Our Case Stories
It is widely recognized that families’ ability to meet basic needs is the biggest determinant of their ability to lead full and healthy lives. But in many specific emergency situations, existing support structures either don’t cover or cannot act fast enough to cover an acute, unexpected financial need. Footbridge strategically supports only clients for whom our help will make a sustainable difference. Our flexible model complements existing supports, filling in gaps as the funder of last resort. Read our case stories to hear specific examples of how our approach makes a difference.
Erica’s Story
When Erica’s* daughter needed multiple dental and medical procedures over the summer, the timing seemed ideal. Her daughter, who has Down syndrome, could recover without missing school. However, the sequence of necessary procedures – tooth extractions, ear tubes, a sleep study, and adenoid removal – required more time off work than Erica’s remaining paid leave could cover.
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Caryn’s Story
A house fire marked the beginning of a challenging period for Caryn and her family. While they continued living in their damaged home, fate dealt another blow – Caryn was struck by a car, leaving her temporarily unable to work.
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Astrid’s Story
For Astrid, a home health aide and single mother, the delicate balance of work and childcare rested on predictable daytime hours. This stability was upended when her client passed away and her employer could only offer overnight shifts – a schedule impossible to maintain without access to overnight childcare.
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Ramona’s Story
The path to safety often comes with unexpected obstacles. For Ramona*, a mother of a three-year-old daughter, the biggest barrier wasn’t finding the courage to leave an abusive situation—it was securing the funds needed to establish a new home. Like many caregivers in similar circumstances, her primary concern wasn’t her own safety, but her ability to protect her child.
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Sage’s Story
Legal protections can provide a framework for safety, but they can’t always guarantee it. For Sage*, this reality became clear even after obtaining a Protection From Abuse order (PFA).
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Talia’s Story
Talia* found the strength to make a decision that would change her life and the lives of her children. After enduring years of abuse, she took the courageous step of leaving her abusive partner.
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Sloane’s Story
In the wake of intimate partner violence, Sloane*, a young mother, found herself at a crossroads.
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Brynn’s Story
Brynn, a recent survivor of intimate partner violence, she found herself hospitalized for seven days following a severe incident. Upon discharge, Brynn faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life from the ground up.
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