Casting New Dreams

Jen and her 10-year-old son Christian cherish their time at the beach and going fishing together. Something they have time and opportunities to do now that they have housing and financial stability.

After being displaced from their apartment, Jen and Christian temporarily stayed with a family member. But they were searching for community and a place to call home, which led Jen to contact Bridge of Hope.

When her case manager was helping her with the apartment search, they found a place that fit the family’s needs, but the monthly rent was higher than Jen was comfortable paying. When this was brought to the landlord’s attention, moved by Jen’s story, he lowered the price because he wanted to help a Bridge of Hope family!

Jen and Christian had a strong relationship with their Neighboring Volunteers. They were Neighbored by a group from Paoli United Methodist Church who helped them move, find furniture, offered rides to take Christian to summer camp when Jen was working. Christian likes continuing to spend time with some of the volunteers’ kids, forming friendships that make him feel included and supported.

Jen participated in a financial savings program through Open Hearth, a partner organization of Bridge of Hope Chester County. The program provided her with matching funds and encouraged a long-term habit of saving money.

Jen currently works at a local grocery store as a manager, a job that meets her needs for now. She has a goal to finish her degree in behavioral health and eventually become a counselor.

“I can honestly say I’m proud of myself, and I want to keep accomplishing my goals,” Jen said.

Rachel Thomas Steadman	Ty Williams
Program Director	Church Engagement Director
rachelts@bridge​ofhopeinc.org	tyronew@bridgeo​fhopeinc.org

Program Needs:

• Groups of Neighboring Volunteers from anywhere in Chester County – If you’re interested in forming a support system for a family in need, we invite you to gather a group from your church or Christian faith community! To learn more about how you can Neighbor a Bridge of Hope family, contact Ty Williams at tyronew@bridgeofhopeinc.org.

• A landscaper who is equipped in working with native species to help with a project at a rental home in Southern Chester County.

Be a Good Neighbor with Chick-fil-A!

Join us at Chick-fil-A Lionville on Tuesday, October 21 from 5 pm – 7 pm for a Family Night fundraiser! There will be an activity for kids and conversation cards for families to engage and learn about homelessness in our community.

Additionally, from Monday, October 20 to Saturday, October 25, Chick-fil-A Lionville will donate 10% of all mobile sales to support Bridge of Hope Chester County.

Chick-fil-A Downingtown will also be donating a percentage of their sales on the evening of Tuesday, October 21 to Bridge of Hope.