While I was sitting across the table from Cristy Gonzalez, I was awed by the happy, bright and lovely young woman about to embark on

the next chapter of her life. Cristy recently gradu-ated from Aurora University with a Bachelor’s de-gree in psychology, and will begin her new job this month working as a counselor with troubled youth. Later in the spring she will marry her fian-cé Christian, and after a honeymoon in St. Martin they will move into their newly-built home. This is what dreams are made of. But not so long ago, life was not so dreamy for Cristy. When she was 16 years old, she finally convinced her mother, Nora, to leave her father and their long-time fam-ily home. This was necessary to get them both away from a very difficult and unsafe family environment. This brave teenager faced uncer-tainty and confusion when she was uprooted to another town and high school. She left behind many friends and had to try to fit in at a new school. On the outside she pretended every-thing was just fine in her life. Cristy shared, “I was faking that I could be a

Connecting Homeless Families to a Better Future

To be a Teenager and Homeless

continued on page 41

Connections

Spring 2008

regular teenager. I tried to fit in with new friends.” But on the inside, Cristy was dealing with great sadness and depression. She had a lot of trouble adjusting because of her family’s turmoil, and the cultural and economic differences she experi-enced where she now lived. Of course losing her home and having her family torn apart was extremely difficult, but one takes for granted the other small things in a life that are so important too. Cristy lost her old friends, felt displaced and lonely, and was devas-tated to leave her beloved dog behind. Cristy speaks with sincerity and thanks when she mentions Bridge Communities. Without the

support of the people she and her mother met while in the Bridge Pro-gram, they might not have had the opportunity to break out of their cri-sis. According the Cristy, her mother had to step out of an unhealthy situ-ation in order to realize what she was missing in life. It was during this time that Cristy learned just how amazing her mother was, and how much strength she had to build a new life for herself. “Even though my mom could not speak up for herself,

Board of Directors

Robert Wahlgren ChairmanLaura Allen Vice-ChairmanMaria Sanchez SecretaryKathy Favata TreasurerJan Bermann Sara BonkowskiBelinda BowdenJames BraaschCarole CartwrightCharlotte CraneJennifer Darnall Jeff HuppertzJoyce HothanVicky JosephPatricia Carter LuessenhopMark MilliganCarl A. PelletieriKimberly Yates

Advisory BoardHub EricksonConnie PecoverRoy Thygesen

StaffMark Milligan PresidentJoyce Hothan Executive Director

Janet Gaza Case ManagerDanita Hines Case ManagerMolly Colford Howieson Case ManagerPaul Matthews Case Manager & Intake CoordinatorKaren Stewart Case Manager & Program Partner Liaison

Amy Van Polen Resource Development DirectorMargo Matthew Development DirectorPatty Kelly Employment DirectorBarbara Trczinski Education CoordinatorMarge Bartlett Special Projects Coordinator

Connections is a publication of Bridge Communities, Inc., a program providing transitional housing for homeless families.

Bridge Communities is a non-profit 501c3 organization, with offices in Glen Ellyn, whose mission is to: 1) inspire and effect change by advocating for homeless families, 2) provide services and opportunities that connect families to a better future, 3) collaborate with faith-based partners, community groups and businesses to leverage resources and create long-term solutions, and 4) lead by example through our innovative programs and grassroots involvement.

Our Vision: To create communities where families in need have safe and affordable housing.

505 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137630-545-0610Fax 630-545-0640

www.bridgecommunities.org

2

100+ Women Who Care Donates $11,600

On December 5th, Madeline Gallagher and Linda Guyser, members of 100(+) Women Who Care, pre-sented $11,600 to Bridge Communities. 100(+) Wom-en Who Care community service club consists of 116 DuPage County women concerned with improving the lives of those in their local communities. These women have committed to gather four times per year, donating $100 to a local charity at each gathering. The cumu-lative effect of donations from 116 individuals makes a substantial impact on a deserving or-ganization. 100% of the monies raised goes directly to the selected charity and all charities are based locally in DuPage County. “Partnering with organizations like Bridge Communities that utilize the tal-ents and resources of so many in the community is unique and valued by ev-eryone in 100(+) Women Who Care.” says Bridge Communities mentor and nominating member Linda Guyser. After the group presentation, Lois Sheridan, 100+ Women Who Care member shared, “What a wonderful job your Bridge development person and client did at the 100+ Caring Women meeting. They brought us to tears with their amazing story, and everyone was so pleased that Bridge was our most recent recipient. It was almost impossible to believe that at one time that lovely, articulate woman was homeless and living in a tent with her child! She spoke with no self-pity, no bit-terness ~ she was incredible! And she ended by saying, “and some day I’m going to be sitting out there with you, giving back to someone else. What a sweetheart!”

Monroe Middle School Service Learning Project

Students at Monroe Middle School in Wheaton par-ticipated in a semester-long Service Learning class that focused the school on raising awareness about local charities and families in need. Bridge Communities was selected as their final fund-raising effort. A Bag-a-thon event was held on January 17th raising nearly $600. “This class enriches learning by engaging students in meaning-ful service to their schools and communities. Students applied academic skills to solving real-world issues, linking established learning objectives with genuine needs” stated Ms. Gatsakos, spe-cial education teacher at Monroe Middle School.

Local groups Support Bridge Communities

11

BC Decorating, IncMr. and Mrs. Michael BealeMs. Carol BeckerMr. Jeffrey BendfeltBenedictine Sisters of the Sacred HeartMr. and Mrs. Keith BerkhoutMr. and Mrs. Thomas P. BernardoniMr. Richard BollowMr. and Mrs. Scott BlankenMs. Therese BoltonMr. and Mrs. David R. BorsMr. and Mrs. Roger BottnerMs. Emmaline Rose BowersMr. and Mrs. Kenneth BoyerMr. and Mrs. R. Alex BrattonMr. and Mrs. James M. BreenMr. and Mrs. John C. BreeserMr. and Mrs. Robert C. BretlMr. and Mrs. Randy BriascoMr. and Mrs. Samuel S. BridleMr. Glenn J. BrownMr. and Mrs. Dave BuckleyMs. Jean BuendingMr. Mike BurkeMs. Sandra M. BurkeMr. and Mrs. Bruce BurlingameMr. Michael ButkusMr. and Mrs. Michael J. ButzCab’s Wine Bar and BistroCalabrese AssociatesMr. and Mrs. Daniel CallahanMr. and Mrs. Richard R. CalhoonMr. and Mrs. Robert A. CampMr. and Mrs. Curtis CarbyMr. Deborah A. CarderMr. and Mrs. George CassonMr. and Mrs. Douglas CellarMr. Neal W. CerneChicago Business ManagersChicago ShamroxChick’s N SalsaMs. Cora May ChinMr. and Mrs. Forrest CoburnMr. Craig CocalisMs. Mary CoffeyMr. and Mrs. Michael G. ConnellyMr. and Mrs. Stephen ConnetMs. Sheri CooperMs. Virginia CorcoranMr. Milton E. CoxMr. and Mrs. Scott CrawfordMs. Mary M. CressMs. Cindy Crosby-WolfingerMr. and Mrs. Dennis W. CurtisMs. Josephine DalbaMr. Nicholas DalbaMs. Rosary DalbaMr. and Mrs. Thomas DalgleishMr. and Mrs. Michael DavittMr. and Mrs. Richard De AngeloMs. Susan DeangelisMr. and Mrs. Don DeeganMr. and Mrs. Thomas R. DeForestMr. and Mrs. Ronald P. DeLaceyMr. and Mrs. James DestefanoMr. and Mrs. David DicarloMr. and Mrs. Timothy P. DineenMr. and Mrs. Paul DirienzoMr. and Mrs. Richard E. DisciannoMs. Kathleen M. DobillMr. and Mrs. Brian P. DohertyMr. and Mrs. Robert J. DonatelliDriscoll Catholic High SchoolMr. and Mrs. David C. Elf, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. James EllisMr. and Mrs. Randall A. EngerMr. and Mrs. Randall T. EnglandMs. Jane EricksonMr. and Mrs. Matthew EvangelistaMs. Ann L. EvansMr. and Mrs. James A. EvansMr. and Mrs. Tom EvansMr. and Mrs. John A. FazzariMr. Anthony FiacchinoFigo RistoranteFirst Congregational Church of

