Cultural Competence and Diversity
Multicultural BRIDGE
Empowerment-Collaboration-Celebration-Learning-Integration
Our Mission since September 2007:
"We promote mutual understanding and acceptance among diverse groups serving as a resource to both local institutions and the community at large. We serve as catalysts for change through collaboration, education, training, dialogue, fellowship and advocacy."
[Governor] Patrick praised the leadership of Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant, BRIDGE’s executive director, calling her a “treasure to Berkshire County and this commonwealth. [BRIDGE] is doing a lot of important work welcoming immigrants and welcoming New Americans—which I think is so important -- and dealing with issues around tolerance and working to build a stronger community," Patrick Said.
-- Berkshire Eagle July 7, 2010, Trevor Jones
Hello BRIDGE Families, Friends and Supporters,
What a fabulous third year we have begun, and we could not have accomplished such success without Berkshire County’s participation!
BRIDGE’s core values are collaboration, integration, education, celebration, and empowerment. All BRIDGE programs, promoting cultural competence and multicultural education in Berkshire County and beyond, are dedicated to fostering respect, communication and pride.
BRIDGE held its first annual Cultural Competence Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on July 5, 2010. Richard Chacón, Director of Office of Refugees and Immigrants, presented the New Americans Agenda and Governor Patrick received a BRIDGE award for Cultural Competency.
BRIDGE and its award recipients earned citations from the Massachusetts State House for significant contributions to our diverse community. Meanwhile, we continue to build a team of culturally competent community consultants and facilitators.
BRIDGE has had a series of remarkable keynote speakers and guests in 2008-2010, including world renowned author Dr. Saidiya Hartman, Civil Rights Attorney Samuel Miller, Governor Deval Patrick, State House Director (ORI) Richard Chacón, Mayor Ruberto, Senator Downing and Berkshire’s own Dr. Homer (Skip) Meade. BRIDGE also continues with its signature Community Multicultural Presentations and has offered 43 to date since September 2007.
BRIDGE’s work with cultural competence outreach, training and education has just begun! With your commitment and support, we can help all Berkshire County residents integrate, welcome diverse populations in this community, cultivate a community free of racism, social injustice and intolerance, and celebrate our diversity. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in 2011!
Please join me in our Accomplishments 2011 campaign and make a donation or better yet sign up to raise funds by inviting your friends to donate to BRIDGE as well!
Best,
Gwendolyn