Had an opportunity to volunteer at a respite/retreat at Holy Spirit Lutheran that provided families with some time away from their special needs child. I could tell by the smiles on the faces of the children and their parents at the end of the event that they very much appreciated it. Bridge Ministries did a great job of organizing the event and leveraging the resources of several organizations to meet a real need. It was a wonderful volunteer opportunity that came with training on how to support a child with autism. Keep up the great work, I'll volunteer again.
PeteS
Our event planning company has helped the Bridge organization plan multiple fund raising banquets. We have worked with the majority of their staff at some point in the process and can honestly say they are the most hard-working, passionate, devoted group of people. They care deeply about the work they do and the service they provide to their clientele.
Bridge Ministries is unique in that it provides services AND spiritual support to persons suffering from both physical and developmental disabilities. The staff is very caring and many have personal experiences in the areas they serve in the organization, having friends and family meeting the everyday challenges of these conditions. Bridge offers legal guardianship services by certified guardians, free mobility medical equipment to those who often can't afford to purchase it, and large and small group meetings and events to help people deal and get relief from the isolation they often feel.
Bridge has an amazing way of reaching out to faith communities by offering them the chance to have an event at their place of worship that includes and shares with those with disabilities in a joyous atmosphere. The last event was held at a church on a Sunday afternoon where we worshiped God and celebrated the wedding vows of two folks in our community. The couple not only felt affirmed by our friendship and well wishes, but encouraged as their marriage was blessed by God and witnessed by their friends. This is an incredible witness on a variety of different levels, not only to the couple professing their love and starting a new family together, but for the larger community as a whole. These events happen at least monthly and although there isn't always a wedding celebration they are always joyful and blessed.
Bridge Disability Ministries is working to bridge the gap between people living with disabilities and faith communities, a very important function in our community. In this fashion they combat the isolation that often exists in the lives of people who are 'different'. This organization is unique in the quality, scope and 'faith focus' of their work.
I began my association with Bridge Ministries several years ago by volunteering at a Sunday Evening Celebration at my church. There I witnessed the joy of relationship with persons with disabilities. As my relationship wtih Bridge has grown, I've further witnessed the transformation of lives that occurs when barriers are broken down. The work that Bridge Ministries performs is truly transformational in a God-sized way. Through its ministries Bridge helps to change lives, to overcome isolation, to provide mobility to those confined, to celebrate the giftedness of persons with disabilities, to protect the vulnerable, to provide spiritual care and comfort, to educate society and much more.
The Guardianship portion of this agency is one of a kind. It specializes in adults with developmental, or intellectual disabilities. The Professional Guardians employed by Bridge go beyond the requirements of the law, and monthly take the clients on an outing of their choice. Some clients are not able to talk, but they sure do get their preferences across, sometimes pointing left then right to direct the car to their favorite lunch spot. Many other activities are offered to make the client part of the Bridge family.
I have a developmentally desabled client who is now in his seventies. He is still ambulatory but, does not have the stamina that he had when younger. He does not qualify for a Medicaid paid wheel chair, but Bridge Ministries donated one to him so that he can go to community events like fairs that require a lot of walking around. He really enjoys these kind of activities and because of Bridge he can still participate.
I began my Association with Bridge as a volunteer. Fixing old computers and helping update the Employee Manual kept me busy for a few months. I began attending Bridge Sunday Celebration Events and through that I was connected to many of the people living with significant disabilities that they served, discovering in each of them joyful spirits and stories of patient perseverance that called me to do more. This organization really does create Relationships. It has been over five years since I began this journey, and I feel we have a long way to go. The joy of serving others and making friendship keeps me engaged.
Review from Guidestar