Jen Broderick, Executive Director of Bridges to Housing Stability, Recognized as a WGC Featured (S)hero

By Adora Brown, WGC Student Intern

​The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is highlighting Howard County “(S)heroes Among Us” this year as part of our March 8, 2021 Virtual Annual Celebration.

We believe that all women are (S)heroes in their own ways - women admired for their courage and outstanding achievements. 

And, we are proud to feature five (S)heroes Among Us who have led critical efforts on behalf of organizations that we have funded this year through our Emergency Response Network, who are focusing on widespread community needs affecting women, their families, and the broader community:
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Jen Broderick - Bridges to Housing Stability
Erika Strauss Chavarria - Columbia Community Care
Bita Dayhoff - Community Action Council
Dr. Mariana Izraelson - Grassroots Crisis Intervention
Vanita Leatherwood - HopeWorks of Howard County

Recognized as a (S)hero this year is Jen Broderick, the Executive Director of Bridges to Housing Stability. This nonprofit aims to eradicate homelessness in Howard County, MD. They have significantly amped up their efforts due to family displacement during the COVID-19 pandemic. These values have been especially important to Jennifer throughout her career.

“I live and work in Howard County, so it’s very important to me to make an impact here.  I’ve been involved in homeless services for most of my career as a social worker, and I believe housing is a human right. Nobody should experience homelessness anywhere,” said Jen.

The pandemic has created even more struggles for Jen’s clients. Many people do not have access to essential technology, Wi-Fi access, or even a phone, making the virtual environment even more challenging. Program staff have been acting as tech support for clients, helping them navigate through online applications. Despite these new responsibilities, Bridges to Housing Stability continues to take new initiatives to grow as an organization.

Jen stated, “I’m very excited about the county’s Plan to End Homelessness, and Bridges’ role in rapid rehousing.  I see that through expansion of rapid rehousing services over the next five years, Howard County can functionally end homelessness for key groups like families, chronically homeless, and veterans.”


 

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Jen’s work with Bridges has made a significant impact on preventing and ending homelessness in Howard County by providing affordable housing for their clients. But it takes help the community to accomplish their goals. Jen says, “Seek out the nonprofits and advocacy groups that you know are doing the work you think is important and see what they need.  Your expertise, no matter what it is, is vital for change to happen in Howard County.”

Please join us in thanking Jennifer and all WGC’s (S)heroes for their efforts. And, we hope you will join us in highlighting every day (S)heroes Among Us, by uploading a photo of YOUR Howard County (S)heroes on our WGC (S)heroes Among Us Virtual Mosaic Wall. 

​With your help, we are highlighting women across the county before, during and after our upcoming  Virtual Annual Celebration - "Celebrating (S)heroes Among Us" on Monday, March 8, 2021 - International Women's Day, with Host, WGC Advisory Board Member Candace Dodson-Reed , and  Keynote Speakers:

• Valaida Fullwood: Author, “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists", Creator, The Soul of Philanthropy, and Co-Architect, Black Philanthropy Month

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• Sara Lomelin: Executive Director, Philanthropy Together, and Founder of the Latino Giving Circle Network™, the Largest Network of its Kind in the Country

Who will discuss “Democratizing and Diversifying Philanthropy Through the Power of Collective Giving.” Please join us!