Because Bridge Ministries honors the God-given dignity and giftedness of persons with disabilities, we build relationships that alleviate isolation and enrich churches and communities.

Description:
Bridge Ministries serves persons with physical and/or developmental disabilities who live in the greater Seattle area. Many of the persons we work with say that it is not their disability but their isolation and marginalization by society which causes them the greater pain. Through our Volunteer Ministries Program we help bridge a way for them to be connected with others, whether it be through volunteers who visit in the home or take them on outings, through small groups (Circles of Friends) gathering around a person with a disability to share their lives and dreams together, through their gaining more accessibility to the community by receiving some medical equipment, or by social programs we offer to provide opportunities for social interaction. We also assist churches and communities in their efforts to welcome persons with disabilities, celebrate their gifts and experience the mutuality that enriches the lives of all involved.

History:
Bridge Ministries was founded in June, 1987 by Henk Wapstra, an ordained pastor, who was inspired both by his own struggle with clinical depression and also by observing that many of his friends and parishioners living with disabilities were not getting their needs met. Through the years the ministry has grown to include two Chaplains (providing pastoral care, consultation re: community resources, Circles of Friends, Volunteer Ministries, Church Connections program, and offering numerous presentations and seminars); two Certified Professional Guardians(who serve 44 persons with severe intellectual disabilities for whom Bridge is legal guardian); staff in the Medical Equipment Department (where durable medical equipment is given away to persons who cannot afford it); and two staff in Office Administration.

Contact people:

Colleen Dodson, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Donna Whitmore, Chaplain, (phone), (email) Jack Staudt, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

12356 Northup Way, Suite 103 Bellevue, WA 98005-1956 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Directions:

From I-405, take 520 East and exit onto 124th Avenue NE. Turn right onto Northup Way. Enter the first driveway on your right...'North Park'.   Nearest Bus Stop: In front of driveway, 1 minute walk