Bridges United Inc.

Description

Bridges United was founded by Patrick Ellis and a team of 4 Directors in 2021 specifically to bridge the gap in respite resources for the Manitowoc community. All our leadership is local and suffered from a crisis at some point in our lives, only to find a void of resources available in the community. What we needed was Bridges United, peer support in a caring environment where we could work through our concerns and develop a plan for moving in a positive direction. Most of us have since worked directly with other social service agencies in the area, and we know that this resource would help save hundreds of people from incarceration, drug use, suicide, mental health, homelessness, and so much more. Peer support and empowerment are powerful models to help anyone who finds themselves in a situation of crisis work through their concerns and navigate the complex web of public and private health and legal resources available for their concerns.

We envision a future community where no one in crisis needs to be alone, and people feel more connected and capable of coping and accessing the resources they need to meet their goals.

Our primary service will be a Peer Run Respite, where anyone who identifies as being in crisis can stay for up to 7 days with 24-hour trained peer support staff on-site at no cost. We have a building secured, where we can offer 8 beds in a safe, inclusive, home-like environment. Here, individuals and families can find the support they need to work towards their goals.