Client success story
Tutoring the Next Generation
The Bridge Communities tutoring program has a huge impact on the individual lives of dozens of children each year. But occasionally, something magical happens in the tutor/student relationship that goes above and beyond. Such is the story of tutor, Grace Kelly and student, Tieara.
Tieara was only in 2nd grade when her family entered the Bridge Communities transitional housing program. A quiet and withdrawn girl, Tieara struggled to earn C’s in reading and math, and did not make friends easily at school.
With more than 30 years of teaching middle school in LaGrange, Grace Kelly, was looking for a part time opportunity, but wasn’t sure she could be an effective tutor to an elementary school student. Barbara Trczinski, Bridge’s Education Coordinator, persuaded her to give it a try.
Read Tieara's success story »
Transforming the lives of homeless families
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.
Learn about how Bridge Communities helps homeless families »
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news and announcements
Volunteer Mentor Training
Saturdays, March 13th and 20th
8:45 am - 3:00 pm (lunch provided)
First Presbyterian Church, Glen Ellyn (view map)
Volunteer mentors have been the "heart" of Bridge Communities since its founding. You can become a mentor and provide the caring and encouragment necessary to foster the personal and economic growth that client families need to achieve and sustain self sufficiency. Registration is limited to Program Partner participants and is required by March 8th.
Register to become a volunteer mentor
Meet Angela and David - A client family currently working with volunteer mentors
Learn How Bridge Communities' Helps Homeless Families
Become a Tutor for a Homeless Child
Did you know that homeless students change schools, on average, 3 times per year?
And with each school change 6 - 9 months of academic progress may be lost.
Are you a certified teacher?
You can make a world of difference in the life a of a homeless child or adult by volunteering just 1 -2 hours per week. Tutors help their student "catch-up" and push ahead in reading, writing, math, study skills and homework completion. They provide each student with the support and guidance to empower them to succeed.
Become a Tutor
Learn more about volunteering at a Learning Resource Center
Sleep Out Saturday Funds 4,200+ Nights of Housing
"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 lose hope. I hope homeless people have the courage to make that phone call (to Bridge Communities)."
These are are reflective words that an 11-year old SOS participant shared the morning after her SOS experience.
Sleep Out Saturday has the power to move all of us to action. To help us learn about families in our communities that are in need and how we can help - big or small every act of kindness is greatly appreciated.
Bridge has compiled a list of ideas as to how we can be more responsive to the needs of our neighbors and friends. What can you do? Share your ideas and thoughts with us.
Thank you to everyone that helped make Sleep Out Saturday a great success. Thus far, we have raised more than $108,000 and donations are still accepted.