Our Family Support Team works alongside families to navigate complex systems and improve access to essential resources—work that is more important than ever in Charlotte. Our team connects families to free or low-cost resources in their first language, including food, clothing, beds, healthcare, and legal services.

Since September 2025, our Family Support team has worked with 700+ families. We’re on track to work with more than 850 families this year—three times more than the prior year.

The number and types of requests we’re seeing reflect both what newcomer families in Charlotte are navigating right now and the deep trust they place in our team.

Families often share that they don’t know what’s coming next, and that uncertainty creates ongoing stress, taking a toll on overall wellbeing. In response, our team is working on expanding mental health support, including a support group at our South location.

Many families are also asking for  support with emergency financial assistance, food access, and everyday essentials.

So far this year, 61% of emergency funds provided as a United Way Quarterback have gone to housing—primarily rent and utilities—highlighting how crucial stability at home is right now.

While these numbers tell part of the story, they don’t capture the full picture—the conversations, the relationships, and the consistent presence of our family support team through personal connections and community events. Time and time again, we hear: “A friend gave me your number—they said you could help.” 

Window Marker Day started 10 years ago as a way to push back against the harmful messages about immigrants and refugees that students were seeing.

BRIDGE Kids write and draw on the windows to show how they see themselves, their families, and their friends, creating a space where they can decide how they want to be seen.

Our East Site Program Manager, Francina Bolan, describes Window Marker Day as a moment where, "words and art bring people together. Students often gravitate to share their love for their heritage and how much they miss home while celebrating the friends they have made here."

Something that stayed with Francina this year as well was a student’s drawing of a home. Inside, they included all the things they love about Charlotte—with ourBRIDGE proudly part of that picture.

BRIDGE Kid quotes from the windows:

"I love Mexico because my dad is from there."

"Pieces of me are always there."

"Everyone is WELCOME HERE."

"We love you. We love CLT. Be inclusive. This is everyone's home. We love OBFK."

Join us for a run/walk 5k celebrating the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

For every $10 you donate to ourBRIDGE, you’ll be entered into a raffle—hope to see you there!

Join us virtually to learn more about our mission, our values, and the volunteer opportunities that might be a good fit for you!

Monday, April 20th from 5:30-6:30 PM

Volunteer at our East or South after-school program sites. Individuals will be required to go through an onboarding process which includes a background check and further training.

Tuesday, April 28th from 6:30-8:00 PM

Spring Beautification Day brings our community together to refresh our East site!

We need a few more volunteers to help with our garden and outdoor space!

Saturday, April 18th from 9am - 12pm

We’re currently collecting donations for our annual Dress Extravaganza! In partnership with Despierta and Atrium Community Health Workers, we host high school girls who can choose dresses, heels, makeup, and accessories for free. We also offer workshops on topics like hygiene and skincare, prom safety, and peer pressure.

Most needed: new makeup & skincare, plus purses and accessories (new or gently used)

Congratulations to ourBRIDGE's Founder and former Executive Director, Sil Ganzó, for being named Charlotte Woman of the Year for 2025! Sil's legacy as a community advocate is felt throughout Charlotte. Her vision and passion have shaped not only ourBRIDGE but our city.

Sil is the first Latina to win Charlotte Woman of the Year. Throughout her career, Sil has been a trailblazer for newcomers in Charlotte. We honor this recognition as a part of her legacy to uplift our immigrant and refugee community.

This email list allows us to communicate directly and quickly when immediate needs arise, sharing ways to support both our work and the work of other local organizations, along with opportunities to use your voice when it matters most.

You won’t hear from us every month—only when there’s an immediate need or opportunity to act.

Want volunteer opportunities sent straight to you? We’ll share event needs and donation drives right in the chat.

Contact Information

ourBRIDGE for KIDS

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(980) 272-6022

joinourbridge.org

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