“My shopping trip was like Christmas, my birthday, Mother’s Day, and every holiday for the next five years all in one! I found everything. I didn’t expect all the stuff I got! I feel so grateful and blessed.”

At Bridging, the energy was warm and inviting. The guy at the desk was so nice. Alyssa was amazing. I told her I have bad anxiety. She came out to make sure I was comfortable. My worker came with me too. They accommodated me and let her come with me. That was really important!

Rick and Jeanne were phenomenal! I couldn’t have had a better couple to help me. Everything about them: their warmth —they were very loving and compassionate. They were attentive and aware of how I was feeling. They made me so comfortable. They helped me pick out things that were in line with my tastes. They figured out what I liked. They didn’t make choices for me. They gave me suggestions. When I was stuck, they kept me moving. When they could see I was overwhelmed, they took me to a quieter space in the warehouse.

When I was there, I picked out all of my furniture: a bed, a couch and chair, armoire, dresser, and kitchen table. I chose glasses, dishes, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, a microwave, dishware, a frying pan, a cookie sheet, Pampered chef baking dishes, Tupperware containers, lamps for my living room, wall hangings – everything in my place. It felt like everything was donated just for me! I got everything I absolutely needed along with everything I could possibly want.

All the volunteers, they were packing up household goods for clients, I had to give each and every person a hug, all the way down the line. I could feel the energy. Everything about your organization — you can walk in and feel the love. There is no stress there.

The delivery team — they were amazing too! They let me carry up the light items: I could carry the lamps, and a few light boxes. I felt like I needed to do something, because I was so grateful! They included me. They were so nice. They are included as a part of my Bridging experience as a whole. They took care of everything. They were so kind and compassionate. I gave them some bottles of water because it was a hot and muggy day, and I wanted to show my gratitude.

I love to cook and now I can! I do everything. I make jams, jellies, and beef jerky. I sew and quilt. I make candles. These are all of my hobbies! Now I can start sewing again. I can sew curtains for my new home.

Now I can be productive, and I can create a routine and structure my day. I can get up every day have breakfast, and go for a walk.

Now that my house is in order, I have a home.

I thought I was happy. Now I’m super happy!

Every day, when I get up, after my meditation, I have to pinch myself, and say, ‘this is all mine.’ Today I didn’t have to. Every morning, I’m in awe that I went to Bridging to get all of this furniture.

On my vision board, it says I want to make a difference. I want to help Bridging in any way I can. Thank you, Bridging, you made a difference in my life. Now I have a furnished home, and I can help make a difference and help change people’s lives too.”