How are you making history?

This year for Women’s History Month, I’m honoring Ayanna and Frances.

Several years ago, Ayanna was facing hard choices for herself and her son. She shares her story here. When I think of resilient women I want to honor this month, I think of Ayanna.

Today, Ayanna encourages moms facing homelessness and despair to reach out to Bridge of Hope, and that is why Ayanna just said yes to serving on the board of her local Bridge of Hope affiliate. She wants to help moms and children change the trajectory of their lives, just like her life was changed for the better with Bridge of Hope and her Neighboring Volunteers. “It changes your future, when there is hope, and that’s what I want to offer to others,” Ayanna told me recently.

March is Women’s History Month and Ayanna’s advocacy is making a significant impact on families facing homelessness today and future generations of these families.

And almost 100 years ago, Frances Perkins was making history, though today most Americans don’t recognize her name. Frances Perkins was the first woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet. She was the Secretary of Labor for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, from 1933-1945, and developed the policy for Social Security. A remarkably talented woman, with a passion for ending deep poverty, I was moved by her story and delighted to learn about her.

What can you and I do to impact history and future generations, for one family or many families facing homelessness?

Here are some important factors of why Bridge of Hope primarily serves moms with children, in their journey out of homelessness:

• Women experiencing homelessness may have specific needs related to their health, childcare, and safety that require tailored services and support.
• Women may face barriers to employment, such as lack of childcare, transportation, or skills training, which can make it difficult to secure stable income and housing.
• Women experiencing homelessness often have a history of trauma, including domestic violence and sexual assault, which can significantly impact their ability to secure and maintain housing.

This month for Women’s History Month – and beyond! – let’s commit to ending homelessness for moms and children who are especially vulnerable in our own neighborhoods and school districts.

Let’s change history – starting with our neighbors facing homelessness!

Join us for our highly anticipated Bridge of Hope Spring Gala on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster! With special guest, Andrea Flack-Wetherald, social worker turned comedian and #1 bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Forgiveness: What every leader needs to know about improv, culture and the world’s least favorite F word.

Seating is limited! Please respond and let us know your guest count no later than March 20, 2025, to guarantee your seats. Learn more about the Gala.

Save the date for the 22nd Annual Golf Tournament hosted by Signature Custom Cabinetry and Bomberger’s to be held on July 22, 2025!