NapervilleMr. and Mrs. Don FischerMr. and Mrs. Edward FitzgeraldMr. and Mrs. Charles H. FlaggMr. and Mrs. Brent FrankMs. Johanna FreemanMr. and Mrs. Michael W. GannonMs. Pamela GarlandMr. and Mrs. Walter F. GarsideGary Memorial United Methodist

ChurchMr. and Mrs. Daniel GathofMr. and Mrs. Patrick GianforteMr. and Mrs. John Gianforte, Jr. Glen Ellyn Running CompanyMaureen & David GoldmanMr. and Mrs. Michael F. GollingerMr. and Mrs. David GordonMs. Adrienne GraddyMr. and Mrs. Paul GreeneMs. Renee GroetzlMr. and Mrs. Jim GudenkaufMr. and Mrs. James GurneeMs. Jennifer HallMr. Edward HallisyMr. and Mrs. Michael HarperMr. and Mrs. Marc HausmannMr. and Mrs. Douglas HendersonMr. and Mrs. James HessMs. Judith A. HeyworthMr. and Mrs. Michael HiltenbrandMr. and Mrs. George HintonMr. and Mrs. Louis E. HollandMs. Nancy HoofnagleMs. Terri-Gayl HoshellMr. and Mrs. John P. HoulihanMr. Scott D. HoustonHovde & TufoMr. and Mrs. Brian HubbardMr. and Mrs. Peter C. HunterIllinois Tool Works FoundationIndustrial Developments International,

Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. JanczyMs. Cecelia JeannotteMr. and Mrs. Daniel C. JohnsonMr. Steven D. JunglingMr. and Mrs. Sam KandoMr. and Mrs. Edward KendallMr. and Mrs. James KendallMr. and Mrs. Scott D. KentMr. and Mrs. Steve KeoghMr. and Mrs. Craig KhouryMr. and Mrs. Andrew KirshMr. and Mrs. Petras V. KisieliusMr. and Mrs. William KlumpKnights of Columbus - St. John the

Baptist Catholic ChurchMr. and Mrs. Albert P. KnoekMr. and Mrs. Roger S. KnopfMs. Bonnie KnoxMs. Grace H. KnoxMr. and Mrs. Steven L. KoebelMr. and Mrs. Todd KolkerMr. and Mrs. Robert V. KoskyMr. and Mrs. James KowskiKozak ConstructionMr. and Mrs. Scott KroculickMr. and Mrs. Ken KucharMr. and Mrs. Ronald KudulisMr. and Mrs. Kenneth M. KuldanekMr. and Mrs. Robert KurlandMr. and Mrs. Joseph KurzydymMr. and Mrs. William C. LaingMr. and Mrs. Steven R. LallyMr. and Mrs. Robert L. LambertMr. and Mrs. J. Dean LammeringMr. and Mrs. Tom LampertMr. and Mrs. Robert G. LaneMr. and Mrs. Carl LankenauMr. and Mrs. Leo LanzilloLaser X of AddisonMr. Arthur LavelleMr. and Mrs. Larry P. LawrenceMr. Gary LedvoraMs. June Lincoln

Lisle Automotive and TireMr. and Mrs. George LittlefieldMr. and Mrs. Donald LohrentzMr. Orlando LongoriaMr. and Mrs. Roland LoosMr. Bob LuginbillMr. and Mrs. Paul MackenzieMs. Reema MalhotraMr. and Mrs. James Malik, IIIMr. and Mrs. Robert MandelMs. Joanne M. MarshallMs. Patricia MartinMr. and Mrs. Daniel MartinusMassage Envy of Glen EllynMr. William MastersonMr. and Mrs. Paul R. MatthewsMr. Don MauerMr. and Mrs. Gary MayoMcAninch Arts Center of College of

DuPageMr. and Mrs. Kevin McCarterMr. and Mrs. Michael McCarthyMs. Jill McCueMs. Vicki McDermottMr. and Mrs. Timothy P. McGrathMr. and Mrs. Ted McKeownMr. and Mrs. Tim McKeownMr. and Mrs. Michael F. McKinleyMr. and Mrs. Stacy and John McMahonMr. and Mrs. Vincent McMahonDr. Jeffrey MeltonMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey MeltonMr. and Mrs. Roland J. MenendezMr. and Mrs. Richard D. MenoziMr. and Mrs. Patrick MeyersMr. George K. MichelsonMs. Tamara MinutiMr. and Mrs. Peter MockMr. and Mrs. John M. MoranMr. and Mrs. Matt MurphyMr. and Mrs. Richard MurphyMs. Sheila MusolinoMr. and Mrs. Michael A. MyszkowskiMr. and Mrs. Jeff NakashimaMr. and Mrs. Stephan NalefskiMs. Lynn NarretMr. and Mrs. Fred NauertMr. Glenn NelsonMr. and Mrs. R. Anthony NelsonMr. and Mrs. Thomas E. NemoMs. M. Pauline NeswoldMr. Wil NickersonMr. and Mrs. Arthur NicoliniMrs. Denise NigroMr. Corey NolandMr. and Mrs. Roger NormanMs. Kathryn O’Brien - BerryMr. and Mrs. Howard S. O’ConnorMr. and Mrs. John O’GradyMs. Lorinda OertelMr. Richard OlingerMs. Ellen OtternessMr. Kurt PaderaMr. and Mrs. James PapaniaMr. James PegoraroMr. and Mrs. Michael PerryMr. and Mrs. Carl F. PetersMr. and Mrs. Michael PetersonPeterson Publication Services, Inc.Ms. Gina PfeiferMr. and Mrs. Robert PfeifferMr. and Mrs. Michael A. PillatschMr. and Mrs. Donald PinsMr. and Mrs. Patrick A. PiperMr. and Mrs. Clifford PixlerPj’s CameraMr. and Mrs. Tom RedigMr. and Mrs. Carl ReichertMr. and Mrs. Todd ReifenrathMr. and Mrs. Terrence D. ReischeMr. and Mrs. Brian RiceMr. and Mrs. Michael G. RichardsonMr. and Mrs. Patrick RoachMr. Kyle M. RoggenbuckMr. Joseph RossiMs. Margaret Rossman

