About Us

Mission & History

Mission: Bridge Meadows creates and inspires intergenerational communities, enriching the well-being of children, families, and elders.

Social Purpose: Permanency of home and family for children and youth impacted by foster care.

Vision: A world where every child has a home and family, every parent has the resources to thrive, and every elder is cherished.

 

An elder and two children looking at pumpkins in a flourishing garden

 

History:

In 2004, inspired by the book Hope Meadows by Wes Smith, Rhonda Meadows and her friend Pam Resnick traveled to Rantoul, Illinois to meet Dr. Brenda Eheart and see the Hope Meadows community firsthand.

After spending an inspirational Fourth of July weekend at Hope Meadows, Rhonda and Pam said “Let’s do this!,” feeling called to create a similar community in Oregon. This began a six-year process of due diligence and building local support within City Hall, eventually resulting in the creation of Bridge Meadows.

Since its founding in 2005, Bridge Meadows has replicated affordable intergenerational communities, expanding upon the principles of GHDC to include intentional, trauma-informed architectural designs that heal individuals in community, and our leadership teams have committed to doing more.

There remains an urgent need for affordable housing placements for foster youth, adoptive parents, and elders in the state and region, and Bridge Meadows plans to help meet those needs.  Visit our Communities page to stay updated on our expansion.

Communities

When we’re connected, we belong

Bridge Meadows isn’t just a place where people live. It’s where people find — or regain — connection, purpose, and family.

 

Each Bridge Meadows community is designed to encourage connection between the generations. Most Bridge Meadows adoptive parents are kinship relations, which has been shown to be more beneficial to the youth’s development. To meet the needs of families adopting sibling groups, we build townhomes to accommodate 3-4 children.

Click here for a tour of our family homes. 

Click here for a tour of our elder apartments. 

A wide shot of Bridge Meadows North Portland courtyard with the Bridge of Hope

NORTH PORTLAND

 

Address: 8502 N. Wayland Ave., Portland, OR 97203

Year opened: 2011

Neighborhood: Portsmouth

Family Homes: 9

Elder Apartments: 27

Special Features & Amenities: Bridge Meadows North Portland includes several green features including bio-swales, an ecological method of stormwater management, and garden boxes located in the central courtyard. The community also features a multi-purpose community room, library and computer room, the Bridge Meadows Resident Art Gallery (BRAG) and rock garden, and multiple therapy rooms.

Wide shot of the Bridge Meadows Beaverton courtyard

BEAVERTON

 

Address: 5995 SW Menlo Drive, Beaverton, OR  97005

Year opened: 2017

Neighborhood: Central Beaverton

Family Homes: 9

Elder Apartments: 32

Special Features & Amenities: Bridge Meadows Beaverton features garden boxes, a multi-purpose community room with wall-to-wall windows, a beautiful second-story community room overlooking the courtyard, a laundry room, and multiple therapy rooms.

Wide shot of exterior of Bridge Meadows Redmond buildings, the sun setting in the background.

REDMOND

 

Address: 2582 NW Kingwood Ave, Redmond, Oregon 97756

Year Opened: 2021

Neighborhood: Redmond, Oregon, in the Maple Meadows single-family development built by Hayden Homes

Family Homes: 10

Elder Apartments: 26

Special Features & Amenities: This is our first community outside the Portland metro area and in a rural region. Bridge Meadows Redmond features beautiful views of the Cascades, which surround the community, a log scramble for youth to play on, and welcoming community spaces for events, activities, and therapy sessions.

Click here to learn more about this community and apply to live (elders only)!

 

More communities coming soon! Sign up for our general newsletter to receive updates from our team as we expand.

Shot of the entrance to New Meadows

DOROTHY LEMELSON HOUSE & NEW MEADOWS PROGRAM

 

Address: 8710 N Dana Avenue, Portland, OR 97203

Year opened: 2018

Neighborhood: Portsmouth, kitty-corner to Bridge Meadows North Portland

Units: 10 studios, 5 one-bedroom apartments (including one unit for the Resident Advisor)

Special features: Bridge Meadows created New Meadows in partnership with New Avenues for Youth. New Meadows is located one block from Bridge Meadows North Portland, giving young people the opportunity to create relationships with elders and families. This community serves young people ages 17-24 who have aged out of the foster care system, providing them with support in achieving their academic and career goals. New Meadows is a transitional housing program managed by New Avenues for Youth.

Live Here

Changing the world, starting with how we live

A wide shot image of Bridge Meadows North Portland with residents frolicking in the courtyard

Interested in learning more? We’re happy to share! You can peek inside a 360 tour of our elder apartments here, or check out our family townhomes.

