A Champion, Advocate, and Resource Navigator for Mothers

“My work revolves around stabilization during the perinatal stage for moms who are working on recovery. Women are focusing on their mental health, healthy babies, and taking care of their families.  Many women are looking for housing and work. Some participants are going to college part or full-time.”

“I also hold babies for a living,” she says with a big smile. “It is the most rewarding role. Every day I’m grateful that I get to help moms and their families.”

Luna connects moms to mental health resources and treatment programs. She may help a mom enroll in a lactation, parenting, or education class. She also helps parents navigate systems and remove barriers, if needed.

“Housing is one of the biggest issues that families face. They need to secure housing for their family, and many families need a referral to Bridging to get furnishings,” she says.

“As a professional, for families who are recently housed, Bridging is one of our first phone calls. You offer good quality furniture, and Ramsey County pays for the shopping appointment and delivery fee. Bridging is a household name,” she says.

The impact of a foundational home set up of furnishings is significant, bringing comfort, predictability, and stability to families.

“Bridging turns apartments into homes. It’s more than four walls. Having a bed, couch, a table, bookshelves, everything they need, makes it cozy and comfortable. Having these basic items gives them an outline. They choose what they want for their homes. They make it personal. They can say, ‘This is me. This is who I am.’”

Luna appreciates the excellent service that Bridging strives for, beginning to end.

“The services are so streamlined. I appreciate that the Bridging team is so willing to work with caseworkers with flexibility, understanding, and grace. I couldn’t support families without you. And the delivery is also great. They call 24 hours ahead of time and give you 30 minutes’ notice before the delivery. The Bridging team plans ahead and gives people that period of grace.

Luna is grateful for the hundreds of mothers she has worked with over the years. Many of them have accessed Bridging’s services. She recalls a mom who recently went to Bridging and bubbled over with excitement:

“She was invigorated! She had worked through treatment and history of substance abuse. She could furnish her house, and it was cost-effective. She was so excited, saying, ‘I can’t thank you enough’. She asked me to take a video of her new furnished home!”

“Now this mom is doing really well. Having a furnished home, it was one less thing she had to worry about. She’s been able to work full-time. She sees her daughter to and from the bus stop. They can go home and live their lives.”

Luna connects to the elation and relief that many moms and families experience with a furnished home because she remembers when her family used Bridging, when she was just 12 years old.

“My mom said, ‘We’re getting Bridging!’ It was the moment when it became a home. I vividly remember it. I still remember the feeling of walking in and seeing furniture that made our space warm, safe, and welcoming. It was a game changer. That moment gave me more than a home. It gave me the belief that I mattered, and that belief changed everything for me.”

A furnished home can have a lasting impact. A bed provides a good night’s sleep. Parents are ready to work and start their day. Kids are ready to grow and learn. Families have the stability and comfort they need to thrive in their homes, according to Luna.

“Furniture is a necessity. Bridging had a profound impact in my life. It has been life-changing for participants in our program and for their families.”