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Founders Jim & Donna Piscopo
Bridging AZ is the only Furniture Bank in Arizona.
Bridging AZ Began as a ministry of Saint Barnabas on the Desert
Episcopal Church in the spring of 2003 by Jim & Donna Piscopo. to
support domestic abuse shelters. Bridging AZ incorporated in May of 2004
and received our 510(c)(3) in March 2005.
Our mission is to provide basic furniture and household goods to
individuals and families in need. Families are allowed a once in a
lifetime one hour shopping spree in the warehouse at which time they,
their caseworker and a volunteer help choose furniture and other items
they can use. The furniture recipient must be economically disadvantaged
and enrolled in a case management or support program. Our partnering
agencies agree to qualify families, and make
a home visit to verify need. Caseworkers accompany their client to our
warehouse to select furniture. Bridging AZ supports social service
agencies and their caseworkers, enabling them to assist their clients to
"bridge the gap" from transitional housing to a comfortable home.
Our target
population includes victims of domestic abuse, families identified through Child
Protective Service, people transitioning from homeless shelters, people
with behavioral health issues or individuals enrolled in a drug or
alcohol rehab program. Founders Jim & Donna Piscopo purchased a 9,100sf
warehouse in West Mesa, May 2005 for Bridging AZ's new home. We are
currently capable of serving 5-7 families per week.
Our goal: 5,000 beds
in 5 years
As the number of families Bridging AZ serves increase, it becomes more &
more challenging to provide the high volume of clean twin beds. With the
help of our friends, we will begin to purchase brand new bunk beds to
distribute in 2008.
25 N. Extension Road
Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: 480-833-3997
Fax: 480-833-9594
E-mail: info@bridgingaz.org
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