Families: Requirements

  • In the process of adopting or fostering youth, ideally sibling groups.
  • A desire to participate in community living.
  • Must be referred to Bridge Meadows through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).

 

Elders: Requirements

  • Must be 55+ years old.
  • A desire to participate in community living.
  • Must pass a criminal background check.

 

For more information about living at Bridge Meadows or to add yourself to the waitlist, contact our property management teams.

North Portland or Beaverton: hpm@newnarrativepdx.org

Redmond: BridgeMeadowsRedmondApartments.com

Equity

A place of belonging for all

Aerial shot of a group of kids laying in the grass, their heads forming a circle

At Bridge Meadows, we believe that all people have a right to flourish in a caring community. Bridge Meadows and Bridge Meadows’ communities are formed by people from a diversity of races, genders, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, abilities, incomes, marital statuses, ages, geographic locations, and philosophies. Bridge Meadows is committed to creating communities that are equitable and welcoming, where all people find a place of belonging.

Black Lives Matter. Bridge Meadows addresses multiple social issues facing our communities – aging, foster care, health, and housing – and racism plays a central role in creating and upholding these disparities. We know that in order to accomplish our goals as an organization, we must engage with antiracism work at all levels.

Please read our statement of solidarity with the Black Community here.

People

Living a mission that transforms lives

Bridge Meadows is lucky to have a passionate and dedicated team of Staff and Board of Directors who work hard to make our mission a reality.

Quote about Bridge Meadows by Susie Taylor, board member

Bridge Meadows Board of Directors from 2022 Board Retreat

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Board Officers

Board Co-Chair: Anna Allen (she/her/hers) | Multnomah County Tribal Affairs Advisor

Board Co-Chair: Thomas Bahrman (he/him/his) | Bahrman Law

Vice-Chair: Katie Schoen (she/her/hers) | New Seasons Market

Secretary: Gayle Meyer (she/her/hers) | MeyerPro

Treasurer: John Wied (he/him/his) | Walsh Construction Co.

Past Chair: Michael Schrader (he/him/his), JD | Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

 

Board Members

Oscar Arana (he/him/his) | Native American Youth and Family Center

Nihad Aweidah  (he/him/his) | Windermere Realty Trust

Brian Goff (he/him/his), Ph.D. | Clinical Psychologist 

Jason Haggart (he/him/his) | Shelter Forest International

Heather Killough (she/her/hers) | Community Leader

Leah King (she/her/hers) | Fidelity National Title

John Peterson (he/him/his) | ESD 112

Madeleine Rose (she/her/hers) | Premiere Property Group

Dan Saltzman (he/him/his) | Former Portland City Commissioner

Susan Pickering (she/her/hers) | Retired, Community Leader

Susie Taylor (she/her/hers) | Virtual Supply

Andrew Tweedie (he/him/his) | Cascade AIDS Project

Pat Welch (she/her/hers) | Boly:Welch

Dr. Derenda Schubert (she/her/hers) | Executive Director, Bridge Meadows

 

Group picture of Bridge Meadows staff team in front of a rainbow-colored mural

STAFF

 

Executive Team

 

Headshot of Derenda Schubert, Executive DirectorDerenda Schubert (she/her/hers), Ph.D.

Executive Director

 

Dr. Derenda Schubert is a psychologist with professional experience, including counseling children and families as well as creating, managing, and evaluating programs in the realms of foster care, mental health, and developmental disabilities. She has held several executive leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer and Associate Director of Training at two of Oregon’s largest child and family mental health agencies. She is also a former Board Member of Bridge Meadows. Dr. Schubert is an intergenerational champion, leading the team that created Bridge Meadows, advocating nationally for intergenerational solutions to complex social challenges, spearheading strategic planning, and shaping Bridge Meadows’ expansive vision for the future.  Dr. Schubert speaks locally and nationally on the topics of children’s mental health, community building, and intergenerational living. She is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow and an Encore Public Voices Fellow.  Every day, she is inspired by the love of her grandmothers and her children.

You can see Derenda’s TED talk on the superpower of intergenerational living here.

 

 

Headshot of Associate Director, Renee Moseley, LCSWRenee Moseley (she/her/hers), LCSW

Associate Director

 

Renee Moseley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Associate Director of Bridge Meadows. Renee manages the organization’s community services, research and evaluation, and provides oversite of property management. She is also a member of Bridge Meadows’ development team. Prior to joining Bridge Meadows in 2010, Renee provided program management to county and community-based agencies in Los Angeles, California focused on child welfare and adult services.

