Bridging provides a household setup of essential furnishings to people who need it. Each year, Bridging serves more than 5,000 households!

There is so much that happens behind the scenes at Bridging that makes this important work possible, and MANY people at Bridging and in the community participate.

The Bridging Client Services team plays a multi-faceted role in the day-to-day operations of Bridging.

“Our department is agency services and client services,” says Amy Miller, Bridging Client Services Specialist . “We support caseworkers to ensure they have the tools they need to assist clients by offering tours and trainings. Our goal is that clients have the kind of Bridging appointment that best fits their needs.”

“Our hope is that clients can just walk in to Bridging and feel welcome,” she adds.

Caseworkers work alongside clients to determine if Bridging is a good match for a person’s home furnishing needs. If the client is in need of a household setup, a contracted caseworker will schedule an appointment for the client on Bridging’s website.

With the high demand for Bridging’s services, the Client Services Team coordinates 120 Bridging shopping appointments per week!

Bridging offers three shopping options:

Behind the scenes, the Client Services team completes a series of activities to help ensure each weekday morning of shopping appointments goes smoothly. If appointment cancellations occur, the team strives to refill the appointments, so clients can get in to furnish their homes as soon as possible.

“We set clear guidelines and expectations with agency partners, so clients feel comfortable as they approach their shopping appointments,” she says.

Case Manager Pat Long has been working alongside people who are unhoused for 30 years, most recently with the Rapid Rehousing Program at Catholic Charities. She appreciates Bridging’s services and collaboration as she advocates for people on their paths to housing stability.

“Bridging keeps me updated with new information and any changes that are being made,” she says. “Any time I have a question or an issue, let’s say someone gets sick and needs to go to the hospital, I call Amy and we’ll reschedule the person’s appointment. Amy immediately responds. And the virtual shopping and preference form shopping are awesome options too.”

Excellent Service Provided with Dignity

The Client Services team’s highest priority is serving agency caseworkers and clients with dignity and respect. This person-centered focus begins with coordination and continues when a recipient is welcomed and supported throughout their Bridging experience.

“The Client Services team is the face of Bridging when someone first connects with Bridging to inquire about services or comes in to shop. We want everyone to feel special and valued,” says Amy.

“Many people have been through significant challenges or transitions. We’re here to provide a positive experience where they can have choice, selecting what they will enjoy in their new homes. Confidentiality is also critical for everyone. We are careful to protect the safety and dignity of clients.”

This small yet nimble Client Services team helps facilitate a positive experience from beginning to end. Every person and situation is unique.

“What I love about my job and Client Services is that every day is different,” she says. “Everybody signs up for an in-person shopping appointment, but sometimes the unexpected can happen. Someone may have a transportation issue, so an in-person appointment is shifted to a virtual appointment. Minnesota winter weather may delay someone’s arrival, so we adjust.”

“Our job is that pivot, that flexibility with a smile, to make everything work as best as possible, so people can shop and furnish their homes,” she says.

The behind the scenes contributions of the Bridging team leads to furnished homes that create a long-lasting impact for community members.

Decades ago Frank B. shopped at Bridging. He recalls what the furnishings meant to him. Even today, the experience brings tears to his eyes.

“We were proud carrying it [the Bridging furniture] up the stairs and putting in it our place. I remember we looked at every piece of furniture, and said to ourselves, ‘This is ours.’ Having a furnished home gave me the inspiration to make the world better for other people,” he says.

Meet the Client Services Team

The Client Services team is an extraordinary and collaborative group of people.

“I feel very lucky to work with this group that does incredible work. In a nutshell, what we do in Client Services is strive toward Bridging’s vision that everyone lives in a furnished home,” says Amy.

“And like Bridging’s Founder Fran always used to say: When good people get together to do good things, good things happen®. And good things happen at Bridging every day.’ I love that.”