially stable as they reach their goal of permanent housing.

We thank you for your generosity.  You can help give the gift of a home.

Bridge Opened the Door to a New Future

Written by: Margo Matthew

Not long ago Channel decided it was time to close the doors on a troubled home life and open new doors to hopefully a better future.  Growing up in a culture of drug abuse and the adults in her life making poor decisions, she never felt safe or secure.  Moving around with her parents until they divorced when she was 15, Channel had no sense of any home stability.

Channel always knew that an education was the route out of poverty; so even without the support of her family Channel went to a local community college and worked part-time.  Channel became a mother at the young age of only eighteen.  But she continued to attend college and work.  During this time her baby girl, Chanaya, and her lived with her mother.  But that situation was fraught with drug abuse and violence and Channel quickly realized that her baby and her had to move a more stable environment.

As a teenage mother, Channel qualified to enroll in the Wheaton Youth Outreach.  Channel looks back at this time as a positive experience as she was able to continue to go to school and learn basic parenting and independent living skills.  At the age of 22 Channel and Chanaya were graduated from the Wheaton Youth Outreach program, but she still had more schooling to complete and did not earn a wage that would adequately support the two of them.  So Channel was referred to Bridge Communities.

Channel entered the Bridge Program under-employed and with few support systems.  She had recently ended her relationship with Chanaya’s father and her own family continued their drug abuse and unstable life-style.  But Channel had hope and great determination that she could provide a bright future for her three year old daughter.

She never wanted her daughter, Chanaya to ever feel the way she did as a child growing up.  Channel has always strived to help Chanaya feel secure at home and teach that she can do anything she wants in life.

When Channel entered the Bridge program she began to work with mentors, Jennifer and Tom from Corpus Christie Church in Carol Stream.  They taught her to budget and learn to save, while at the same time they nurtured her self esteem and helped her with parenting tips for Chanaya.

Through the support and guidance of her mentors and the Program, Channel truly achieved self sufficiency. Channel saw what her mentors had achieved in their lives through hard work and a strong education.  She also learned that “even middle class people have to budget.” Her mentors encouraged her to begin saving through her 401(k) savings plan and helped her to set up a college savings for Chanaya. Channel is proud to share that, “My mentors even learned from me. They told me they admired my dedication and determination on meeting my goals.”

Bridge employment director, Patty Kelly encouraged Channel to take the Career Vision Aptitude and Assessment Tests, to determine her strengths and skills in order to pursue the best suited career direction.  Together they worked on her resume writing and interviewing skills.  Bridge also connected her to a tutor and at her request helped her become a better mother working one-on-one on parenting skills with education coordinator, Barbara Trczinski.

She continued attendance at the local community college and graduated with an Associate in Arts degree with a certificate in Criminal Justice. Channel now works full-time and recently received her second promotion to become a senior service representative.  She said it is stressful, but very rewarding.  She feels a great sense of accomplishment when she achieves her goals.  In her free time, she volunteers at a local police department.  Channel shares, “I started to believe in myself again, I began to have a little self confidence.  I can do things for myself I never thought possible.”

Karen Stewart, Channel’s case manager is so proud of her and how much she has overcome and accomplished.  Karen shares, “Channel was the first in her family to go to college.  She welcomed guidance and mentoring to learn how she could best live her life. She is now a young woman who has achieved her goal of self sufficiency and will move forward to a better life”

“Bridge Communities taught me that people do care and are always willing to help me. My mentors and case manager provided us with a sense of family,” Channel shares with sincerity and thankfulness, “I found Bridge and after that it was pretty much open doors.”

Sleep Out Saturday Funds 4,000 Housing Nights

“I wonder if homeless children ever get used to sleeping in a box or a car, or if they are uncomfortable all the time?  Being homeless is very hard, so sometimes people loss hope.  I hope homeless people have the courage to make that phone call (to Bridge Communities).”

These are the reflective words that an 11-year old SOS participant shared the morning after she spent the night learning about life for a homeless family and sleeping on the cold, wet ground.

Sleep Out Saturday has the power to move all of us to action.  To help homeless families move from hopelessness to empowerment.

What will you do to help make your community a little brighter and more welcoming?

Ideas for you to consider:

A.  When I was hungry…you fed me.

-Keep a list of all the snacks you eat in one week.  Figure out how much money you spent on those snacks and give that amount to Bridge Communities.

-Keep track of how much food you and your family throw away for one week. Donate the equivalent to a local food pantry.

-Write down how much money is spent on fast food for a month.  Multiply that amount by 12 to get an approximate total of how much is spent for the year.

-Participate in the holiday food baskets that are given through the food pantry at Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter

B.  When I was thirsty…you gave me something to drink.

-We take for granted the convenience of running water.  On a designated day, whenever you need a drink of water or need water for cooking, go to the faucet outdoors.  Drink only water, no juice, pop or milk for that day.

C.  When I was a stranger…you welcomed me.

-There may be a new family that has moved into your neighborhood or church.  Bring a dessert over to their house and introduce yourself.

-At school, observe the new students.  Invite a new student to join you during lunch or recess to meet some of your friends.

D.  I was naked…you clothed me.

-Organize a coat drive in October.  Collect coats, hats, scarves, mittens, and boots for families who can’t afford to buy those items.  Donate them to a local Walk-In Ministry or clothing pantry.

