Bridges is dedicated to helping victims and survivors find a pathway to safety and independence. They offer life changing services and programs free of charge to anyone who has experienced physical, mental or sexual abuse.
Lynn Schroeder - Development Director of Bridges Domestic Violence Center - says the SuperGrant is a major organizational benefit that will allow them to bring on a new part-time staff member to provide more care and aid to individuals that take advantage of their services - and specifically to help with the pets at Bridges.
"It was for the salary of a person to take care of those animals and to walk them and exercise them," Schroeder said of the grant funds. "We have quite a few acres, so it's a nice enough facility for them to run and get exercise and play… What SmileDirectClub and the Predators Foundation provided for us was the ability to hire that person to take care of the animals while the residents of the shelter and the families are at school or at work.
"It was an incredible feeling of relief and joy at the center. The Preds have done a fantastic job and the SuperGrant was like icing on the cake."
The programs that Bridges provide have helped the survivors in a multitude of ways, including services from housing and support groups as the organization works to do anything in their power to help victims in need.
"The [victims] get a lot of strength from each other," Schroeder said. "They learn through those support groups and how to help each other… There are two different support groups. One for people who haven't left yet and need to, or who have just left and are at the beginning stages of figuring out what they want to do. Then the second group is for people who have already removed themselves from the violent situation and have been out for a while, and they still rely on each other for support."
One unique program they provide is services for pets. Having this type of aid has helped hundreds of survivors and has given them the peace of mind knowing that not only they are safe, but their pet is, too.
"Domestic violence shelters have figured out that women won't leave a violent situation if they have to leave a family pet behind," Schroeder said. "With the help of some of our community partners we've had grants to build the pet shelter on the premises."
Some of the pets that arrive at the shelter have brought immense joy to everyone involved. Having these furry little friends not only gives the survivors peace of mind knowing that their pets are safe, but provides comfort to everyone involved at Bridges.
"We have one that is so cute and is loved by everyone," Schroeder said. "He is the most adorable little thing and he loves everyone that he sees. He has no concept of the fact that he was ever potentially in any harm, which makes us feel happy."
Not only does Bridges help with the individual survivors and pets, but they also have programs for the children of the victims. Having this support helps the children transition into their new situation into not only a safe environment, but an as enjoyable experience as possible.
"The Preds have helped us keep the children happy in the shelter, and it's priceless," Schroeder said. "They gave us a basketball goal to be used as a basketball court, so the kids can just have a place that pays to actually enjoy their sports outside. Then on rainy days when the days are cold during winter months, the Preds have also given us an enormous gaming room."
Having this support is helpful for anyone that may be affected by abuse. Bridges assists thousands of people per year and is forever thankful for this grant and opportunity.
"When the dogs are joyful, when the kids are joyful, it makes you understand that what you're doing is the right thing, and that people will be saved by this," Schroeder said.
If you or anyone you know feels that they are in need of services that the Bridges Domestic Violence Center provides, you can contact them by calling (615)-599-5777.