Mr. and Mrs. Mark RubyMs. Rosemarie SadlowskiMr. and Mrs. John SalettaMr. and Mrs. Paul SarantakosMs. Mary SassettiMr. Daniel SchierMr. and Mrs. Eric SchmidtMr. and Mrs. Stephen SchmidtMr. and Mrs. Michael J. SchrempMr. and Mrs. Ronald L. SchubelMr. and Mrs. Phillip A. SchuttMs. Katherine SeaveyMr. and Mrs. Andrew SeiberlichMr. and Mrs. William SharpMr. and Mrs. Brian P. ShaughnessyMr. and Mrs. Larry SheafferMr. and Mrs. Arthur SheridanMr. and Mrs. Michael SheridanMs. Elizabeth ShisslerMr. and Mrs. Matthew ShurtzMr. Dave SiehoffMr. and Mrs. Christopher SikoraMr. and Mrs. Paul J. SkrzypczynskiMr. and Mrs. Joe SkvaraMr. and Mrs. Walter SlozakMs. Marjorie SmithMr. Robert K. SmithMr. and Mrs. Howard Soo HooMr. and Mrs. Kyle SouthernMr. and Mrs. Robert SpreenbergSt Matthew’s Church CCWSt. Petronille Catholic ChurchSt. Scholastica Catholic ParishMs. Deborah L. StakyMr. Stanley M. SteedMr. and Mrs. David H. StenzelMr. and Mrs. William StephanMr. and Mrs. Douglas W. StewartMr. and Mrs. Robert L. StrickerMr. and Mrs. Sherwood StrohmMr. and Mrs. Christopher TalsmaThe Morton ArboretumMr. and Mrs. Thomas J. ThomasMr. Tyler J. ThomasMr. and Mrs. Ed ThompsonMr. Mark ThompsonMr. Timothy ThompsonMr. and Mrs. Frank W. TrikurMr. and Mrs. Edward L. TuckerMr. and Mrs. James TyreeMr. and Mrs. Robert UhlerMr. and Mrs. Donald M. VahldickMr. and Mrs. Edward VellaMs. Suzanne VialVillage Garage & TireVillage Links of Glen EllynMs. Susan VosburgMr. and Mrs. Dave WaltersMr. and Mrs. Michael WandolowskiMr. and Mrs. Joe E. WarkMr. and Mrs. Glenn WatersMr. and Mrs. Donald P. WegmanMr. and Mrs. Glenn WeissMr. and Mrs. Jere WeliverMs. Lynn WernerMr. and Mrs. William WhartonMs. Lois WileyWheaton Franciscan SistersMr. and Mrs. Paul WheelerMs. Margaret F. WilhelmMr. and Mrs. Richard T. WilkeMr. Dan WilkinsMr. and Mrs. Gary W. WilksMr. and Mrs. Arthur D. WilkinsMs. Martha L. WilsonWindow Energy Products, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Joe WoodsMs. Geralyn WrasseMs. Jennifer YeagerMr. and Mrs. Dennis ZaluskyMr. and Mrs. Scott J. ZelinskiMr. George T. ZimmermanMr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Zinnen

$50-$99 Donors continued

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Ms. Elizabeth M. KonopkaMr. Joseph S. KonopkaMr. and Mrs. Michael KregorMr. and Mrs. Todd KreisslerMr. and Mrs. Bruce J. KrogerMr. and Mrs. Stephen KrpanMr. and Mrs. Matthew KrudopMr. and Mrs. Mark KrusinskiMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey LairdMr. and Mrs. James J. LakeMr. and Mrs. William LambriteMr. and Mrs. Chuck LaneMr. and Mrs. Steven E. LaPointeLaraia & HubbardMs. M. LauberMr. James T. LautenbachMrs. Anne E. LautzLaw Office of Edith J. BrownMr. and Mrs. Leo J. LeClairDr. Ken K. LeeMrs. Nancy S. LeguizamonMr. William LechnickMr. and Mrs. Eric LekaczMr. and Mrs. William LeonardMs. Patricia H. Carter LuessenhopMr. and Mrs. Terry LewandowskiMr. and Mrs. Lowell LindstromMs. Penelope LinnewehMr. and Mrs. David H. LoffingMr. and Mrs. Matthew LudingtonMr. Mike LulloMr. and Mrs. Vince LuporiMr. and Mrs. Richard MaagMr. and Mrs. Paul MackenzieMr. and Mrs. Richard MahoneyMs. Diane MallerMr. and Mrs. Dudley MaloneMs. Betty F. MarinoniMr. and Mrs. Maxwell MarkerMarmion AcademyMrs. Vanda L. MarshMs. Jamie MartinMs. Kathy MartinMr. and Mrs. Keith E. MarxkorsDr. and Mrs. Guy R. MatthewMr. and Mrs. Timothy MatthewMs. Corinne MaylandMr. and Mrs. Mark McAndrewMr. and Mrs. Edward McArdleMr. and Mrs. Jerry McBride, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Jeff J. McCallMr. and Mrs. Warren McClureMr. James J. McElligottMs. Molly McGinnis KnapkeMr. and Mrs. Patrick McGrathMs. Lynda McGrathMr. and Mrs. Matt McKeeMr. and Mrs. Blaine A. McKenzieMr. and Mrs. Mark McKnightMr. and Mrs. Timothy McLeanMr. and Mrs. Graham J. McNeillMr. and Mrs. David M. McSweeneyMs. Patricia MeinertMr. Terrence MeisterMs. Jean MertensMs. Deborah MeyerMr. and Mrs. Thomas M. MeyersMr. and Mrs. Tim MicheauMr. and Mrs. Melvin MillerMs. Berneda MilliganMs. Donna MillsMr. Joseph F. MirabellaMs. Lynn M. MirabellaMr. and Mrs. Philip ModaffMs. Carolyn M. MonariMr. and Mrs. Robert MooreMr. and Mrs. James MoranMr. Jay MoreyMorgan Stanley Annual Appeal

CampaignMr. and Mrs. Steven MorrisMr. and Mrs. Gary L. MorrisonMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey MuchmoreMr. and Mrs. Fred MuelhausenMr. and Mrs. George MuellerMs. Margaret A. MuldoonMr. and Mrs. John MurphyMr. Gordon MurphyMr. and Mrs. Paul Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. MurtaughMrs. Charlotte L. MushowMr. and Mrs. Doug NaegelenMr. and Mrs. James NagleMr. and Mrs. Rudolph J. NapodanoMr. and Mrs. Thomas A. NardiNational UniversityM. NavabiMrs. Barbara O. NeidballaMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey NeidorfMs. M. Janice NelsonMrs. Patty A. NewcombMr. and Mrs. Robert R. Neyland, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. L. Dow NicholMr. and Mrs. Matthew NickersonMr. Mark A. NighborMr. and Mrs. Chris NoremMr. and Mrs. Steven NorgaardMr. and Mrs. Peter B. NortonMr. and Mrs. Steven NorvidMr. David A. NovakMr. and Mrs. Robert NunnMr. Raymond W. NyquistMr. and Mrs. Steven ObendorfMr. and Mrs. Bill O’BrienMr. and Mrs. Kerry R. O’BrienMr. and Mrs. Timothy G. O’BrienMr. and Mrs. Kevin O’KeefeMr. and Mrs. J.J. O’LaughlinMr. and Mrs. Paul D. O’NeillMr. and Mrs. Thomas O’SullivanMr. and Mrs. Joseph O’TooleMs. Maureen Quinn OlsenMs. Debra OlsonMs. Mary OlsonMrs. Glenys C. OrrMr. and Mrs. Larry PageMr. and Mrs. Paul E. PallardyMs. Juli Gumina PanoushisMr. and Mrs. Carmen PassiMr. and Mrs. Paul PasterzMr. and Mrs. David PatzeltDr. and Mrs. Jim PaulissenPeace Lutheran ChurchMr. and Mrs. Lawrence PeckMr. Terence PerreiraMr. and Mrs. Wesley PetersMr. and Mrs. Eric PierceMr. and Mrs. Greg M. PiercePilates ExperienceMr. and Mrs. David PinellaPioneer Child Care Services, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. George PodraskyMr. and Mrs. Nick A. PolizziMrs. Judith W. PollardMrs. Laura M. PollastriniMs. Elizabeth PopeMs. Lisa PopeMr. and Mrs. Wayne PorterMr. and Mrs. Joseph PosewickMs. Judy PoskonkaMs. Melinda PostMr. and Mrs. Thomas PrestonMr. Thomas J. QuinnMr. and Mrs. Ian RahalMrs. Deborah D. RamseyMs. Mary RayisMr. and Mrs. Lane ReedMr. and Mrs. David J. ReedyMr. and Mrs. John L. RepkeResurrection Catholic CommunityMr. and Mrs. Robert RettgerMr. and Mrs. Michael T. ReynoldsMr. and Mrs. Barth RichardsMr. Thomas RichardtMr. and Mrs. Tom RichardsonMr. and Mrs. Pete RichterMr. and Mrs. Clyde RinsemaMr. and Mrs. Kevin P. RiordanMs. Carlotta RipleyMr. and Mrs. Robert RisdenMr. and Mrs. Kevin RitchieRite-Way Custom Homes, LLCRiver Glen Presbyterian ChurchMrs. Irene T. RobbinsMr. and Mrs. Stanley RobinsonMs. Sylvia M. RodeeMr. and Mrs. James RogersMrs. Paula S. Rohr

