Our Name
The name BridgeLine originates from the world of Arachnology: A bridge line is the first and strongest thread a spider spins to anchor its web. From that beginning, it connects its web to other points from which the web draws strength and resilience and the spider’s network grows in scope, stability, and effect. The analogy is to a place where program participants can begin creating connections that strengthen and sustain them over time.
History
The BridgeLine was formed in January 2015 when two non-profit organizations, Building Bridges Charlottesville and Virginia Neurocare Foundation, merged.
Building Bridges Charlottesville was a local non-profit organization, founded in 1991 as an offshoot of the Innisfree Community near Crozet that serves adults with various mental and physical disabilities. It was recognized that people with brain injuries have distinctive needs because their ability to participate in their familiar community and home environment is suddenly and often significantly disrupted. Three homes within Charlottesville were established as a community where residents and staff share their lives.
Virginia Neurocare Foundation was a non-profit organization established in 2000 as the John Jane Brain Injury Center. Later, the name was changed to Virginia Neurocare Foundation. Staff of the Highstreet Clubhouse was to support and facilitate innovative evaluation, vocational training, residential living and successful community re-entry to enrich the lives of persons impacted by acquired brain injury.
Both local non-profit organizations had dedicated their mission to serve adults with brain injuries who have had to adjust to a new normal, helping them achieve integration in Charlottesville, and in the process gain personal fulfillment.
Despite moments of struggle, life at The BridgeLine is filled with hope, tenacity, optimism, and joy. The scale of dreams may have changed for our residents but not the wonderful feeling when achieving them.
As a merged organization, The BridgeLine, the efficiency of existing services can be improved, and impact and long-term sustainability are strengthened. Program participants benefit from our increased organizational capacity and greater continuum of services.
We organize and support
- volunteer work in the community
- cognitive retraining (speech, reading, and memory support)
- expressive therapies (Art and Music Therapy)
- group problem-solving sessions
- individual and group recreational outings
Our Guiding Principles
We, members of The Bridge Line
- support each other as we realize our potential and contribute to the community in which we live;
- celebrate the human spirit and the dignity and worth of each individual;
- encourage each other to progress from injury to wholeness and to discover and use our gifts for a second beginning;
- assist persons with brain injuries and their families, as well as other programs that serve people in need;
- serve as a model for hope and change.
Equal Opportunity Policy
The BridgeLine prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, religious opinion or affiliation, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, and other classes protected by law.