 

 

 

Headshot of Finance and Operations Director, Kenny Weiner, MBAKenny Weiner (he/him/his), MBA

Finance & Operations Director

 

Kenny has over 15 years of non-profit financial management experience. He has a B.A. in Economics from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from Oregon State University. Kenny also holds a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Portland State University and an Enneagram certification from Portland Enneagram. His experience includes 8 years as the Director of Finance & Technology for The Freshwater Trust and 5 years as the Finance Director for Jewish Family and Child Service. In his spare time, he likes to quarantine, wash his hands, not travel, and stay out of all his favorite restaurants.

 

 

Headshot of Resource Development Director, Lisa SteensonLisa Steenson (she/her/hers)

Development & Communications Director

Lisa joined Bridge Meadows in May 2017. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health and Education from Oregon State University (OSU). She has served in several leadership positions, including; Associate Executive Director of the University YMCA in Seattle, Executive Director of The NOAH Center, and Capital Campaign Officer for Community Vision. Her background also includes instructing yoga, senior fitness classes, and health & wellness programs. Lisa is seeking her Master’s in Public Health, with an expected graduation in May 2024.

 

Staff

 

Headshot of Sierra Barnes, Development & Communications ManagerSierra Janay Barnes (she/her/they/them)

Development & Communications Manager

 

Sierra joined Bridge Meadows in the fall of 2018 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member after graduating with a B.A. in Philosophy from Pacific University. At Pacific, her educational career focused on community engagement and ethical living. Since 2019, she has served as a board member for OregonServes, a state commission that works to increase volunteerism, promote national service, and oversee Oregon’s AmeriCorps programs. On the Commission, she is a member of the Equity & Inclusion Committee and serves as the Chair of the Public Policy & Education Committee. Sierra also volunteers her time on the board of a local affordable housing & land use nonprofit, and serves on the Pacific University Alumni Board of Directors.

In her spare time, Sierra enjoys time with friends, hiking, photography, writing, and reading. Her hairstyle changes every few months, and she is passionate about food and housing insecurity, coffee, queer issues, and racial justice.

 

 

Renee Brooks (she/her/)

Community Support Specialist II, Redmond

 

Renee joined the Bridge Meadows team in 2023, and brings 20+ years of experience in the mental health field to her role as a Community Support Specialist. She earned a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology in 2001, and a Master’s of Education in Counseling Psychology and Human Services in 2004, both from the University of Oregon. Her experience includes 15 years working in various roles in residential treatment, including roles of Child and Family Therapist and Assistant Director of the program. Renee also brings experience in program development, and worked for many years as an outpatient therapist, specializing in trauma treatment. Her work focuses on helping people of all ages heal from trauma, address obstacles, and thrive within themselves and their communities. She brings a strength based, collaborative, trauma informed approach to the Bridge Meadows community.

She has a deep respect for the humans she works with and their lived experience. She is anchored in the principles of diversity, inclusion, and cultural humility. Her approach is empathic and collaborative. In her free time, Renee loves to explore nature through hiking, backpacking, biking, and exploring rivers and lakes in the Pacific Northwest. She loves to spend time with her friends and family. Renee also enjoys animals, cooking, and Ultimate Frisbee!

 

 

Yohana Diaz Gonzalez

Cleaning Technician

 

Yohana joined the Bridge Meadows team in April of 2023 as a cleaning technician for our North Portland and Beaverton communities. Yohana is passionate about creating clean, beautiful, and safe spaces to ensure residents feel seen, respected, and at home. Yohana was born in Havana-Cuba and came to the United States in 2014. Family is a fundamental part of Yohana’s life; she is a single mother of two kiddos, a girl and a boy. When not working, she loves spending time with her children, animals, being in nature, and cooking. She loves people and is so happy and grateful to be part of the Bridge Meadows team!

 

 

Headshot of Bridge Meadows Research and Evaluation Specialist, Sarah FeldmanSarah Feldman (she/her/hers)

Research + Evaluation Coordinator

 

Sarah joined Bridge Meadows in March 2020. She earned her BA in Sociology from the University of Oregon and studied for her MA in Sociology at Portland State University. She brings over 10 years of experience in social science research and evaluation, focusing on the intersections of race, class, gender, and issues over the lifespan. Previously, she volunteered with domestic violence survivors, as a citizen review board member in the Lane County foster care system, in Portland’s local children’s relief nursery, and as a peer mentor working with undergraduate students. In her personal life, she enjoys the company of two spunky young children, maintaining her sanity with the help of an awesome nanny, good friends, daily exercise, and Netflix.

