January 2023

Quarterly View From The Bridge

A Pelican Landing/Colony-based charity assisting neighbors in need when there is nowhere else to turn

Making a Difference 2022 in Review Beginning with a new pandemic wave and ending with a direct hit from Hurricane Ian, 2022 was a year of unprecedented challenges. In the meantime, many of our neighbors needed help with day-to-day difficulties. Through it all, The Bridge Fund (TBF) was there for those who had nowhere else to turn.

In addition to rent, utilities, transportation and health needs, TBF assisted with: Food Needs – TBF support has provided hundreds of families and individuals impacted by Hurricane Ian and personal hardships with weekly access to mobile pantries. School Food Pantries and Clothes Closets – At the beginning of the pandemic, TBF began programs to fund food pantries and clothes closets in 28 schools. Families have access to emergency meal supplies, and kids can get new school tops and bottoms that fit. Infant and Toddler Car Seats – Two Partners were concerned that children were riding unsecured in cars and asked TBF for help. Now over 100 young children are safely riding, thanks to having car seats purchased by TBF. Lice Treatment – Children with head lice are not permitted to attend school. During the last academic year, more than 40 children were able to return to the classroom after professional lice treatment arranged by TBF. Backpacks and Hygiene Kits - TBF provided backpacks filled with personal hygiene products for homeless patients of Family Health Centers who receive no-cost healthcare. TBF participated in 2 special projects in response to significant events: Afghan Refugee Resettlement - TBF assisted 12 families relocated to our area through the Afghan Resettlement Program. Homes for these families were furnished and equipped with new and donated items, picked up and delivered by TBF volunteers. Camp Bonita Hope – TBF is participating in a local emergency program to help feed families from Imperial Shores and Bonita Shores whose homes were heavily impacted by Ian. Families and individuals are provided with a daily take-home hot meal and some shelf stable groceries. Most of these residents are still living in tents or cars, or they lack a functioning kitchen in their homes. A 2022 Success Story Tom, a Vietnam vet suffering from PTSD, went through a divorce and was told by his wife that their sons didn’t want contact with him. He moved into a rental, but the owner decided to sell the property. After a time living in hotels, Tom was out of money and options, and fell into a serious depression. Although he proactively sought medical help and made good progress, he needed stable housing to continue to heal. TBF provided the fees to enter a life care community nearby. A year later, Tom is still there and thriving in his new environment.

Words of Thanks

From a single mom of four, unable to keep up with her electric bill after temporarily being out of work: "I woke today to my daughter telling me there was no electricity. I had no clue how I was going to turn the power back on. Before I left that morning, I prayed to God to send me an angel. You guys quickly paid the bill and got my power back on. The Bridge Fund was the angel. Thank you so much! My children and I are truly grateful for your assistance. ❤"

Impact of our Pelican Landing/ Colony-based Charity  Type of Help Provided in 2022

98% of all donations is available to meet community needs. In 2022, over 500 families were positively impacted because of your support. TBF has provided bedding, shelter, medical, hurricane relief, education, and other assistance - Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

Save the Date! Join us as we celebrate our 10th year of helping neighbors in need on March 13th at Pelican's Nest! We would like to thank our Family of Supporters who have made reaching this milestone possible, and to introduce The Bridge Fund to other residents of Pelican Landing.  Stay tuned for more information!

The Bridge Fund A Pelican Landing/Colony-based 501(c)(3) charity assisting neighbors in need Board Members: Mike Beebe, President; Jim Herald, Vice President; Beverly Haas, Vice President; Ann Soper, Secretary and Treasurer, Caroline Crew, Aileen Kevane, Sandy Mellinger, Bob Taylor, and Jay Trucks Contact us at: thebridgefund2012@gmail.com https://www.thebridge-fund.org