Mr. and Mrs. John RomanMr. and Mrs. Brian E. RooneyMr. and Mrs. Jerry R. RootMr. and Mrs. Brad RosleyMr. and Mrs. Matthew RothschildMr. and Mrs. Mark RudinsMs. Barbara N. RuisardMr. and Mrs. Mark RurkaMs. Lynda C. RussoMr. and Mrs. Peter A. RussoMr. and Mrs. John RyanMr. and Mrs. David G. RydingMr. and Mrs. Leland RykenS.C. International, Ltd.Mr. and Mrs. Anthony SagutoMr. and Mrs. William SailorMr. and Mrs. John SalemiMrs. Cairy Saltwell BrownMr. Roger SaltzmanMs. Carol SamorayMr. and Mrs. Jose SanchezMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey L. SanteeMr. Glenn P. SapaMrs. Roberta SaverinoMr. Michael J. ScalzoMr. and Mrs. Robert B. ScanlanMr. and Mrs. Nate ScarpelliSchaefer TechnologiesMr. Andy SchererMr. and Mrs. Ryan SchiffMr. and Mrs. Gavin SchillingSandy and Andy SchlickmanMr. and Mrs. David R. SchmidtMr. and Mrs. Joseph SchmittMr. David SchoenfeldMs. Ruth SchoenfeldMr. and Mrs. Anthony R. SchoolerMr. and Mrs. Kipp SchrageMr. and Mrs. Mario SchwartsMrs. Sharol T. SchwassMs. B. SchweighardtMr. and Mrs. Gregory ScribaMr. and Mrs. William ShackelfordMr. and Mrs. Todd Shapley-QuinnMr. and Mrs. Daniel ShelineMrs. Marjorie SherburneMrs. Lois M. Sheridan Mr. Scott A. ShoubMs. Sandy SiarkaMr. Steven SigaloveMrs. Mary SillsSimon & Associates, Inc.Ms. Sondra SimpsonSkinplicity Facial and ProductsMr. Phil M. SlocumMrs. Kathleen SlovickMr. and Mrs. Jeff E. SmithMr. and Mrs. Sean SmithMr. and Mrs. Donald SnydelMr. and Mrs. Ted SodergrenMrs. Joan D. SpedaleMr. and Mrs. Robert SpillerSpillman & WotylaSt. James Catholic SchoolSt. James the Apostle Catholic ChurchSt. Margaret Mary ParishSt. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Peter and Paul SchoolSt. Peter’s United Church of ChristSt. Thomas United Methodist ChurchStarbucksMrs. Angela D. StephensonMs. Denise A. StettnerMr. and Mrs. Jim StewartStratton ArchitectsMr. and Mrs. David A. StricklandMr. and Mrs. Mark J. StrutzMr. Christopher StuartMr. and Mrs. James StuhlmacherSun PublicationsMr. Ramamoorthy SundarMr. and Mrs. Len SwansonDr. Sharon SzeszyckiMs. Claudette Szuba-SchneiderMs. Rose SzulakaMs. Rosemary SzurkoMs. Eva W. TamelingMrs. Jean M. TaylorTechnical Design Services

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. TedfordMr. Harold TempleMr. and Mrs. Bud TerbellMrs. Lisa TerrazasThe Yoga PlaceMr. and Mrs. Chuck TheisMr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. ThompsonMrs. Melanie J. ThompsonMr. and Mrs. David P. ThorpeMr. and Mrs. Jack ToliverMrs. Sherry TorppeyMs. Catherine TothTradeLink, LLCMr. and Mrs. Robert A. TrczinskiTrinity Episcopal ChurchDr. and Mrs. Victor P. TrinkusMr. and Mrs. Roger TurnquistUrn Your KeepMr. and Mrs. Don UrsinMr. and Mrs. Robert E. ValleMr. and Mrs. Brandon Van DykeMs. Robyn VanekVenture PropertiesMrs. Johanna B. VernickMr. and Mrs. William WagnerMr. and Mrs. Damian WalchMr. and Mrs. John WalkerMr. and Mrs. Richard G. WalkerMr. and Mrs. J. Hunter WalorMs. Jean L. WalshMr. and Mrs. James WaltersMrs. Anne WanzenbergMr. and Mrs. Scott WardMs. Sally A. WarrenMs. Robin WeaverMrs. Cynthia J. WeberMr. and Mrs. Mark WeberMr. and Mrs. Jack WebsterMr. and Mrs. Stephen L. WebsterMs. Robin WedellMr. Louis WeeksMr. and Mrs. John F. WelchMr. and Mrs. William K. WerthMr. and Mrs. Ronald WissenhofferMs. Bonnie M. WheatonWheaton Bank and TrustMs. Sherri B. WheelerMs. Jennifer WhitneyMr. and Mrs. Gregory WilgenbuschMrs. Judith WikaMr. and Mrs. Craig WildMs. Barbara WilliamsMs. Maxine C. WilverdingWine Style of Glen EllynWireformers, IncMr. Paul WirtzMr. and Mrs. Ronald WrayMrs. Ann S. WyantMr. and Mrs. Naazish YarkanMs. Natalie YatesMs. Marjorie Yates SmithMs. Frances M. YoderMrs. Donna YormarkMr. and Mrs. Ronald YurkusMr. Robert ZilligMr. Douglas ZimmerMr. and Mrs. John ZimnieZurich US Foundation

$50 - $99Mr. and Mrs. Joseph AdamskiMr. and Mrs. Frank W. AdcockAdelle’s of WheatonMr. and Mrs. James M. AhlgrimMr. and Mrs. William AldrichMr. and Mrs. Peter AndersenMr. and Mrs. David R. AndersonMr. and Mrs. Robert AndersonMr. and Mrs. Terry AndersonMr. and Mrs. Jerome ArquetteMr. and Mrs. Steve AscherMr. and Mrs. Robert AtchisonMs. Linda M. AtkinsonMs. Berenice BacigalupoMr. Charles BajadekMs. Andrea BareMr. Chris BartlettMr. and Mrs. Steven BashawMr. R. Edward Bates

$100-$499 Donors continued

3

A while ago, I was invited by a Bridge case manager to have a difficult talk with one of our Bridge families. This happens occasionally and I am always willing to oblige. It gives me a better perspective into the stresses and strains of people walking the difficult road to change. The client that I was meeting with was thinking about moving out rather than staying in our program and tackling some difficult family issues. I am always anxious when I go into a meeting which necessitates the exchange of difficult but honest words. We owed it to her…she would at least try her best to listen to us. What happens in that magical mix is always a wonder to me. Which words will move someone to action? Which ones will send them into hiding? I can usually sense the hope heavy in the air of conversation. I will wait for an opening into some old defenses to gently drive home an insight or suggestion. Since I’m not a betting person, I don’t usually think in terms of odds on moving the client toward a better outcome. I do, however, often pray for the ability to be a positive influence. I still don’t know how it will turn out. Will she make the decision we would like her to make? Or will she take an easier but ultimately much riskier route because of fear or past history? What I know is that my

search for what is true and meaningful in life is not found in things or possessions, but in the eyes of another. This soulful conversation of helping another gently uncover their fears and hurts is the essence of what is meaningful to me. Would there be an epiphany for this woman and her family: did our words make a difference? We will see. But I do know that there is sacredness in the interactions of a person’s search to find meaning and answers in this dance of life. She let us into a small but profound glimpse of her life’s struggle. We got to

understand a bit more of her motivation. Do we hope she can take a risk and trust in the new direction we have suggested? Yes, however, we know we can’t do the work for her. She will have to decide; we will honor her choice, even if it isn’t the one we want. We will accept that it is the best one she can make for now. Will our client have a change of heart? I hope so. No matter what direction she chooses, I am so thankful that I was invited into this sacred search for meaning.

