About Us
Building BRIDGEs for Rural Prosperity
Welcome to BRIDGE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization and empowerment of rural communities. We believe that rural areas are the heart of our nation, and by addressing their unique challenges, we can foster stronger, more equitable futures for everyone.
Our Mission
Our mission is “To BRIDGE the gap in education, community, and health access in rural and underserved areas by fostering knowledge empowerment.”
Our History
In May 2020, driven by a deep passion for their hometown of Schulenburg, Texas, Rebecca Powe and LaKeisha Moore began a mission to “bridge the gap” within their community. This vision led to the creation of Bridging the Gap: Virtual Discussions on Culture & Diversity, a series designed to provide a safe, open, and constructive platform for rural residents to engage in vital conversations about race, culture, and local issues. These discussions were about more than just talking; they were about listening, learning, and fostering unity, collaboration, and actionable change.
Our Vision
We strive “To cultivate thriving rural and underserved areas by fostering awareness and facilitating equitable access to essential resources across education, community, and health, thereby empowering individuals and fostering sustainable development.”
Board Members
Rebecca Powe
Co-Founder, Executive Director & President
LaToya Kindred-Ray
Co-founder, Treasurer
Co-founder, Secretary
Cindy Villarreal
Member-at-large
Marcus Jewett
Member-at-large
Kathleen Williamson
Member-at-large
Core Values
1. Community-Centered Empowerment
We believe sustainable change is rooted in the voices and strengths of the communities we serve. We prioritize listening to local needs, fostering self-reliance, and ensuring our initiatives are driven by community input and ownership.
2. Collaboration and Partnerships
We recognize complex challenges require collective action. We actively seek out and build meaningful partnerships with local leaders, organizations, government entities, and community members to maximize our impact and leverage shared resources.
3. Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive environments. We strive to address systemic disparities in rural areas, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities for all, regardless of background, race, or socioeconomic status.
4. Integrity and Transparency
We operate with the highest standards of ethics and accountability. We are committed to transparency in our actions, communications, and financial stewardship, building trust with our donors and the communities we serve.
5. Resilience and Adaptability
We understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities and the necessity of flexible, responsive strategies. We are committed to developing programs that build long-term resilience and are capable of adapting to evolving community needs.
Strategic Goals
1. Expand Access to Educational Resources and Opportunities
Objective: Develop and implement accessible educational programs tailored to rural needs.
Objective: Establish partnerships with educational institutions and local schools to enhance learning outcomes and infrastructure.
2. Enhance Community Health and Well-being
Objective: Increase access to quality healthcare information and services in underserved rural areas.
Objective: Launch initiatives that promote mental health awareness, resource navigation, and access to professional support.
3. Strengthen Rural Economic Resilience and Infrastructure
Objective: Support local economic development through entrepreneurship programs and small business mentorship.
Objective: Advocate for and facilitate improvements in essential community infrastructure, including broadband access.
4. Cultivate Sustainable Community Engagement and Leadership
Objective: Expand the “Bridging the Gap” discussions and similar platforms to new rural communities, fostering dialogue and local leadership.
Objective: Develop robust volunteer programs and coalitions to empower local residents to lead community initiatives.
5. Secure and Diversify Funding for Long-Term Sustainability
Objective: Establish diverse revenue streams through grants, individual giving, and corporate partnerships to ensure the long-term viability of BRIDGE.
Objective: Implement effective monitoring and evaluation systems to demonstrate the impact of BRIDGE’s work to funders and stakeholders.