The Bridging Team Learns From Partner Agencies
Bridging is committed to the vital work of advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at our organization and in the community.
In June, Bridging hosted a partner agency panel discussion to learn about the resources each organization provides to support the diverse needs and strengths of the community. The featured organizations are three of the 270+ agencies that refer individuals and families to Bridging to furnish their homes.
Bridging’s Client Services Manager Alyssa Paulson organized and facilitated the hour-long panel discussion during Bridging’s quarterly staff meeting. Bridging volunteers were also invited to participate in this training opportunity.
Caseworkers from three Bridging partner agencies joined the panel:
Retired sergeant and caseworker Angela, MACV. MACV helps Veterans who are experiencing homelessness or who are at “imminent risk” of experiencing homelessness by providing housing resources and a range of services designed to meet the individualized needs of each veteran.
Caseworker Michelle (“Jelly”) and Youth Worker Ely, Cornerstone. Cornerstone provides housing, case management, and therapeutic services to youth and families who have experienced domestic violence.
Director of Social Services James McMurray, The Aliveness Project. This partner agency takes a holistic approach, providing support to individuals who are living with HIV and offering preventative services, with the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. The agency offers housing resources, case management, nutrition programs, a medical clinic, and outreach, to create a welcoming and supportive community.
The panel members described their agency’s services and provided responses to discussion questions from the moderator and other staff members. Here are a few highlights:
What are some common misconceptions about the community you serve and how do you dismantle these misconceptions?
“Misconceptions are that HIV is a death sentence or a gay man’s disease. HIV does not discriminate. We educate people [to dismantle the myths]. — James, The Aliveness Project
“A very common misconception is that domestic violence happens to a female with small children. Domestic violence happens to everyone. Male victims are very real. Anyone can be a victim or survivor.” — Jelly, Cornerstone
“Abuse is not just physical. There are threats, using the past against someone, financial abuse. It’s important to ask questions, to get clarification [to better understand someone’s situation]. We all come from different backgrounds and experiences.” — Ely, Cornerstone
What’s the difference between equity and equality, and why is this important?
“Resources may look different according to what someone needs. You may not need that help, That’s why you’re not getting it [or getting other resources instead].” — Angela, MACV
“Equity is making sure that everyone is seen and heard at our agency. There is a stigma. We bring that barrier down where they may not have been heard or seen.” — James, The Aliveness Project
How do you navigate and serve cultural differences?
“There are cultural differences among the families. We get to know them, who they are, and where they are from. We serve many clients who speak different languages. We request interpreters if needed. — Jelly, Cornerstone
What are some ways that Bridging can be supportive of agencies and clients?
“No judgment. Be open-minded and curious. Shoppers do a great job. They ask, ‘what kind of furniture are you looking for? You do a wonderful job helping them find what they like.” — Angela, MAC-V
“Be excited with participants, not for them.” — Jelly, Cornerstone
Does the service Bridging provides give people a sense of ownership and result in less recidivism or need for housing down the line?
“We believe in Housing First: you get the housing first [and furnishings], then address other issues that caused you to be unhoused. Most of the time this helps.” — Angela MAC-V
Following the panel discussion, staff members shared why the training is helpful to the work they do at Bridging:
“I liked hearing about the agencies —places we work with — so we can understand how they operate.” — Rob, Bloomington
“It was good to get to know our agency partners and learn more about who they’re supporting and what their needs are. I liked that the panel talked about diverse needs in the community.”— Harry, Roseville
“I think the panel was really good. It was nice to see faces of caseworkers we work with. I liked to hear about how the agencies respond to misconceptions about the communities they serve.” — Morgan, Bloomington