Joyce HothanExecutive Director

Letter from Joyce HothanExecutive Director

We Celebrate Our Clients’ Accomplishments!

A Meaningful Search

Cedrina graduated college with a BA degree.

Dawn successfully completed our program and will purchase a condo in Naperville.

DeAnna successfully completed our program and received a housing voucher.

Megan completed her Bachelors degree at Benedictine University.

Jill was accepted into the LPN pro-gram at College of DuPage.

Dione completed her cosmetology course.

Jennifer completed her AA degree at Elgin Community College.

Lasonja started her new job in the medical field.

Romanda started her new job in data entry.

Tyra moved from a temp job to a permanent job earning $15/hour.

Monica completed CNA training. She plans to work part-time as a CNA, in addition to her full-time job.

Shaunte has paid off her debt and is preparing to graduate from our program.

13 year old Marcus earned a spot on the honor roll.

Channell paid off all her debt and is preparing to graduate from our program.

4

kinds of things, learn other languages in addition to Spanish and English, and be involved in school activities. Cristy’s mother

and their experience living in the Bridge transitional housing program taught her that education is everything. Bridge provided Cristy with a tutor to increase her chances of success in high school, and helped her fill out college applications. Cristy said, “Education makes you wiser. It makes you see how many more options you have in life. It opens doors.” Attending college was the only option Cristy was ever presented. Her mother was determined that her children experience life to the fullest. In addition to all of Cristy’s other “to-do’s” she had added obtaining a Master’s degree in the near future. After spending just one hour with Cristy, I

am sure that she will accomplish everything she sees in her future.

To be a Teenager and Homeless continued

“...I learned

how strong

my mother

actually was.

She raised a

daughter who

has grown up

to realize what

I need to do

to achieve my

dreams.”

I learned how strong my mother actually was. She raised me through all of the (family) turmoil. She raised a daughter who has grown up to realize what I need to do to achieve my dreams.” Dur-ing her time in the Bridge Program, Cristy also learned about healthy, loving relationships and how to trust those who wish to help her. Nora’s mentors, Dawn, Chris, and case

manager Janet, taught her about finances, something she never worried about for herself.

They helped her learn to manage her money, which made her independent. Because language was a huge barrier for Nora, they encouraged her to take ESL classes at the College of DuPage. She learned how to trust other people and appreciated this support system she did not know existed. These things enabled Nora to gain confidence and increase her self-esteem. Nora is now a full-time manager at Carson, Pirie Scott and enjoys her career and independence. Bridge case manager Janet

Gaza, said, “I enjoyed working with the family. I mostly work

closely with the adults in the family, but I was honored to be a part of Cristy’s life too. It has been a real pleasure to watch her grow up into a lovely young woman, making great choices and succeeding in her life.” Cristy’s hopes for her future are bright. She

is determined not to make the same mistakes as her parents. She knows her past experiences and living in the Bridge Program will help her be more open to trusting others and herself. She is determined her marriage to Christian will be about supporting each other with mutual respect and letting each other grow as individuals, while

remaining committed to being a couple.

Cristy has plans for her own family, but she laughs, “not for

five or so years.” She anticipates how she

will teach them to experience all

9

$500 - $999AnonymousMr. Eric B. AultMr. Joseph F. BlaisBruss Landscaping, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. James A. CarrollD & R Autochuck Mfg., Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Matthew DarnallMr. and Mrs. Samuel DelisiMr. and Mrs. Alex DemosDuPage African Methodist

Episcopal ChurchDuPage Unitarian Universalist ChurchElmhurst Afternoon Rotary ClubEN EngineeringMr. and Mrs. Edgar EncisoMr. and Mrs. Kenneth FavataMr. and Mrs. Jack FlowersMr. and Mrs. Kevin FlowersMs. Ashley GarrettGlen Ellyn NewsMr. and Mrs. Daniel GriffinMr. and Mrs. Robert HammerschmidtMr. and Mrs. Steven HenkelsMr. and Mrs. Robert HilbMs. Janet N. HuggMr. and Mrs. Fred IozzoItasca Bank & Trust CompanyMr. Garrett W. JenksMr. and Mrs. Mark KarolichMr. and Mrs. Jeff KimeMr. and Mrs. John KreilingMr. and Mrs. Pete LadesicMs. Eileen S. LaneMr. Ray LapataMr. and Mrs. Randall S. LelandLeslie Car WashMr. Bruce J. LohmanMr. and Mrs. Gregory O. LongoriaMr. and Mrs. John M. LovelessThe Lubrizol FoundationMB Charitable FoundationMs. Ginny MonroeMontenegro Paper Ltd.Mr. and Mrs. Ted MoodyMurin Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Gordon MurphyMr. Ken MurphyMr. and Mrs. Bill NeillMr. Donald M. NelsonMr.Kenneth P. OlsonMr. and Mrs. Gerard OprinsThe Humenansky Family FoundationPerkins, Pryde, Kennedy & SteevenszReese Family Charitable FoundationMr. and Mrs. Barth RichardsMr. James RomanoMr. Dan Rouse and Ms. Amy Van PolenMr. and Mrs. William T. SaviskiMr. and Mrs. Richard SchmittMr. Glen A. ShuteSigns Now of LombardSorrells PhotographySt. John the Baptist ParishSt. Peter & Paul Catholic ChurchSt. Thomas the Apostle ParishMr. Daniel StevensonMr. and Mrs. Steve StewartMs. Marilyn StreitMr. and Mrs. Rob Suva

$100 - $499Ms. Leila AbrahamMr. and Mrs. Alan S. AdamsAdvantage Operations, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Jim AikinsMr. and Mrs. Kevin C. AlbertsMr. and Mrs. James AlbrechtMr. and Mrs. Michael AllawayMs. Rinda AllisonMs. Susan O’Neill AlvaradoAmercian Legion Post No. 187Ms. Julie AmesMr. Larry AndersonMrs. Linda M. AndersonMr. and Mrs. Nathan AndersonMr. and Mrs. Andy AndreasikMr. and Mrs. Joseph AngelAnonymous

Mrs. S. M. AntasMs. Debra N. AnthonyMr. William J. ArendtMr. and Mrs. Ron AubreyMr. and Mrs. Kevin AutinMr. and Mrs. Robert E. AyoMs. Joyce A. BabbMr. and Mrs. Hiram BairdMs. Margaret BairdMr. Daniel BakMs. Despina BakalisMr. and Mrs. Darrell BaltimoreBank of America Matching GiftsMr. and Mrs. Robert BartellMr. and Mrs. Thomas J. BaxBeata & Associates, Ltd.Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. BeckerMr. and Mrs. Mark BendigkeitMs. Dawn BeneventiMrs. Kathleen C. BensonMr. and Mrs. Chris BergmanMr. and Mrs. Gregory J. BewickMr. and Mrs. Peter BianchiniMs. Donna M. BielbyMr. and Mrs. Christopher BirckRev. Ruth BlairMs. Laura J. BloodgoodDr. and Mrs. John BodineMr. and Mrs. Joey BollmanMrs. Jean BonavolontaMr. and Mrs. Donald E. BosworthMs. Belinda BowdenBP America, Inc.Mr. Michael BradleyMrs. Sarah B. BradleyMr. and Mrs. Bob BrasserMr. and Mrs. James J. BreeserMs. Laural BriggsMr. and Mrs. Jack BrownMr. and Mrs. Richard D. BrownMr. and Mrs. Thomas E. BrownMr. and Mrs. John C. BrubakerMr. and Mrs. Kenneth BucheitMs. Christine M. BuikMr. and Mrs. John BuoyMr. and Mrs. Donald BurgesonBurlingame Concrete Construction, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Joseph BurrelloMs. Cleo BurtisBush & SethnaMr. and Mrs. Bob ButtersMr. Rob BystryC. George Builders, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Michael CahillMs. Gabriel CalderonMs. Christine E. CalifanoCamp CosmeticsMr. and Mrs. Raymond G. CampbellMr. and Mrs. Mark CareyRev. Seth CareyMr. and Mrs. Brad CarlinMr. Barrett CarlsonMr. and Mrs. Michael CarlsonCarol Stream Chamber of CommerceMr. and Mrs. Bob CaronMr. and Mrs. Bob CarrCasino Executive Search, LLCMr. and Mrs. Andy CasolinoMr. and Mrs. Richard C. CavotoMr. and Mrs. David CheneyChicago MachineChicago PrimeMr. and Mrs. James A. ChorosevicMr. and Mrs. Gerald ChristensenMr. and Mrs. Richard Church, IIMr. and Mrs. James M. CiwayMs. Ann M. ClassenMr. & Mrs. Richard G. ClineMrs. Dina L. CoffeyMr. Tom M. ColganMrs. Kathryn H. CollinsonCommunity Baptist Church of

