The Lives We Touch: Andrea K.

IN 1999, Andrea K. literally ran away from drug court in Gary, Indiana and moved to Minnesota to begin again. After struggling with addiction, “in a God-given moment of sanity,” she says she turned herself in to get an alcohol and drug screening and entered treatment. After many months of treatment she came out of Turning Point, but had no place to live, and was considered homeless.

She finally received approval for housing, but the first night there she slept on the cold, hard floor with a thing blanket and no pillow. She was referred to Bridging, and received much more than just the furniture and household items she needed to begin anew. Most importantly, They gave with no judgment!”

“Bridging did not only furnish my house they furnished my heart and soul with a fire to serve the community that helped save my life.”

Today, Andrea has her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Dependency, she is licensed in Alcohol and Drug Addiction; she earned a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Psychotherapy in 2012 and was also the Commencement Speaker at her Master’s Graduation Ceremony.

She recently started her own business teaching DWI classes and providing substance use disorder assessment in partnership with MN DHS. She intentionally sets her prices low and also works with clients at a reduced rate; once a month she waivers the fee altogether for one person with zero income. Like Bridging, she wanted to give back.

“After starting my business, I wanted to become an ongoing donor to a local charity, but I struggled to reach a conclusion about who that charity would be. At that time my son was homeless; he eventually found a place to live however did not have any furniture…and I thought about Bridging. As I looked on their website to see how to refer my son; I began to realize that becoming Partner’s with Bridging would bring me FULL CIRCLE. With no doubt or hesitation, I knew Bridging was the charity I wanted to donate too….and Partner with. Today I am honored to have transitioned from Bridging’s client to their Colleague and Partner. Thank You.