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.
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.
Interested in living at a Bridge Meadows community? Visit our Contact page for Property Management contact information.
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.
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.
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.
More communities coming soon! Sign up for our general newsletter to receive updates from our team as we expand.
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
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.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FAMILIES
- 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).
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELDERS
- Must be 55+ years old.
- A desire to participate in community living.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
Visit our Contact page for Property Management contact information.
Equity
A place of belonging for all
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Officers
Board Co-Chair: Anna Allen (she/her/hers) | Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
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
Brian Goff (he/him/his), Ph.D. | Clinical Psychologist
Jason Haggart (he/him/his) | Shelter Forest International
Heather Killough (she/her/hers) | Retired, 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) | Retired, Former Portland City Commissioner
Andrew Tweedie (he/him/his) | Umpqua Bank, Social Impact Team
Pat Welch (she/her/hers) | Boly:Welch
Dr. Derenda Schubert (she/her/hers) | Executive Director, Bridge Meadows
STAFF
Executive Team
Derenda 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.
Renee Moseley (she/her/hers), LCSW
Associate Director
Renee Moseley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Associate Director of Bridge Meadows. She manages the organization’s community services, research and evaluation, and oversight 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.
Maryam Bolouri, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Finance & Operations Director
Maryam joined the Bridge Meadows team in June of 2024. She earned a B.S. in Mathematics & Statistics from the University of Sussex, her Ph.D. in Operations Research and Statistics from Oregon State University, and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Oregon. She has 30 years of experience in operations, finance, facility management, affordable housing, and real estate. She has served as CFO and CEO of non-profit organizations, managing $46 million in revenue and 175 staff. Maryam has also served as owner’s rep and has managed multiple affordable housing development projects with budgets of $60 million and up to 172 units. She is passionate about combining her operational and financial background to further the mission of nonprofits and affordable housing projects.
Lisa Steenson, MPH (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 recently received her Master’s in Public Health from Eastern Washington University.
Staff
Sierra 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, ethical living, and effective altruism. 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 and grantees. On the Commission, she is a member of the Equity & Inclusion Committee and has been the Public Policy & Education Committee Chair since 2021. Sierra also volunteers her time on the board of a local affordable housing & land use nonprofit and serves on the Pacific University Alumni Association’s Board of Representatives.
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.
Diane Brandsma (she/her/hers), M.A.
Community Support Specialist II, Beaverton
Diane joined the Bridge Meadows team in the spring of 2024 and brings 30+ years of experience working in the field of mental health and human services. She has a B.S. in Sociology from Grand Canyon University in Arizona and an M.A. in Counseling from Denver Seminary in Colorado. Her experience includes working in various roles in residential and foster care programs, including case management, adolescent and family therapy, and program leadership. She embraces a relationship-centered, strengths-oriented approach and is collaborative in nature. She is committed to social justice advocacy and continuing to learn and grow in cultural humility. The intergenerational approach to building a healthy and supportive community resonates deeply with Diane, and she is thrilled to be a part of the Bridge Meadows mission.
Diane is actively involved with Rotary International, an intergenerational service organization, and is a member of a club in the Portland area. Diane enjoys gathering with family and friends, participating in nature activities – hiking, camping, gardening – as well as cooking or settling in with a good book.
Renee Brooks (she/her/hers)
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 of Education in Counseling Psychology and Human Services in 2004, both from the University of Oregon. Her experience includes 15 years working in various residential treatment roles, including 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, and trauma-informed approach to the Bridge Meadows Redmond 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!
Andrea Cornwell (she/her/hers), MSW
Community Support Specialist, North Portland
Andrea’s journey with Bridge Meadows began as a Community Support Specialist (CSS) intern in 2023. After earning her Master of Social Work (MSW) from George Fox University, she transitioned to a full-time CSS role at the North Portland community. Her background includes working with adults in inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings, supporting at-risk high school students in public schools, and partnering with young adults in need of socio-emotional and academic support.
Andrea is passionate about utilizing a strengths-based perspective and systems theory in her work with individuals across all stages of life. She also loves incorporating arts, movement, and nature into her therapeutic approach whenever possible. With a commitment to humility, equity, curiosity, and compassion, Andrea is dedicated to providing therapeutic and programmatic care in the intergenerational context at Bridge Meadows!
Outside of her professional life, Andrea enjoys cooking and sharing meals, creating art, hiking, biking, and working on the farm with her husband!
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 and animals, being in nature, and cooking. She loves people and is so happy and grateful to be part of the Bridge Meadows team!
Sarah 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.
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!
Kathi 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.
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.
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.
Building Partners
Bridge Meadows works with a team of architects, developers, and construction professionals to build and design each community.
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
Financials
We value transparency
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
Audit
Annual Report
Impact Report
Careers
Join our team!
Thank you for your interest in working for Bridge Meadows!
We are not currently hiring for any positions, but stay tuned to receive updates! Sign up for our newsletters to get news directly to your inbox.
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.