 

 

Headshot of Shawna Hartung, Community Program Manager

Shawna Hartung (she/her/hers)

Community Program Manager

 

Shawna joined Bridge Meadows in October 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in youth and adult education and program management. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and was awarded a Youth Work Certificate for her exemplary work with diverse youth experiencing houselessness in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Shawna is a lifelong learner who deeply values trauma-informed leadership and the power of relationships.

Growing up in an intergenerational family, Shawna personally understands the power of connection between youth and elders, and feels aligned with Bridge Meadows’ mission to create and inspire intergenerational communities for the well-being of children, families, and elders. As a Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide with a foundation in outdoor education, Shawna also values fostering a sense of place and connection through shared nature experiences. She loves trees so much that she named her two children, Cedar and Juniper, after them! In her free time, Shawna likes to wander in the forest, play games with her family, and get lost in a good book.

 

Headshot of Savanah Hendrix, Finance & Operations Manager

Savanah Hendrix (she/her/hers)

Finance & Operations Manager

 

Savanah Hendrix started with Bridge Meadows in July 2023 as the Finance and Operations Manager. She brings 10 years of experience in Multifamily Property Management. Savanah has worked with individuals in long term care facilities and spends her weekends caring for women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her spouse, their two teenagers (a daughter and son), three dogs, and one cat. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, baking, being in nature, camping, and fishing with her family. She is an avid Disney fan and loves Stitch!

 

 

Erin Kennedy Headshot

Erin Kennedy (she/her/hers)

Community Support Specialist, Beaverton

 

Erin happily joined the Bridge Meadows team in February of 2022. She earned her BA with a focus on both Social Work and Education from Texas State University. She brings over 10 years of experience in the social work field, focusing on supporting children and parents involved in the foster care system. Previously, she worked in public education and worked with seniors at an independent living community. Erin hopes to combine all her experience into one role as the Community Support Specialist for Bridge Meadows Beaverton. In her personal life, she enjoys parenting two wild and cute kiddos with the help of her husband and getting out in nature as much as possible.

 

 

 

Grace LoVerde headshot, Bridge Meadows PDX CSS

Grace LoVerde (she/her/hers), MSW

Community Support Specialist, North Portland

 

Grace LoVerde obtained her degree in Social Work from George Fox University. Grace, who joined the Bridge Meadows team in May 2021, has vast experience supporting underserved and marginalized communities in Portland through micro, mezzo, and macro social work initiatives. She has worked alongside youth, adults, and families as they have navigated complex systems such as the foster and judicial systems. This has included supporting youth transitioning out of foster care, folks experiencing houselessness and substance dependence, and survivors of sex trafficking and domestic violence. She previously provided culturally responsive support to individuals of color and those who identify as LGBTQ2IS+. Grace hopes to bring her framework grounded in a strengths-based and person-centered approach to foster community at Bridge Meadows North Portland.  In her spare time, Grace works toward her dream of supporting youth in foster care by increasing their knowledge, skill, and confidence in caring for black hair.

 

 

Kathi Brunk headshotKathi Nakama (she/her/hers)

Executive Assistant

 

Kathi Nakama joined Bridge Meadows in June 2021. Prior to joining, she had a long career as an Administrative Assistant, which began in High Tech. Kathi moved to money management and then third-party benefits administration before coming to Bridge Meadows. Kathi describes herself as a career Admin as what she loves to do: take care of people and work with them to ensure good health, happiness, and productivity. Her goal is always to do what she can to ensure the people she supports have the time to do what they do best.

Kathi is the mother of 3 incredible, independent adult daughters and has 2 certified therapy dogs that go on many therapy visits with her. Kathi, Sandy & Izzy (the dogs) are part of PACTT (Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams), are loved by many, and spread furry joy everywhere they go. Kathi fosters dogs in transition for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and all enjoy having house guests from time to time. In her spare time, you can find her volunteering with one or both of her dogs at Portland International Airport, charity events, DoveLewis Emergency Vet Hospital or just enjoying long walks with her four-legged fur babies.

 

 

Headshot of Katherine Vardanega, Operations Assistant

Katherine Vardanega (she/her/hers)

Operations Assistant

 

Katherine has been with Bridge Meadows since the summer of 2016. She was born and raised in Portland. Her college career included stints in Philadelphia, Australia, and on a ship, ultimately receiving a B.A. in Public Affairs and Justice Studies from Washington State University. Outside of her work at Bridge Meadows, Katherine enjoys volunteering with local organizations near and dear to her heart, including Girls on the Run and Special Olympics Oregon. She is passionate about the Blazers, her dog Rudy, books, music, creative writing, and exploring the world both near and far.

