The
Bridge House Shelter
and Veterans' Program
Plymouth, NH
Ami and daughter Haley, bundled up in her new blanket, enjoy an afteroon of Christmas quilt making with St Matthews confirmation students Katy, Jade, and Steph. Ami was one of five Bridge House women who engaged in the activity. Maureen Ebner organizes this delightful annual event. This was the fourth year St Agnes church hall transformed itself into a quilt making workshop complete with hot chocolate, brownies and cookies.
Last spring we found we had more unemployed men living at the BH than ever had in the past. Job availability was scarce. Many business were folding or just not hiring. In order to provide some purpose in the lives of the BH men the house manager and the director decided to join forces with Holly's other passion...the first children is in need... homeless dogs.
That was in March. Since April, twenty-three dogs have been fostered by the men at the BH. Twenty-one have moved on to loving homes. (Two could not be socialized and therefore not adoptable) This partnership has served to elevate the morale at the shelter and it has provided the men with a productive, nurturing outlet.
The recognition of the benefits of animal therapy has also opened the door to our guests as well. The Bridge House is the only shelter welcoming people with service animals.
For more information please contact them at: www.whitemountainrescue.org or write to them at WMFR, 75 Main St. PMB 184, Plymouth, NH 03264.