During the pandemic, when everything seemed to be closed, BRIDGES was open.  Members of the Franklin Police Department noticed a surge in domestic violence and assault calls during 2020.  We were thankful BRIDGES was available as a safe haven for women and children in need of comfort and security.  The staff is an incredible resource for the law enforcement community and the public we serve.  As the Chief of Police, I am thankful for all they do every day to assist the most vulnerable members of our City.

Deb Faulkner, Chief of Police, City of Franklin

The Refuge Center for Counseling has been working collaboratively with Bridges DVC for the past fourteen years and we have been consistently impressed with the services that they provide to the community of domestic violence survivors, including shelter, 24 hour hotline support, counseling services, support groups, transitional housing services and legal advocacy. They began as a small grassroots organization and have grown all their program and service areas considerably. They strive to serve each client in a way that promotes healing and empowerment. They provide survivors with an opportunity to receive holistic, long-term therapy emphasizing education about the cycle of violence, coping skills and Self-leadership. Services such as this offers survivors an opportunity to process trauma and to increase self-esteem. This renewed self-efficacy has a systemic impact on the community and we believe that the community as a whole will be positively and profoundly impacted by each survivor who finds physical and emotional freedom. Educated survivors are able to reset the language of the culture.

Amy Alexander, Executive Director, Refuge Center for Counseling

Bridges is such a valuable asset to Williamson County and the greater Nashville community.  Their creativity and innovation ensure that the barriers keeping a person from leaving an abusive relationship are not a factor.  It is a privilege to work with an agency whose care and compassion make a true difference in the lives of those they touch.

Debby Rainey, Manager of Community Impact | United Way of Greater Nashville