For 15 years, Bridging volunteer coordinator Wendy Erickson has served as a reliable, organized, and personable leader— and a trusted friend — to more than 600 Bridging volunteers. Managing Bridging’s individual volunteer program, she builds strong relationships with volunteers, so they have what they need to do their job well and meet the needs of clients who furnish their homes at Bridging.

Why is Wendy still at Bridging, dedicated to its mission, after all these years? Here, Wendy shares the three reasons she reveals to prospective volunteers every time she gives a Bridging tour.

• “I’m still here because of what Fran started 38 years ago. He thought: ‘What if people gave the items they no longer need to the people who really need it?’ He wanted to make a difference in the community and strive toward Bridging’s vision that everyone lives in a furnished home.”
• “Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. We have about 40 people on staff, and each of us works with Bridging’s volunteers that total over 600 at any given time. We couldn’t possibly do what we do at Bridging without volunteers.”
• “The main reason I stay is because I LOVE working with the volunteers. They are so committed to Bridging’s mission. A different group of volunteers is here every day, with smiles on their faces, working for a common goal: to serve clients, no matter what. How good does that feel?! That feels good!”

These feelings are mutual. Recently Roseville volunteers showered Wendy with heartfelt praise in celebration of her 15-year milestone in a bound collection of hand-written notes. Additional members of the volunteer team share their words of appreciation below.

Wendy says she initially planned to stay at Bridging for two years, and stayed on for 15!

“But don’t expect that I’ll stay at Bridging for another 15 years!” she says with a smile and laugh. “Probably a few more years though.”  Wendy, a proud mom and grandma, — “Mémé” as she’s lovingly called — has countless more memories to make with her family and many more fun places to visit! 

Thank you, Wendy, for all you do for Bridging!

Words of Thanks for Wendy

• Wendy, It sure is fun to see your smiling face every Thursday morning. It is always nice that you come out and talk to us. It means a lot. Have a wonderful 15th anniversary! – Dennis

• Hi Wendy, Thank you for always being the smiling & warm presence I can look forward to Wednesday afternoons. It should be no secret that my involvement with Bridging began and continues in no small part to your inviting spirit. Congratulations on 15 years. -Tom L.
• Wendy, Congratulations on 15 years of Bridging! Just think about how many lives you have changed for the better from your efforts. Amazing! It’s been such a pleasure to work alongside you. You bring a smile to my face each time I see you. It’s such a pleasure to work with such a positive individual! Congrats on your first fifteen years, and now on to the next fifteen!😂 – Rich O.
• Wendy, you are simply the best volunteer coordinator ever. I love how you make each of us volunteers feel special and vital to the success of Bridging. Your personal notes, like the one you wrote to me on my birthday, warmed my heart. If I email you, I always get a prompt response. Thank you for your years of dedication to Bridging. You are an amazing person. 🥰 – Dawn K.
• Thank you so much for doing so much for our communities over the past 15 years! – Colin
• Hi Wendy! Congratulations on 15 years with Bridging! Thank you for ensuring we volunteers know exactly how important we are and how we fit into Bridging’s mission. I feel appreciated every day. You’re the best! – Diane M.
• Wendy, I absolutely enjoy our conversations during these years together. I am especially impressed by the way you have put up with the smart alec old guys like me. Keep doing the good work. – Ron R.
• Wendy, you were the highlight of my volunteer shifts when I would regularly volunteer! Bridging is so dang lucky to have had you on their team for 15 years. Every day you make an impact by the way you make each person you interact with feel welcomed, appreciated, and cared for. I feel so fortunate to know you and call you a friend. Congrats on 15 years Wendy! – Bri R.
• Wendy is an amazing woman. She is so strong in her faith, giving and caring for others. I felt so welcomed and needed by her warm personality. Congratulations on 15 Years with Bridging. – Gail K.
• Wendy – Thanks for spreading your positive energy to our warehouse crew! You don’t let a shift go by without making a cheerful visit to our motley crew, and it’s so much appreciated. It’s so clear that you love being a part of the amazing work that Bridging is doing to make things possible for those in need. You have a true heart of service for others – and it’s contagious! Congratulations on 15 years with this amazing organization and a huge thanks from one of your many volunteers for making us feel a part of your team! – Julie M.
• Wendy, Bridging is very lucky to have you leading the volunteers. You keep us smiling and wanting to be part of the community that you foster. Thank you for all that you do, and best wishes for more fun ahead. – Ginger S.
• Wendy you’re simply the best. Your dedication to staff, volunteers and clients and to Bridging is undeniable and immeasurable. Congrats to 15 years and here’s to 15 more. Thanks for everything that you do. – Jennie D.
• Wendy…..Congratulations on 15 years at Bridging!! When you came 15 years ago Ron and were volunteering with Project Home and using Bridging’s trucks. The first Monday of each month we would come get a truck and give you grief. And you matched grief for grief. It was fun. Then Bridging ended that relationship and Project Home started renting their own trucks. You talked us into volunteering in the warehouse. We soon became the self proclaimed “A-Team” and for 15 years we have enjoyed seeing you on Mondays. You are very good your job. You are one of the reasons many of us volunteer at Bridging. You are a true friend to many of the volunteers. Congratulations and God’s Blessings in the years to come. – Scott S.
• Wendy, What can I possibly say to articulate the impact you’ve had at Bridging over the past 15 years?!? Your calm and relational presence is felt and appreciated by so many on a daily basis. I cannot count the number of times have I heard from a volunteer “Wendy is the reason I keep volunteering at Bridging”. Thank you for what you have built and maintained in Roseville, and for your continued commitment to volunteers and Bridging. – Jennifer Nielsen
• Wendy… it has been amazing to work with you the last 12 years! Your dedication , hard work , and tremendous “people skills” keep us all organized and trained to serve our clients in such a positive and efficient way.
  You are so good at empowering all of us volunteers to be the best we can be. I am very grateful for the improved ideas that you have implemented to make our client shopping what it should be.
  And lastly thank you for being our friend as you enter into all of our lives knowing and caring about each and every one of us . I feel so blessed for my experiences at Bridging and to count you also as my dear friend.
  Thank you Wendy! – Kirsten E.