PRESS RELEASE Bridging Announces Joel Spoonheim as Next Executive Director ST. PAUL, MN (April 14, 2026) — The Board of Directors of Bridging is proud to announce the selection of Joel Spoonheim as its next Executive Director, ushering in the organization’s next chapter of leadership and impact. He will assume the role on Monday, May 11, 2026. Joel brings more than two decades…
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…
Director of Human Resources Myra Falteysek reflects on a deeply rewarding 15-year career at Bridging Q: What’s your “typical” day as the Director of Human Resources at Bridging? A: It’s busy, but deeply rewarding! My role is a constant balancing act of thinking strategically while managing the day-to-day needs of our team. I see HR…
Meet Ilon Preston, the newest member of the Strategic Partnership team at Bridging! Q: How have your first few months been at Bridging? A: In a word, “exciting!” It’s been such an interesting process coming to a furniture bank after being a Program Manager at a food pantry – so much is the same, and…
In 2011, Andrew Ronning was digging into his college Capstone project researching the impact of homelessness. Andrew heard about Bridging and decided to learn more. A Bridging tour sparked Andrew’s passion for the mission and his journey with the organization. He started as a warehouse volunteer, going above and beyond by donating 268 hours over…
Meet Jodi Nottger, Human Services CoordinatorSt. Paul Public Housing Agency, A Bridging Agency Partner Q: What do you do in your role at St. Paul Public Housing Agency? A: I am one of eight Human Services Coordinators. We provide resources for residents in our 16 high-rise buildings. We also support families in four different sites…
Executive Director Mark Wilkening is celebrating his 10th anniversary with Bridging. We’re excited to celebrate Mark and his incredible milestone! Mark is an esteemed leader and down-to-earth Bridging team member devoted to the important work of furnishing homes with hope. With humility and gratitude, Mark has navigated exciting opportunities and challenges at Bridging alongside a…
Written by Nancy Lee, Beth Smith-Schultz, Kanah Xiong, and Phia Xiong Meet Kanah Xiong and Nancy Lee of Handy Help LLC, a trusted agency partner making a lasting impact across the Twin Cities. Handy Help is a social service agency committed to providing high-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive, community-based services to underserved populations. Handy Help…
Behind the scenes at Bridging, a new and versatile group known as the Strategic Partnership (SP) team cultivates an abundant network of community partners who participate in Bridging’s important work of furnishing homes with hope. Director of Strategic Partnerships Diana Dalsin and Community Engagement Coordinators Joel Bisser (in Roseville) and Danyelle Marthaler*, (in Bloomington) inspire…
Building on Bridging’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Earlier this month, Bridging staff members participated in a Culturally Responsive Practice training session facilitated by the Training Institute, a program offered by People Incorporated (a Bridging agency partner). Trainer Warren Duncan invited the group to examine how cultural identity shapes the way we make…