 

 

 

Headshot of Bridge Meadows Redmond Community Support Specialist, Candice (Candy) YoungCandy Young (she/her/hers)

Community Support Specialist, Redmond

 

Candy joined the Bridge Meadows team in 2022 as the onsite Community Support Specialist for Bridge Meadows Redmond. She has spent much of her life in Central Oregon and has over 20 years of experience working with people across the lifespan. Before coming to Bridge Meadows, Candy served as an Activities Director for a Redmond-based residential care facility, a caregiver for several agencies (including the Oregon Department of Human Services), and a direct support professional for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She has volunteered actively with the Boy Scouts of America and her church for many years. Candy’s favorite activity when not working is spending time with her family; they enjoy hiking, camping, and PNW beaches.

Partners

We can't do it without you

The issues addressed by Bridge Meadows – including housing, health, aging, foster care, and mental health – are complex and cannot be solved by any one agency in one sector. We partner extensively with individuals, businesses, public agencies, civic leaders, foundations, and other non-profits to maximize our impact.

Because of your support and partnership, families and elders are able to thrive.

 

Program Partners

Bridge Meadows works closely with other service providers, nonprofits, schools, and churches to offer health & well-being programs onsite.

Kinship House logo

Logo for Mainspring PDX

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community for Positive Aging logo

 

 

Building Partners

Bridge Meadows works with a team of architects, developers, and construction professionals to build and design each community.

 

 

Carleton Hart Architecture logo

 

 

 

Walsh Construction Logo 2021

 

Donors

Our donors are our partners in advancing the Bridge Meadows mission. Foundations, businesses, and individuals all contribute to our success. Read our 2021 Annual Report for a list of donors.

Awards

Bridge Meadows is proud to have received numerous awards over the past decade for contributions to children and families, housing innovation, and intergenerational programming. You can read more about Bridge Meadows in the news here, including information about the documentary film “THE ANTIDOTE,” highlighting Bridge Meadows and other nonprofits living the values of kindness and decency in America.

2021

Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award 

Bank of America selected Bridge Meadows and  Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center + Rosemary Anderson High School as the two 2021 grantees of the Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award. Both organizations will receive receiving grant and leadership training, as well as grants to expand mission capacity.

2020

Drenda Lakin Memorial Award

We were honored to be awarded the 2020 Drenda Lakin Memorial Award For Continuing Service to Adoptive Families by Voice For Adoption, an award given to organizations whose programs provide valuable adoptive family support after adoptions are finalized.

 

2019

Best Nonprofit to Work for in Oregon

Bridge Meadows was recognized as the number 4 best small nonprofit to work for in Oregon by Oregon Business

 

2018

Most-Transformative Project

Dorothy Lemelson House & New Meadows Program was recognized as one of the most-transformative commercial real estate project of 2018 by the Portland Business Journal

 

Visit our News page for more!

Financials

We value transparency

Image of a child sitting on the lap of an elder as they both laugh exuberantly in the brightly lit room

 

Support for Bridge Meadows comes from private donations, foundation grants, business contributions, and rental income. You can view our financial statements (Federal 990, Audit, and Annual Report) from the past several years below.

 

Federal 990

2022

2021

2020

Audit

2022

2021

2020

Annual Report 

2022

2021

2020

Impact Report 

2023

2022

2021

Careers

Join our team!

Group shot of Leadership Staff, Board Members, & Redmond partners

Thank you for your interest in working for Bridge Meadows!

Bridge Meadows is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as a full-time Community Support Specialist position at our Beaverton community. Click the link below to learn more and apply.

Beaverton Community Support Specialist

 

Reach out to our Program Manager, Shawna Hartung, with questions or to submit your application!

About Our Team

Our Bridge Meadows team members advance the mission every day to support children formerly in foster care through intergenerational housing solutions. Our team is passionate and dedicated to the important work we do.

Bridge Meadows is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection of candidates for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, military service, family medical history, legal source of income, gender identity, political affiliation, or family leave obligations. Currently, 27% of our staff represent racially diverse backgrounds and we aspire to continue ensuring racial diversity and life experience to reflect our community members.

We are committed to equity as a core organizational value. We encourage Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and people from groups who are underrepresented in philanthropy spaces to apply for these opportunities and join our team.

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