The Values of Bridging Shine
By Beth Schultz-Smith
One week into my new role as the new part-time Communications Coordinator at Bridging, I am excited to share my first reflections about this extraordinary organization and team. So far, I have been immersed in the incredible work that happens here each day, surrounded by welcoming staff, volunteers, and clients. Absorbing each new learning experience, I am inspired to find Bridging’s values—dignity, partnership, service, stewardship, excellence, and gratitude—interwoven with its mission and shining through in the smallest details as the team works together to Furnish Homes with Hope.
During my first hour on the job, I was paired with long-time shopping volunteer Creighton, who shared his light-hearted nature with clients while facilitating each shopping experience with dignity and personable service.
“I like to share with clients that ‘Bridging is going to put stuff in your place and a smile on your face,’” he says. “Working personally and making connections with clients—making the experience as respectful and graceful as possible—is what matters most.”
I met devoted volunteers who have been serving with Bridging upwards of 20 years, while others more recently joined the team, providing essential volunteer support throughout the organization during the outbreaks of COVID-19.
Talking with 20-year sorting volunteer Barbara, she explained her behind-the-scenes role as a sorting volunteer and steward of Bridging’s resources:
“I specialize in the dishes. I go through all of the them, check to make sure every piece is of good quality, and match the plates, bowls, and dishes to create a beautiful set. If there is a crack in the dish, it gets recycled. They have to be high quality,” she says.
Building connections with Bridging’s 30+ staff members has been a highlight of my first week, and I could glimpse the unique and friendly personalities of each person I met. It was a treat to join a team lunch with warehouse team members in Bloomington. Bridging’s leadership and staff expressed appreciation for the dedicated team who made 15 deliveries per day to expectant clients on a day when the Minnesota weather kept most indoors.
While talking with staff members and volunteers throughout the week, I could hear their unwavering commitment to excellence and the mission of Bridging.
“One of our clients came an hour and a half early for his appointment today. He was so excited to get new furniture for his home. We were able to work him into our schedule early. Our volunteers are flexible, and we try to make it work,” says Volunteer Coordinator Erin Colburn.
In a conversation in the lunch room, I heard more about what it’s like when furniture and household goods arrive at a family’s home:
“It’s pretty cool when you’re delivering furniture—especially in the summer, when all the kids are there, excited about the delivery,” says warehouse team member Rafi Flores. “You’ll hear them say, ‘Can I carry a cushion?’ They get so excited to help.”
There is a remarkable of sense of gratitude that emerges from the many connections at Bridging—whether it be from or for staff, volunteers, agency partners, donors, or clients we serve alongside.
Following a phone conversation, Client Services Coordinator Amy Miller paused to share heartfelt praise for an agency partner that offers referrals to Bridging:
“I’ve been working with this Hennepin County case worker for 10 years. She is just wonderful.”
Today, I shopped with a client who appeared happy and grateful to receive a queen-sized mattress, box spring, and frame to replace the air mattress she had been sleeping on each night:
“This is the first home I have had on my own. I want to create a peaceful place for me,” she said.
Her smile said it all.
I am grateful for my first week with the clients, staff, and volunteers of Bridging. Thank you for helping me feel at home. I am truly excited for what’s ahead as we work together to share stories of Bridging’s mission and values, partnerships, and the Lives We Touch.
Ready to share YOUR Bridging story with Beth? Contact her at beth.schultz@bridging.org
Interested in joining an active, mission-focused workplace?