Our Staff
Edith Yoder
Chief Executive Officer EdithY@bridgeofhopeinc.orgEdith Yoder, EdM, is the Chief Executive Officer of Bridge of Hope National, which oversees the local work of Bridge of Hope in Chester County. Edith also serves as chair of the community board for Bridge of Hope Chester County. She authored the original church volunteer training manual for Bridge of Hope and developed many Bridge of Hope manuals on nonprofit management, fundraising, and board issues. Edith holds a master’s degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Eastern Mennonite University. After 30 years with Bridge of Hope, Edith is more passionate than ever about building neighborhoods of support for families facing homelessness.
Linda Homer-Hurley
Lancaster/Chester County Development Director LindaHH@bridgeofhopeinc.orgLinda joined the staff of Bridge of Hope National as Event Coordinator in October 2019. She has a degree in Liberal Studies from West Chester University and spent years coordinating events at a liberal studies college and then at a social service nonprofit agency where she also worked in Advancement and Marketing. In addition, Linda has owned her own business as a Consultant and Director with The Pampered Chef for 26 years. She loves cooking and teaching others and believes that involving children and gathering around the table for mealtimes helps to strengthen family bonds.
Linda is excited to work at Bridge of Hope and to help share our mission with people both locally and throughout the country. As a single mother of three children, Linda understands first-hand the importance of helping mothers and their children who are struggling to make it through every day. “In the past I was the recipient of help from various people that included financial, physical and emotional support. All of these were crucial in helping me provide for my children and encouraging me to keep moving forward. The hope and desire for a better tomorrow was essential for me so I connect on a deep level with the mission and values of Bridge of Hope. We are truly helping families and investing in changing their lives—not just for today, but hopefully forever. I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to be here!”
Melanie Palumbo
Neighborhood Resource Specialist MelanieP@bridgeofhopeinc.orgMelanie is a Neighborhood Resource Specialist with Bridge of Hope Chester County. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and has over 7 years of experience in case management working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a service coordinator in an Early Intervention program in Philadelphia Melanie worked with children and their families to ensure they received necessary services to promote growth and development. She has also worked as a case manager for The Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities where she helped individuals to thrive in their communities by connecting them with local resources and supports.
Melanie feels that Bridge of Hope is the perfect fit to link her faith and her work experience. “As Christians we are called to show God’s love to others, what better way to show that love than by serving and protecting His children that are in need. I am excited to work with an organization that puts this calling into action.” She lives in Chester Springs with her two children and in her free time she enjoys watching them play sports, spending time with friends and family and watching Alabama football! (Roll Tide!)
Rachel Thomas Steadman
Program Director, Chester County RachelTS@bridgeofhopeinc.orgRachel brings 15 years of experience in social work, supervision and housing. She has a Master’s degree in Social Services from Bryn Mawr College and a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern University. She is a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker). Most recently, she worked for 12 years at Eagleville Hospital in drug and alcohol recovery, facilitating group and individual therapy, developing treatment plans and providing case management. Rachel previously served as a Neighboring Volunteer with Bridge of Hope and is looking forward to help people pave a path to a better life in her new role with Bridge of Hope. “Bridge of Hope is a perfect fit with my faith and my professional desire to create a safer world,” Rachel says.
Tyrone Williams
Church Engagement Director tyronew@bridgeofhopeinc.orgTyrone (Ty) Williams is the Chester County Church Engagement Director, bringing over 16 years of experience serving as a leader in the church and para church community as well as serving as a suicide prevention speaker and a Crisis Community Liaison and Trainer at colleges, high schools and other organizations in Montgomery County, PA. Ty serves as a youth assistant with Swamp Mennonite Church and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional History and a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Discipleship from Lancaster Bible College. Ty and his family attend Victory Church.