Enterprise Knowledge announced a new philanthropic partnership with the Arlington-based non-profit, Bridges to Independence. Bridges to Independence leads individuals and families out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. A private, nonprofit organization, Bridges has been working with and for homeless families since 1985 with a fantastic track record of success.
Bridges joins Wolf Trap Foundation’s children’s education program and Linden Resources as EK’s chosen philanthropic partners. EK’s philanthropic partners are carefully selected by EK’s employees. EK provides financial support, as well as a volunteer time in support of the partnerships.
EK’s first contributions will support Bridges’ Lemonade Stand program. The Lemonade Stand is the centerpiece of Bridges’ summer youth program. Participants practice good decision-making, a strong work ethic, and reliability through promotion, prep/cleanup and management of their own lemonade stand. At the same time, they learn valuable financial literacy skills. Half of the money raised is used for participants to open their first savings account and the other half supports an end-of-summer field trip. The stand runs 2-3 days a week for five weeks (July 3 – August 4) in and around Arlington.
“We are thrilled to welcome Enterprise Knowledge as one of our Corporate Bridge Builders,” said Sam Kelly, Bridges’ Executive Director. “With their support, we will continue to help families in our community overcome homelessness and gain long-term stability. Enterprise Knowledge’s support of our Lemonade Stand initiative, in particular, will help young people achieve the bright futures they deserve.”
“I’ve watched with enthusiasm the great results that Sam and his team have achieved. They’re truly making an impact in our community and I’m proud to have EK provide support,” added Zach Wahl, CEO of Enterprise Knowledge.
About Bridges to Independence
Bridges to Independence leads individuals and families out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. A private, nonprofit organization, Bridges has been working with and for homeless families since 1985. They offer a continuum of aid and support for all family members, helping them attain financial security and move forward into self-sufficiency. Bridges runs Sullivan House, Arlington County’s largest emergency shelter serving families experiencing homelessness. Through the organization’s rapid re-housing program, Bridges works to find people safe, affordable, and permanent housing as quickly as possible. Bridges’ supportive services include financial literacy training, employment counseling, and youth development programming. As homelessness is often episodic, their other priority is working closely with former clients to ensure they are able to remain securely housed and do not fall into homelessness again. Each year Bridges serves over 500 individuals; 60% are under the age of 18.