WarrenvilleMs. Torrey L. ConardMr. and Mrs. Glenn CooperMr. and Mrs. Montgomery CornellMr. and Mrs. Mark CraneCrossroads Restoration CenterMs. Maryellen Crowley

Mr. Charles J. CrumpMr. and Mrs. Daniel CummingsMr. and Mrs. Norbert CvengrosMr. and Mrs. David CyranoskiMs. Laurie CzizikMr. and Mrs. Gregory DahlgrenMr. and Mrs. Richard Dasko, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Adrian DavisMr. Robert F. DavisMr. and Mrs. Ivan C. DeatschMr. and Mrs. Conrad DeeterMr. Richard DeMayoMr. and Mrs. John W. DemlingMr. and Mrs. David N. D’HoogeMrs. Mary DicksonMr. and Mrs. Michael DoddMr. and Mrs. Dan DodilletMr. and Mrs. Brad DonaldsonMrs. Elizabeth M. DorganMrs. Moira DowellMr. David J. DoyleMr. and Mrs. Joseph DroesslerMr. and Mrs. Philip DuBoisMs. JoAnn DunbarMs. Sandy DutlerMr. and Mrs. John H. DvorakMr. and Mrs. Dave DykstraMr. Thomas A. ElseMr. and Mrs. Paul H. ElsesserMr. and Mrs. Roland EmanuelMr. and Mrs. Edwin EnyartMr. and Mrs. Peter EricksonMrs. Cheryll L. ErnstMrs. Jeanna C. EssickMs. Virginia EvertFaith Lutheran Church of Glen EllynMs. Lenore F. FasulesMr. and Mrs. Michael FaustMr. and Mrs. Michael FaviaMs. Anita FayMs. Pamela FennerMr. and Mrs. Joseph R. FerrariMs. Christine FerroneMr. and Mrs. Thomas L. FeyMr. and Mrs. Domenick FicarellaMr. and Mrs. Don FigliuloMr. Christopher FillMrs. Susan FinchFirst United Methodist of

Downers GroveMs. Gretchen FlemingMrs. Judith A. FlickingerMr. Edward E. FoleyMs. Edie FordMr. Jere FordMrs. Deborah A. ForkinsMs. Julie A. FosterMr. and Mrs. David FothMr. and Mrs. Jeff FoxMr. and Mrs. Carlo P. FrappolliMr. and Mrs. Bondurant FrenchMr. and Mrs. Jon FrenzelMr. Edward Full, Jr. Gaffney & GaffneyMr. and Mrs. Brian P. GallagherMr. and Mrs. Kevin M. GallagherMr. and Mrs. Terrence M. GallagherMs. Susan GatelyMr. and Mrs. Daniel GatnofMr. and Mrs. Charles W. GawMr. and Mrs. John W. GerovasilMr. and Mrs. Robert GheenMr. and Mrs. William GiffinMr. Finney D. GilbertMr. Anders GilchristMr. and Mrs. Kennedy GilchristMs. Lynn GilchristThe Glen Ellyn BookstoreMr. Joseph P. Glimco, IIIGolf Now.comMr. and Mrs. David GoltermannMr. and Mrs. Louis B. GordonMr. and Mrs. Richard R. GoreckiMr. and Mrs. Marvin F. GoughGrace United Methodist ChurchMrs. Susan L. GrahamMrs. Julie P. GrantMr. and Mrs. Matthew GriffinMrs. Susan M. Grupp

Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. GuarneriMs. Linda GuyserMr. James HaasMrs. Pamela S. HagerMs. Paula HaggertyMr. and Mrs. Gerald HamillMr. and Mrs. Thomas R. HansonMr. and Mrs. Ted HarmanMs. Rebekah L. HarrisMr. Jason HartMr. and Mrs. Jeff HartiganMr. and Mrs. Douglas HatlestadMs. Deborah HaudeHealthtrackMs. Carroll HeatherlyMs. Kay HedeenMs. Deborah HeimMr. and Mrs. Michael HellerMr. and Mrs. Brent T. HenryMr. and Mrs. Stephen HerbstMs. Frances HessMr. and Mrs. Munn W. HeydornMr. Jeffrey HillHilton El ConquistadorMr. and Mrs. Bernard HinesMr. and Mrs. Jeff HintzMrs. Lori K. HockMrs. Janet A. HodgeMs. Jane L. HodgkinsonMr. and Mrs. Price R. HodsonMr. and Mrs. Timothy A. HoffmanMr. Jim HoffnerMr. and Mrs. Keith HoggattMs. Rose HollisterMr. and Mrs. Robert B. HolmHoly Trinity Catholic ParishMs. Carol J. HoneywellMr. and Mrs. Dennis J. HoodHope Presbyterian ChurchMr. and Mrs. Bruce HoweMr. and Mrs. Christopher HubbardMr. and Mrs. Stacey HuelsMs. Renee HughesHuntington Learning CenterMr. and Mrs. James ImbeauMr. and Mrs. John ImminkMs. Gia InterlandiMs. Celeste M. JacklinMs. Carissa JaecksMr. and Mrs. James M. JandaMr. and Mrs. Herbert JanowiczMr. and Mrs. Dick JensenMr. and Mrs. Herman H. JensenMr. and Mrs. James W. JerzMr. and Mrs. Greg JerzykMs. Martha J. JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Michael L. JohnsonMrs. Jenny L. JonesMr. Mohammed KaiseruddinMs. Christine KalivasMr. and Mrs. Cory KammerMrs. Ann B. KarchDr. and Mrs. Dennis KarshMr. and Mrs. Shawn S. KassermanMr. and Mrs. Robert KatreinMs. Karen M. KautzMs. Janet KeinathMs. Patricia B. KellyMs. Dawn KempMr. and Mrs. David M. KennedyMrs. Mary P. Kennedy WattKenny & KennyMs. Sherry KentMr. and Mrs. Steve KentMr. and Mrs. John KenwoodMr. and Mrs. Donald KenyonMs. Denise M. KhatekMr. Greg KingMr. and Mrs. Douglas KniselyMr. William KirkmanKiwanis Club of Downers Grove Illinois

Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Raymond KloudaMr. and Mrs. Thomas L. KnightMr. and Mrs. Robert KnobbeMr. and Mrs. David C. KochMr. and Mrs. Philipp P. KochMr. and Mrs. William KoehlerMs. Christina Konieczka

$500-$999 Donors continued

8

$10,000 and above100+ Women Who CareMr. and Mrs. Daniel AndersonAnonymous (3)Bridge BuildersThe Bufka FoundationDuPage County Community

Development CommissionGlen Ellyn Kitchen Walk and Baird &

Warner Goodwill NetworkHarris BankIllinois Department of Human ServicesJeannette and John Cruikshank

Memorial FoundationThe Judy Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Mike KirbyLittle Angel FoundationMr. and Mrs. David PlumbMr. and Mrs. Mark SpearsTopfer Family FoundationUnited Way of DuPageUnited Way of Metropolitan ChicagoUnited Way of Naperville

