Bridge Announces New 2023 WInners for Employee Impact INitiative

NEW YORK, NY—February 6, 2024

Our Employee Impact Initiative provides an opportunity for employees to nominate non-profit organizations that align with our three pillars of impact: Bridge to Education, Bridge to Financial Wellness, and Bridge to Healthy Communities. In the second year of the program, we are proud to share our 2023 winners: CHOC Foundation, Hubbard House, and Welcome Baby USA. Each organization received a $25,000 grant and will become a Bridge Gives partner for volunteer opportunities throughout 2024.

CHOC Foundation – Orange, CA

CHOC improves the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach, education, and research. By driving a dynamic culture of philanthropy by connecting individuals, families, foundations, and corporations with the CHOC mission to nurture, advance, and protect the health and well-being of children, CHOC serves more than two million children a year, regardless of their ability to pay. CHOC Foundation was nominated by Bridge Property Management leasing agent Maggie Campos. After a close family member and resident both needed the services and support of the foundation for their young children, Maggie saw the impact it had on their families and the outcome of the children’s health. Andy Sigler, Senior Associate Director, Corporate Engagement of CHOC Foundation said, “In partnership with Bridge, children and their families have a powerful story to tell about a brighter and healthier future. Because of Bridge’s support, CHOC is able to ensure the best possible outcome for children.” Learn more about CHOC Foundation here.

Hubbard House – Jacksonville, FL

Hubbard House is a full-service certified domestic violence shelter serving Duval and Baker Counties in Northeast Florida. Their core services include an emergency shelter, an Outreach Center, and a 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline. In addition to their 116-bed facility, they offer counseling, services from victim advocates, housing assistance, and job coaching. All services are free, confidential, and available to victims of domestic violence of any race, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, education, religion, economic background, immigration status, language, or other personal identifiers. Hubbard House was nominated by Bridge Property Management leasing agent Jaylin Adams. “I felt like the organization was very deserving just based on who they provide services for. Hubbard House is very intentional and thoughtful in providing care to anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Bridge continues to show how involved and supportive we are in our communities, and I love that I could be a part of it!”

Kristi Brandon, Hubbard House Chief Development Officer said, “Hubbard House depends on our community to support our work of providing life-saving, life-changing shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence and their children, and we are so honored to count Bridge as part of that passionate community. Bridge’s genuine interest in how to help and the drive to partner in meaningful ways is wonderful! This Employee Impact Initiative donation supports about 350 nights of shelter. That means safety and healing for so many survivors and children, right here in our community. Thank you!” Learn more about Hubbard House here.

Welcome Baby USA – New York

Welcome Baby USA’s mission is to provide low-income mothers with one package containing all of the items they will need for the first four weeks of their newborn’s life. For parents living below the poverty line, purchasing the essentials for newborn care can be a financial burden too great to overcome. Providing low-income families with the critical items needed to support a newborn’s healthy growth and development in the first month of their life reduces the physical, financial, and emotional consequences for low-income families. Sarah Steinhardt, Co-founder of Welcome Baby USA said, “We cannot properly express our appreciation for the grant that Bridge has awarded us. We are so grateful that Bridge has chosen to prioritize postpartum mothers and infants during such a mutually vulnerable moment in their lives. Unfortunately, there is very little support for families during this time in the United States. This grant will allow us to reach more families than we ever have before. We will be able to use the funds to create new partnerships at hospitals and community health organizations in areas of the country we have not yet been able to reach. We consistently hear that mothers burst into tears of relief and gratitude when they receive the package.” Learn more about Welcome Baby USA here.