FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 10, 2016 BRIDGES ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND BOARD CHAIR
Bridges announces the appointment of five new board members and the reappointment of a former board chair for its new fiscal year that began June 1. Pam Gumport of Summit, who was board chair eight years earlier and an emeritus board member, has returned as board chair. The five new board members are: • Veronica Bonnet of Summit • Stephen Fromm of Short Hills • Seth Ruderman of Wayne • Marie Santos of Cranford • Stephen Woitsky of New Providence “We are so pleased that these talented individuals have committed to helping Bridges achieve its mission,” said Lois Bhatt, Executive Director. “The breadth and depth of commitment and expertise on Bridges’ board positions us well to expand and enhance our programs.” Founded in 1988, Bridges reaches out to the homeless in New York City, and Newark, Irvington, and Summit, New Jersey every week. Last year, Bridges served 21,000 people. More than 2,600 volunteers helped deliver more than 63,000 brown bag meals, served more than 49,000 cups of beverages, gave 10,000 pairs of new socks and underwear, and provided 1000 new backpacks to children in need. Bridges also runs Project Connect in Newark, NJ, which offers case management services that link homeless people to health and social services to lead to a healthier life and, ultimately, employment and housing. The ID program assists clients in obtaining New Jersey State IDs, essential to obtaining social service benefits, a job, or even a shelter bed. For more information, please visit Bridges’ website at www.bridgesoutreach.org.php73-36.phx1-1.websitetestlink.com, or call 908-273-0176. Photo caption: Lois Bhatt (left), Bridges’ Executive Director, welcomes Pam Gumport as Bridges’ returning Board Chair. ####