About:
The Bridge offers transitional housing and supportive programs for men and women with mental illness, histories of substance abuse, the homeless and persons with HIV/AIDS.
Mission
To change lives, by offering help, hope and opportunity to the most vulnerable in the community. The Bridge offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based rehabilitative services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing, vocational training and job placement, healthcare, education and creative arts therapies.
Our Partnership
Mobilizing Volunteers
Our volunteers build relationships with the residents by coordinating social activities and preparing snacks together. Volunteers also collaborate on ideas for future outings with the residents.
Creativity From Our Volunteers
Seeing the neglected outdoor space that residents look at everyday, volunteers and residents worked on a "makeover" of the space. After a few afternoons of rolling up their sleeves, they spruced up the outdoor space just in time for summer
Why We Love This Affiliate
Our volunteers love The Bridge residents... and the feeling is mutual! There are cultural and generational gaps to bridge, yet the bonds of care between the volunteers and residents is sweet to experience.
Recently, a resident approached me while I was preparing a meal in the kitchen. She told me she loves having the volunteers in the space, and looks forward to the events every other Saturday. Then she said, in reference to her Rita Berger community, “We, are a loving group. We’re not fighters.” Her acknowledgement of the loving community built at Rita Berger, is evidence of Christ’s pure grace in the flesh. I am grateful for having been part of the community at Rita Berger House, and hope that we all can all share in the community they have built.
Nick, Volunteer Team Leader
Mentions
At Hope for New York, we love our volunteers! You may not even know the different ways that our volunteers serve the poor and marginalized of our city, so here are just a few things our amazing volunteers have accomplished this past (fiscal) year.