Support The Bridge
Mira’s Journey
I never thought I’d be the kind of woman who needed help escaping a dangerous relationship. But when I finally looked in the mirror and saw the fear in my own eyes—and worse, the fear in my daughter’s—I knew I had to make a change.
The abuse wasn’t just physical. The words cut just as deep. Every day, I felt myself shrinking, disappearing under the weight of control and cruelty. The last time he hurt me, I knew I might not survive the next. That’s when I reached out to The Bridge Over Troubled Waters. I didn’t know what to expect, but I was desperate. And they were there.
The Victim Advocate who met with me didn’t treat me like a case or a number—she treated me like a person. She told me about my rights, the protections that existed for people like me. She helped me understand how to advocate for myself, not just in court or with the police, but with the school system, community services—places where I had always felt too afraid to speak up.
They helped me enroll in VINE* so I could know where he was and feel a little safer. I applied for ACP (Address Confidentiality Program) to keep my new address protected, and with their guidance, I received Crime Victims’ Compensation, which helped ease some of the financial pressure.
But what helped the most was the peer support. Talking to others who had been through it—and made it out—reminded me that healing was possible. I wasn’t alone. Slowly, I started believing that maybe I could build a different life.
Now, my daughter and I are moving into our own apartment. It’s small, but it’s ours. I’m taking steps toward financial independence, and for the first time in a long time, I feel proud of myself. I’m going to therapy and learning how to set boundaries—even as I try to figure out how to co-parent with someone who once hurt me deeply.
It’s not easy. Some days are really hard. But I’m not where I was. And thanks to The Bridge, I’m not who I was. I’m stronger. I’m healing. And I’m building a future that my daughter and I can be safe and proud in.
*NOTE:
VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It is a system designed to assist crime victims by providing them with continual access to inmate custody and case information, ensuring they are informed about the status of offenders.
Will you be part of her story?
How Else Can I Help?
For more information about donating, please contact Cindy Arredondo, Development Manager, at CArredondo@tbotw.org or at 713-472-0753.
For more information about volunteering, please contact Jessica Pineda, Volunteer Manager, at JPineda@tbotw.org or at 713-472-0753.
Our Greatest Needs List
If you love to shop and want to make a difference, consider adding a little hope to your cart! Take our Needs List with you and pick up an item to support survivors on their journey to healing. Every donation, big or small, brings comfort and hope. 💜
Amazon List
Anything purchased from this list may be dropped off at 3811 Allen Genoa Road, Pasadena, 77504
Donation Drop-Off Information
We appreciate your generosity! Here’s how to drop off your donations:
✅ Regular Drop-Off – Visit The Bridge from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
✅ After-Hours Drop-Off – Please make arrangements in advance to ensure someone is available to receive the donation.
✅ Large Donations – Please arrange in advance to ensure we can accommodate your gift.
Thank you for supporting the survivors! 💜
For questions, call Cindy at 713-472-0753.
Employer Gift Matching Programs
Many companies offer gift matching programs that can increase—even double—the impact of your financial gift and/or volunteer time donated. Please check with your employer to see if your gift will qualify.
Memorials/Honorariums/Wills and Bequests
Make a monetary contribution to help women and children in memory of a birthday, holiday, graduation, or to honor a loved one who has passed on. Leave a lasting legacy by sharing with your attorney and/or family your wishes to designate The Bridge as a beneficiary of your estate.
The Bridge for Kids
Your gift will help provide space for children and teens to heal from their trauma, grow their self-esteem and self-worth, give them hope, and build a brighter future. One without violence. Because every child should know that home is a place for love, not violence.
Each year, The Bridge serves approximately 325 children and youth in the emergency shelter and more than 100 children and youth in the long-term housing program. The Bridge for Kids will double the capacity of daily children the Bridge can serve and will be a crucial part of service delivery.
2024 Gala
October 5, 2024
South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center
Go to Gala page for more tuned for more details.
Contact SRosendahl@tbotw.org
#GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. It’s a movement that encourages individuals and organizations to give – whether it’s their volunteered time, charitable donations, or even the power of your own “voice” on social media. Join the celebration and give back on #GivingTuesday. This occurs on the first Tuesday of each November.
Kroger Community Rewards
Looking for an easy way to help support The Bridge? Support us when you shop at Kroger! Go to Kroger Community Rewards, create an account and follow the steps in the picture below. It’s that easy!
Upcoming Events
September 1st through November 24th – Poinsettia Sale. Click here for more details.
October 5, 2023 – Voices of Resilience – A Survivor Panel and Community Conversation. Click here for more details.
October 12, 2023 – Community Vigil – Honoring Victims of Domestic Violence. Click here for more details.
October 21, 2023 – Purple Paws For A Cause. Click here for more details
Keep up to date by subscribing to our emails or reading News and Events page.
Clothing, Furniture and Other Household Items
Please consider donating to these non-profit resale shops. They allow our clients the dignity of choosing their own clothing and household items while they “shop” at no cost. These shops are mainly run by volunteers so please call them before dropping off donations. All are located in the Pasadena/Clearlake area.
SEAM (Southeast Area Ministries) 2102 South Houston Blvd. Accepts most items 713-944-0093
Bay Area Assistance League – 100 East Nasa Road One, Webster. Accepts women’s attire like suits, dresses, shoes, & purses. 281-554-2594
Houston Furniture Bank – 8220 Mosley Road. Accepts furniture and household items. 713-842-9771
Volunteer Your Time
By giving time, survivors learn someone cares about them, maybe for the first time. Volunteers have a positive impact on survivors for the rest of their lives.
For ways to volunteer check out our Volunteers Page!
For questions, please contact Jessica Pineda, JPineda@tbotw.org
