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.
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.
Read moreSage’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).
Read moreTalia’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.
Read moreSloane’s Story
In the wake of intimate partner violence, Sloane*, a young mother, found herself at a crossroads.
Read moreBrynn’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.
Read moreDaphne’s Story
Daphne*, a working mother of three, unexpectedly received a 10-day electricity shutoff notice. Since moving into their new place, Daphne had struggled to understand why her electricity bills had suddenly skyrocketed. With 12-year-old twins and a 17-year-old at home, the prospect of an electricity shutoff put the family’s food security at risk.
Read moreSusan’s Story
A house fire marked the beginning of a challenging period for Susan* and her family of six. What started as a sudden displacement evolved into two years of housing instability. During this time, they navigated the complexities of homelessness, moving between temporary accommodations and relying on the support of local services.
Read moreJessica’s Story
For Jessica, a single mother of two daughters aged 12 and 3, life was a careful balancing act. Juggling part-time work with classes at Point State Park University, she relied heavily on her car to keep her family connected to food, her employment, and education. When her only vehicle required expensive repairs, it affected all of these connections.
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