-Organize a back-to-school supply drive in July.  Collect notebooks, pencils, folders, crayons, markers and glue sticks.  Donate them to Bridge Communities to distribute to children in our homeless housing program.

-Organize a Quarter Fundraiser – collect quarters that can be used by Bridge Communities’ client families to help pay for their laundry.  All Bridge apartments have coin-operated laundry facilities.

E.  I was sick…you took care of me.

-Perhaps a neighbor has been sick or is too old to shovel their snow or cut their grass.  Volunteer to do that for them and refuse any money for your services.

-Organize a day when all the youth volunteer their services to anyone in the neighborhood who needs help with yard work in the spring.  Any money raised can be donated to purchase flowers or trees around a local chosen non-profit, church, school or public building.

F.  I was in prison…you visited me.

-Most of us are not able to visit someone in prison.  A group could collect books and donate them to the county jail.  If there is a juvenile facility in your area, perhaps you could donate sweatshirts and pants.

-Older people living in nursing homes sometimes feel forgotten.  Organize a day to play BINGO or other games with the seniors.  Bring prizes to hand out.  Have a group sing-a-long.

Thank you to everyone that helped make Sleep Out Saturday such a great success.  More than 4,000 housing nights have been funded and donations are still coming in.

Please watch this video that was shared at the Rally and learn how your contributions of time, talents and treasures are helping Bridge families every day.

TUTORING HOMELESS STUDENTS

Did you know that homeless students change schools, on average, 3 times per year?  With each school change 6-9 months of academic progress may be lost.

Bridge Communities recognized the need to help fill this gap over 15 years ago by creating a program that hires certified teachers to provide Bridge students with 2 hours of tutoring each week.  Tutoring takes place in the learning centers located in the apartment buildings where Bridge families reside, or in a library nearby.  Tutors help their students “catch up” and push ahead in reading, math, study skills, and homework completion.  They provide each student with the support, and guidance to empower them to succeed.

Adult students in Bridge also receive tutoring if needed.  This could include assistance with GED studies, math, vocabulary, English, nursing classes, etc.

As of November 1^st, Bridge has 16 tutors, 27 students, and 5 adult students receiving tutoring. Right after the start of the school year, a student came up to me at one of our learning centers and said, “Barbara, when are you going to find me a tutor?” It’s wonderful for me to hear this. The support this student had been receiving really means something to this child, and she was being proactive in ensuring she would continue to receive the help she needs.

Over the 11 years that I have been coordinating the tutoring program at Bridge I have received many comments from both students and their parents about the importance of having these tutors.  One 8^th grade student told me he had received an “A” for the first time in his life because of the help from his tutor.  Many parents ask me if tutoring will continue over the summer months.  The answer is always “yes,” as we would like the learning momentum to continue uninterrupted.  And it’s not just academic support our students receive.  With each tutor comes the absolute positive regard that a personal coach can provide.

If you or someone you know might be interested in this opportunity, please contact Barbara Trczinski, Education Coordinator, at barbtrczinski@ameritech.net.

What’s New with Sleep Out Saturday?

53 Groups and 16 Stars Have Already Registered!

Sleep Out Saturday is the flagship fundraising event for Bridge Communities.  Visit our website at www.sleepoutsaturday.org for more information regarding this unique event!  The goals for this event are threefold:

¨      Raise funds for the Bridge Communities’ Transitional Housing Program

¨      Raise public awareness concerning family homelessness in our community

¨      Build empathy for those in need

How Does It Work?

Church and community groups from throughout DuPage County gather to experience homelessness for just one night.  Coupled with the experience of sleeping in cars, tents and boxes, participants utilize fun, educational activities that bring awareness to how and why family homelessness occurs.  You can register to become a group at:   www.sleepoutsaturday.org.

What If You Don’t Have A Group?

You do not need to be affiliated with a group to participate in Sleep Out Saturday!  You may register yourself or family as Sleep Out “Stars”.  Once registered, you will have access to online resources to help you plan your event and activities.  Sleep outside on your front lawn or driveway, post a SOS yard sign and/or attend the event Rally!  Age appropriate activities and curriculum are provided in the resource materials to make it a great event for young and old!

The Rally

Everyone is invited to attend the Sleep Out Saturday Event Rally, 6:30 – 8:00 pm in downtown Glen Ellyn.  101.9fm The Mix will be there!  Following the Rally, return to your site to participate in activities and “sleep out”!

Fundraising

Participants are asked to collect pledges (similar to charity walks/runs).  Fundraising is easy!  Whether it is door to door, through your congregation or organization or friends/families, all you need to do is “ask”!  We accept credit card online donations as well!  Last year, participants raised $120,000!  The fundraising goal for this year is $130,000!  Help us reach or goal and help provide hope to families in crisis!

Contact Lisa Hedrick, Sleep Out Saturday Event Coordinator, at 630/545-0610 x19 or lisa.hedrick@bridgecommunities.org for more information.

Buying a new car? Donate your used one to Bridge.

Bridge Communities – a non–profit, transitional housing program serving homeless families in DuPage County – is looking for individuals or businesses that would like to donate used cars.  The cars are used by homeless families who are in transition to self-sufficiency.  Donated cars allow Bridge clients to commute to better paying jobs and their children’s school and daycare.  Donations are tax deductible for the value of the car.

To donate your used car to help homeless families served by Bridge Communities, or to find out how to support Bridge in another way, please call Mark Milligan at 630-545-0610, x.10.  The Bridge Communities website is www.bridgecommunities.org.