National Charity League San Diego del Norte Chapter Senior Project supports families at Bridge of Hope

National Charity League (NCL) San Diego del Norte chapter’s newly minted high school seniors kicked off the summer June 1 with a remodel at Bridge of Hope in San Diego. Founded in 2005, Bridge of Hope is a nonprofit organization that serves the public by providing food, clothing, and compassionate support to families and individuals—such as refugees, the elderly, single parents, veterans, and those facing crises like homelessness, domestic violence, or addiction—offering a safe haven and tangible resources to help them find hope and stability in times of transition.

While the original Class of 2026 Senior Project included full refurbishment of the center’s family room along with some mural painting in the yard, the scope serendipitously grew to include a refresh of the family room’s adjoining bathroom including fixtures, paint and flooring, according to a news release.

“The remodel had intention. The Class of 2026 wanted to create an environment that feels calm and welcoming so that when families and individuals arrive, they know they are safe,” said Lory Fisher, Class of 2026 Patroness (parent volunteer) and project co-lead, in the news release.

All 25 members of the Class of 2026 Ticktockers (student volunteers) were involved in planning the Senior Project from concept and design to materials and the hard labor of execution.

“The Senior Project is a del Norte chapter tradition and is unique because not every chapter does this,” said chapter president Danielle White, herself a legacy Ticktocker-turned-Patroness, in the news release. In fact, White’s mother was one of the original del Norte chapter founding members. She went on to say, “Being of service in our community is at the core of NCL’s values and we are honored to support the amazing work that Bridge of Hope does for the people of San Diego.”

From the furniture to the flooring, everything in the “family room” had been second hand and the bathroom was in need of an upgrade, as well. Because the family room is where Bridge of Hope volunteers first meet new families and individuals, it’s essential that it be clean, orderly and comfortable.

“At Bridge of Hope, our boots are on the ground: we’re working for the community and we serve 1,700 families each month. So, we’re practical,” said Sheri Briggs, founder and executive director of Bridge of Hope, in the news release.

Committing over 100 hours, the Class of 2026 Ticktockers executed demolition including removal of old fixtures and ripping up carpet and then started the refurbishment project. Over 14 days, the team took shifts to paint, build furniture, install shades and paint three murals in the outdoor spaces.

Additional work was done by Patronesses, family volunteers, and a select few professional contractors who handled professional-grade tasks.

“Watching our daughters share the work, improvise with limited resources and tools and then add their individual creativity and artistry in painting murals was inspiring because teamwork and coordination was key,” said Patroness Corinne Moll in the news release.

“Whether coming from homelessness or domestic violence, the people we serve are coming from chaos,” Briggs continued in the news release. “What was once functional and cluttered is now bright, beautiful and has vision. The remodel really exemplifies our desire to be a place of peace, a soft landing for people.”

Especially meaningful for Briggs is a memorial butterfly mural painted by a group of Ticktockers.

“We have wanted that for so long to honor those who have gone before us. It’s exceeded our expectations and is beautiful and perfect and so meaningful for the community,” said Briggs in the news release. She also noted that Bridge of Hope volunteers have been taking breaks on the family room’s brand new sofa so they can rest for a few moments to enjoy a second mural visible through the newly-framed windows that includes butterflies and Psalm 56:3, “When I’m afraid, I will trust in you.” A notable third mural of a fig tree and grapevine that now brightens up a storage space was created by Ticktocker Maeve McEvoy.

In addition to the fundraising that provided materials and furniture, special donations were made by individual families. Former Ticktocker and Patroness Kate Zimmer and her family donated flooring while Ticktocker Sami Huyghe’s family not only donated bathroom fixtures like the toilet and vanity but also installed them. A decor and design team chose furniture purchased with funds raised earlier in the school year and Ticktockers then built and installed or placed the furniture.

“It was so exciting to be part of something that will mean something to so many families,” said Class of 2026 Ticktocker Mia Fisher in the news release.

Both Bridge of Hope and NCL’s del Norte chapter officially revealed the refurbishment on Saturday, June 28, during Community Day when the facility was filled with the families it serves and who have been enjoying the warm, welcoming atmosphere ever since.

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Find out more about Bridge of Hope on their website at www.bridgeofhopesd.org and on their Facebook page.