List of Donors July 1, 2007-December 31, 2007

$5,000 - $9,999Mr. and Mrs. Michael AllenMs. Amy Weliver Bendigkeit and

The Bendigkeit BunchMr. and Mrs. Bill BermannDuPage Regional Office of EducationICON Digital DesignMrs. Stanley H. IversonMorgan Stanley FoundationMr. Mike Freedman and

Ms. Nancy SindelarMr. and Mrs. John ThackerMr. and Mrs. Robert Wahlgren

$1,000 - $4,999Mr. and Mrs. Rik AlexAnonymous (3)A-Parently One FoundationMr. and Mrs. Steven ArentsenDr. and Mrs. Marc AsselmeierMr. and Mrs. Stephen BakerMr. and Mrs. Gary BartlettMr. and Mrs. Glenn BeckerMr. and Mrs. Timothy Boyd

Mr. James A. BraaschMr. and Mrs. Fred BrzozowskiMs. Carole B. CartwrightMr. and Mrs. Doug CartyCommunity Bank of Wheaton/

Glen EllynMr. and Mrs. Peter CooperCraig’s Family PharmacyMs. Elizabeth CroninDaily HeraldMr. and Mrs. Steve DaleyDawn Carol FoundationMr. Michael DurbinMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey EllisMr. and Mrs. Joseph EspositoMr. and Mrs. J. Todd FaulknerFirst Student TransportationMr. and Mrs. Zed FrancisFreddie MacMr. and Mrs. Stan GaffeyGKN FoundationGood Sheperd Lutheran Church of

NapervilleMr. and Mrs. Robert J. GorskiMr. David GruenewaldMr. and Mrs. Matt HalkyardMr. and Mrs. Douglas E. HardyMr. Michael HarringtonHitachi High Technologies AmericaMr. and Mrs. Lawrence P. HjorthMr. and Mrs. Timothy HohulinMr. and Mrs. Hal HothanIllinois Prairie Council/Campfire USAMr. Ken JohnsonMr. Jeffrey JonesMr. and Mrs. Winslow S. JonesMr. and Mrs. Robert J. King

Landscape Creations, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Christopher LarrabeeMr. and Mrs. Dave LudwigM.R. Bauer FoundationMicro Tek Computer LabsMr. and Mrs. Mark L. MilliganMoparMs. Susan MorrowMr. and Mrs. John M. MulherinMurin Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. David NavarroNICORMr. and Mrs. Thomas O’GradyOur Lady of Mercy Catholic Church PS CommunicationsMr. Robert PatnaudeMr. and Mrs. Zach PattersonMr. and Mrs. William PecoverMr. Douglas ReeseMr. Jacob ReeseMr. and Mrs. Dennis ReynoldsMr. and Mrs. Richard RoutsonMr. and Mrs. Andrew SkalkosSouthminster Presbyterian ChurchSports Med Wheaton OrthopaedicsSt. Isaac Jogues Catholic ParishSuburban Bank & TrustMs. Laurie SwatekMr. and Mrs. Sven S. SykesThe Hitachi FoundationMr. and Mrs. Roy ThygesenMr. and Mrs. Mark TuckerMr. and Mrs. Jeff WallaceWalter E. & Ruth K. Wright FoundationMr. and Mrs. Tim WaterlooMr. and Mrs. Rundy and Karen WellsWest Suburban Bank and TrustMr. and Mrs. Nathan Yates

In Bridge Communities’ continued efforts to properly and quick-ly recognize donors who provide financial and in-kind support, we have decided to list contributions received July 1, 2007 – December 31, 2007. We appreciate all donations made to Bridge Communities; however, due to space and cost con-straints, we have listed only gifts $50 or greater. We strive to ac-curately list all donations. If your gift is not properly recognized here, please contact our office at 630-545-0610, ext. 12. On behalf of families we serve – thank you!

We are thrilled with the outcome of Sleep Out Saturday 2007 held on November 3rd, 2007. Fifty groups and 1,200 individuals braved the cold November night to help raise awareness and funds for families in our transitional housing program. Sleep Out Saturday 2007 raised nearly $110,000, an increase of more than $30,000 from 2006. A special thank you to our group leaders who worked very hard to organize their sleepers and create a night in which all participants learned just how difficult it would be to be homeless. Groups from Lisle Teens with Character and St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville each raised approximately $5,400 to win a fabulous bowling party at Lucky Strike Bowling Lanes. The Sleep Out Saturday Rally was emceed by Rob Johnson of CBS Channel 2 News. We thank Rob for his positive energy, compassion and genuine interest in helping our families. We also thank the Village of Glen Ellyn, The Plural of Sheep, Starbucks, Glen Ellyn Park District and Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus for their support of our rally. Finally, we want to thank our corporate sponsors:

Sleep Out Saturday for the Homeless • November 1st, 2008

Platinum Sponsors:Harris BankICON Digital Design

Gold & Silver Sponsors:Community Bank Glen Ellyn/

WheatonDaily HeraldGlen Ellyn News/Wheaton LeaderFirst Student TransportationLaSalle Bank ABN/AMRONICORSigns Now - LombardSports Med Wheaton Orthopaedics Suburban Bank & TrustSun Publications The Village Garage & TireWest Suburban Bank & Trust

Join us for Sleep Out Saturday 2008, scheduled for Saturday, November 1st. To sleep out as an individual, family or group, or to become a corporate sponsor, visit our website at www.sleepoutsaturday.org or call Amy Van Polen at 630-545-0610, ext. 12.

Hope Among the Flowers

Downers Grove Garden Walk

Saturday, June 14th $25 in advance

$30 day of event

6 exceptional private gardens open for viewing

Lunch at Carrabba’s Italian Grill - $10. Quantities are limited so please order by June 6th.

Complete information and tickets available at:www.dgfumc.org/gardenwalk

All proceeds benefit the transitional housing program at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church and life counseling to formerly homeless families.

5

My motivation in writing this article is to help our readers better understand the stresses involved in finding affordable housing in DuPage County. As the largest housing provider for the homeless, Bridge Communities has seen subsidized housing opportunities slowly evaporate, while the cost of rental housing continues to escalate. Government programs such as The Housing Choice Voucher Program from The Housing and Urban Development Department have massive waiting lists, with no hope of increased funds for additional vouchers in sight. In addition, in spite of our best efforts at training, further education and placement into better jobs, some of our client families would not be able to afford more than $650 a month for housing. Very few opportunities exist in this county to rent a two bedroom apartment for that amount. In our last strategic plan, Bridge Communities decided that not only did we need to work hard at delivering services to the homeless families that come to us, but that we also needed to try to affect change in the area of policy and development of more affordable housing. To that end I am now active in The DuPage Housing Action Coalition, a group of member agencies focused on advocating for affordable housing on the local, state and national level. I also have become a board member of Housing Action Illinois, a statewide housing advocacy and technical assistance group focused on increasing the supply of affordable housing. This work, however, doesn’t always see immediate results. We were concerned with what Bridge could do to help client families that needed lower-cost housing now. Bridge always has been a “can do” organization, so we began to think of ways to provide additional

Is Anything Easy In the Search for Affordable HousingWritten by: Joyce Hothan

housing opportunities for our families. We came up with the “Condo Project”, an idea to buy apartment buildings for the purpose of converting them to condominiums, then selling them to our Bridge graduates through an equity sharing arrangement. This allows a family to buy, typically, a 20% share of a $125,000 condo. A mortgage of this amount would cost the homeowner about $650 a month including taxes and condo assessment. So far, we have purchased three buildings for our “Condo Project.” Our clients who have purchased one of these condos are fulfilling their dream of home-ownership. Many have said this is a great model and it is a good start to solving our original dilemma. We haven’t been able to pat ourselves on the back for long, however, since demand significantly outpaces supply. Additionally, some local municipalities where we purchased buildings have or are in the process of enacting new “Condo Ordinances.” These ordinances require costly upgrades to any apartment building being converted to condos. This gets me back to my title of this article, “Is Anything Easy in the Search for Affordable Housing?” Do we get discouraged? SOMETIMES. Do we plan to give up hope and abandon our efforts to help homeless families succeed in our communities? NEVER! Stay tuned.

