U.S. Veteran Kelly Ann and Service Dog Dino Share the Importance of Bridging

 

Click here to listen to Kelly Ann tell her story.

 

 

Kelly Ann is a U.S. Air Force Veteran who served during the late 1990s. Since that time, she has struggled and persevered through many challenges, buoyed by her own inner strength and the companionship of her beloved service dog Dino.

Earlier this year, Kelly Ann worked alongside her caseworker at MACV to secure stable housing and a referral to Bridging.

“MACV is life-saving and life-changing,” she says.

When Kelly Ann went to Bridging, she didn’t know what to expect.

“Everyone was just so nice. I felt very welcomed. Very equal,” she says.

The volunteers helped Kelly find items that matched her retro style. She found a couch and chair, end table, TV stand, dresser, and a “funky” lamp that she loves.

“The things I got are all like brand new. And the amount of things you could choose from was phenomenal. I took what I had room for and what I needed. I was so excited, I was shaking,” she says.

For the first time in many years, Kelly Ann is feeling the stability and comfort of her own furnished home.

She hopes that each person who learns about Bridging truly considers the impact of its mission on someone like herself.

“I don’t know how I can make people understand how much getting a couch means to someone if you haven’t had one. It’s something new and something special. I wake up every morning and say, ‘I have these new furnishings in my place.’ Bridging made my apartment into my home. It’s my style, and I just love it.”

Recently, Kelly Ann and her service dog Dino shared their five-year anniversary together. 

“I had my friends over to celebrate, and there was room for everyone. This is the first year since the military that I’ve decorated for Christmas. Dino and I have a home. We feel comfortable here. It’s my home.”

Kelly Ann was so “happy and moved” by her Bridging experience that she decided, on the day of her shopping trip, to become a volunteer. Now Kelly and Dino volunteer weekly as sorters, specializing in organizing beautiful bundles of quality sheets and towels for the warehouse shelves.

“I want to do whatever I can do. Bridging helped me in such an important way. The people are the best. I feel like I belong.”