“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.” Emily Dickinson
Our community is beautiful in the autumn.
I love all the trees and colors, and rustling leaves. Growing up in Albuquerque, I missed trees the most in the fall. Walking along our trails in Columbia’s open spaces brings me such peace and moments of joy. Every year in November, I’m more introspective and
thankful for all I’ve been given and the comforts I often take for granted.
I’m excited about Bridges’ theme this year for Giving Tuesday: Give Hope with Bridges. The theme delights me on multiple levels. It speaks to our work together to help those struggling with housing instability, and it aims us toward a brighter future. I encourage you to think about what hope means to you this season.
Bridges has so many supporters who help us make a difference in hundreds of lives each year. Thank you for being a part of our story and success.
I hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving, full of those moments of joy and peace that we need to keep us looking forward with hope that never stops at all.
Client Story
A Stable Home Creates the Foundation for a Secure Future
Colena’s 9-year old daughter is so accustomed to moving, she is already asking her mom when they will have to move out of their current home. “It’s finally clicking in that this time is different,” Colena says. Read her story here.
Program Snapshot
Guilford House Offers Second Chance for Returning Citizens
Formerly incarcerated people face significant barriers to successfully re-entering society — including high rates of homelessness due to lack of employment and other barriers. Since 2019, Bridges has operated the Guilford House for returning citizens, in partnership with the Dept. of Corrections and Dept. of Housing and Community Development. Occupants can stay
for one year and pay no rent, but they are required to work, participate in recovery programs that are relevant to their personal needs, and abide by all house and neighborhood rules. Bridges saves half of their employment income and returns it upon their exit from the program.
Since its launch, the Guilford House has served 21 individuals, 17 of whom have exited the program successfully to other housing. We encourage you to read more about the many positive impacts experienced by returning citizens for whom the Guilford House was their first home after release from prison.
Program Snapshot
Thank you, HCC Nursing Students!
This fall we had six wonderful Howard County Community College Nursing students volunteer at the office (Tiahna: L, Queen: R). They arrived with great spirits, motivated to help. Together, they helped organize a collaborative training event, updated our food pantry list, organized and catalogued our welcome home basket supplies, delivered Thanksgiving meals to our clients, and so much more! We are so grateful for these young ladies and we know they will go far!
Welcome, Sam Dixon!
Sam is a Masters of Social Work student at the University of Maryland. As an undergraduate, he studied philosophy, music, and music therapy. Sam continues to compose music and looks forward to applying the interpersonal skills he learned in clinical music therapy experience to working with people in other settings. He is always excited to work directly with people and is drawn to the supportive role of Bridges case managers.
Art Connection at Bridges
Bridges was selected as one of 5 non-profits to receive artwork through the Art Connection in the Capital Region’s (ACCR) art placement program. The ACCR works to increase opportunities for artists to have their work placed in non-profit organizations. Earlier this spring, the Community Foundation of Howard County partnered with ACCR to present the art in an exhibition called The Art of New Beginnings at the Community Foundation’s spring party. Bridges sent a few staff members to select 5 pieces of artwork that would reflect our mission,
enhance the office space, and create a vibrant and welcoming environment for our clients. We are appreciative of this opportunity to brighten up our workspace with visual works that our staff and clients can enjoy and take comfort in.