As the largest

housing

provider for

the homeless,

Bridge Communities

has seen subsidized

housing

opportunities

slowly evaporate,

while the cost of

rental housing

continues to escalate.

6

Spend a glorious day on Saturday, June 7th visiting six, private Glen Ellyn Gar-dens. Bridge Communities is proud to host the 6th Annual Glen Ellyn Garden Walk. Many of the featured gardens are winners of the Village of Glen Ellyn gar-den contests. The gardens are sure to inspire and impress. Master Gardeners from the Univer-sity of Illinois Extension DuPage will be available at several gardens to answer all of your gardening questions.

2008 Glen Ellyn Garden Walk locations:

Hale garden – 497 Raintree Dr

Smith garden – 521 Carlisle Ct

Lambke garden – 551 Stafford Ln

Reynolds garden – 384 Cottage

Worniak garden – 310 N. Park Blvd

Rowe garden – 818 Lenox Rd

Glen Ellyn Garden Walk and LunchSaturday, June 7th, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Purchase tickets for $20 through June 4th or $25 beginning June 5th. Tickets are now available online at www.bridgecommunities.org, or during the months of May and June at the following retail locations in downtown Glen Ellyn: McChesney & Miller Grocery at 460 Crescent Bou-levard and The Bookshop at 475 N. Main Street. Enjoy lunch in Glen Ellyn at one of our sponsoring lunch locales: Shannon’s

Irish Pub, European Market, Sante Fe, Danby’s Station, Grill at Village Links and Tap House Grill. Each of these restaurants will donate 10% of your lunch proceeds to Bridge Communities. Locations and details about the gardens and participating lunch sponsors are listed in your Garden Walk ticket, as well as our website. All proceeds benefit our transitional housing pro-gram helping homeless families move from fi-nancial instability to self-sufficiency.

Thank you to the Glen Ellyn Garden Walk Sponsors:

Bridge Communities invites you to the home of

Michael and Karen Poulos772 N. Park Blvd.

Glen Ellyn

Friday, June 6th, 2008

for the annual Glen Ellyn Garden PartyCocktails and Hors D’oeuvres

6:30-9:30 pmThe Poulos’ garden features elegant outdoor dining and

entertaining areas, as well as unique plantings and design.

Tickets can be purchased at www.bridgecommunities.org

or by calling 630-545-0610.

7

T he phone rings. One of the many calls I will either make or receive today. It is 8:00 a.m., and I have not yet made it into my home of-

fice. A bit early for a work related call, but a conve-nient time for many of the Bridge clients to contact me before they head off to work. It’s one of our moms letting me know she would like a tutor for her son. I write down the details in order to coordinate this request with a tutor: his name, age, grade, where they live, the school he attends, subjects in which he needs help and the times he is available for tutoring. My mind starts scanning the list of tutors I can call, hoping that we will have a match easily available. I often refer to myself as a “matchmaker,” putting the pieces of a puzzle together, matching the students’ needs with the attributes of a potential tutor. I copy down her telephone number and tell her I will be back in touch when I have a tutor. Once I settle in at my desk, I try to look at the list of things that need immediate attention. I add finding a tutor for the family that just called to my list. I de-cide my best option is to place an advertisement in the bulletin of the sponsoring church. After 10 years with Bridge, I am still amazed that more often than not, once I put this task on my to-do list, the phone rings and it is someone who wishes to be a tutor. I have come to accept this as part of the blessings bestowed upon Bridge. I start to review my calendar. I notice that at noon today I am meeting with a client at her home to con-duct an early childhood assessment with her three-year-old. The mother requested some help since her daughter isn’t listening to her, is having temper tantrums and other problems at her day care center. Conducting the assessment in the home will provide me with a chance to get to know the parent and child, observe their interactions, note if there are any devel-opmental areas that might be cause for concern and provide the parent with some positive parenting tips. I place a release of information in my briefcase so that I can also get permission to communicate with and visit the day care center. I also decide to add some child development resource fliers from Positive Par-enting DuPage, some pre-school books and a cuddly stuffed animal. I really love these assessments as they give me the opportunity to make a positive impact on the relationship between parent and child.

I then notice in my appointment book that I have an observation scheduled at 4:00 this afternoon to observe another client’s child at a day care center in Lombard. This mom asked for help because her four-year-old was hitting both her and the teachers when mom picked him up at the end of the day. With a final look at my calendar I see that I have two appointments tonight at our Crabapple Learning Center in Naperville. I plan to meet with a new tutor to finalize her hiring. Then I will welcome a group of 25 new volunteers from a local church who will learn how to mon-itor the Center so that we can have it open two nights each week. I am so thankful to this group; now the Bridge kids in the neighborhood will be able to visit the Center to use the computers, play games, get help with their homework and interact with many positive role models. I realize that with appoint-ments at noon, 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., I won’t be home un-til late tonight. I let my husband know I won’t be home for dinner, then get to work on the flier I am sending to all the Bridge parents letting them know it is time to act on child care arrangements for summer vacation. Each parent will need to apply for scholarships with their local YMCAs and park districts before the money runs out. I make a note to think about a date and location for our summer picnic. Then my mind jumps to making a call to the DuPage County Health Department to arrange for a parenting class for our families. Once we settle on dates and times, I call my contact person with Bridge Builders to let them know about the upcoming classes. The Bridge Builders will generously provide dinners and child care for each night of the parenting classes. I look at the clock. One more call to a school district to speak with the homeless liaison to ar-range transportation for a new client’s child. It’s 11:30 a.m.; I grab an apple for lunch and head out the door to my first appointment.

A Day in the Life of the Education CoordinatorWritten by: Barbara Trczinski

After 10 years with

Bridge, I am still

amazed that more

often than not,

once I put this task

on my to-do list, the

phone rings and

it is someone who

wishes to be a tutor.

I have come to

accept this as part

of the blessings

bestowed upon

Bridge.

505 Crescent Blvd.Glen Ellyn, IL 60137630-545-0610Fax 630-545-0640www.bridgecommunities.org

A Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDGlen Ellyn, ILPermit No. 87

Please help us save on printing and postage. If you receive duplicate copies of this newsletter, or no longer wish to receive it, please return your mailing label in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!

Bridge Communities is a non-profit transitional housing program serving residents of DuPage County. The program provides families with housing, case management, transportation, tutoring, life skills mentoring, job readiness and training with the goal of achieving lifelong independence and permanent housing.

The buzz around town is all about the rockin’ Ga-rage Party Benefit held on February 2nd. A crowd

of nearly 400 guests joined us for what is being called the party of the sea-

son. We are thrilled to announce that Bridge Builders raised nearly $24,000 to support Bridge Com-

munities’ Auto Donation program. Many families enter our Transitional Hous-ing program with a car that soon breaks down, or sometimes no car at all. Donated used cars are refurbished and given to clients in need of safe, reliable transportation to work, school and child care. Our Auto Donation program is a critical part of getting our families back on the road to self-sufficiency. We would like to thank Bridge Builders for or-ganizing and hosting such a fantastic party. We also thank Dirk, Todd and the entire staff at Gear-head Auto Repair shop for their generosity and hospitality. Finally, we thank The Local Favorite band for their fantastic performance.

Save the date for the next Bridge Builders event, The End of Summer Bash scheduled for Sep-tember 5th. To add your name to the invitation list, please contact Margo Matthew at margo.matthew@bridgecommunities.org.

To donate your used to car to help a homeless family served by Bridge Communities, or to find out how to support Bridge in another way, please call Mark Milligan at (630) 545-0610, ext. 10.

Garage Party Benefits the Car Donation Program

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED