Client success story
From Harm to Hope: A Support Network That Works
"I felt like I was juggling chaos," says Sue of her life before entering the Bridge Communities transitional housing program. "My kids and I spent years moving from place to place with my abusive husband before we landed in the domestic violence shelter and then in my parents’ basement. Then it became too difficult to stay there and I didn’t know where we would go."
Four years ago, Sue was taking some general education classes at College of DuPage (COD) with plans to apply to the nursing program there. In between classes, she drove a school bus and struggled alone parenting her two pre teens, Kayla and Vince. In addition, she volunteered for "Journey Home," a Christian ministry serving domestic violence victims. Another counselor there told her about the Bridge program.
In the Bridge program, housing provided stability to Sue and her family. Experienced mentors, Mary Love and Patti and Tom Redig came along side Sue to help her sort out her finances, balance her bank account, work with the school district on a specialized education plan for her son, and talk about parenting skills for coping with her teenage daughter.
Read Sue'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 »
Donate online and Get involved and Read Our Blog
Meet Angela and David - A client family currently working towards their housing and personal goals
Serving DuPage County - one-page service overview
news and announcements
Volunteer Mentor Training
Saturdays, September 18th and October 2nd
8:45 am - 3:00 pm (lunch provided)
Frist 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 care and encouragement 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 September 10th.
Register to become a volunteer mentor
Is there a Program Partner in your neighborhood?
Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-off
Fire Up the Coals
Share your best BBQ Pork Ribs and/or Best Dish
Saturday, September 18th
700 Block of Willis St, Glen Ellyn (view map)
Teams may arrive at 8:00 am
Cooking begins at 9:00 pm
Judging at 2:00 pm (best dish) and 4:00 pm (ribs)
We have 30 teams registered for the 2nd Annual Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-off. Join us for some delicious food, drink and music from Amy Kelly. Glen Ellyn Backyard BBQ Cook-off.
Contestants will make Best Dish or Best Pork Ribs. Each category receives 1st and 2nd place trophies. A complete list of rules, application and entry fees can be found at www.bbq.glen-ellyn.com
Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk& AfterWalk
Friday, October 1st
12:00 - 6:00 pm Kitchen Walk
5:00 - 8:00 pm AfterWalk
$25 per ticket
Hosted by Baird & Warner Goodwill Network in Glen Ellyn in cooperation with principal sponsor Drury Design Kitchen and Bath Studio, the Glen Ellyn Kitchen Walk is the flagship fall event for many in the western suburbs.
Take a tour of some of Glen Ellyn's finest kitchens then make stop at the AfterWalk hosted by Drury Design at their custom showroom in downtown Glen Ellyn. At the AfterWalk enjoy drinks, hors d'ouevres and a silent auction. A delicious fall menu will be prepared by Chef Craig Bell of SubZero and Wolf Showroom.
Purchase your tickets now and view the 2010 Gallery of Kitchens
Meet Bridge Families on You Tube
Check out the Bridge Communities You Tube channel and meet families that have benefited from the Transitional Housing Program and moved from homelessness to permanent housing and long-term self sufficiency.
Visit You Tube and meet: Angela and David, Channell, Belinda, Carrie and others
Learn How Bridge Communities' Helps Homeless Families