Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheri Briggs.
Hi Sheri, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was a single mother with my son many years ago, We were in need of things for our home. I was waiting on tables at the time. As people began to care for us and help us with basic things we needed – a bed, pots and pans, blankets and other things needed to make a home for my son and I, I saw it was God who was caring for us and providing. This impacted me greatly. So, Bridge of Hope provides these things for people starting over with nothing, just like I was. We hope that with each piece given, it will let the person know they are seen and known by God and He is always faithful no matter what they may go through. We just celebrated our 20 year anniversary at Bridge of Hope SD. We started in my garage in 2005, with a few household items, and now we serve our local City Heights community as well as over 70 agencies across San Diego, who refer families to us. We serve about 1700 families a month; whether that be at our weekly food distributions, or our New Family Wednesdays, or our bi-weekly community day! We have hundreds of volunteers each year and can say, God has provided above all we could ask or think possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We have grown consistently each year since 2005. No it has not been smooth, but it has been miraculous. We don’t fund raise so we pray and wait for every penny and provision that is needed. Throughout many different seasons, ups and downs, we have never closed our doors, but have done whatever we need to to be open and full of all that people may need. My son Nathan, who was the inspiration of Bridge of Hope- who I was a single mother with, died in a diving accident in Mexico on June 3, 2015. He was 26 years old.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wrote a book that came out in 2022. It is called Relentless Pursuit- God’s Gentle Guidance Amidst the Storm. It is a story of redemption and hope. I write a lot about Bridge of Hope in the book along with my personal story and journey. A years after my son died, I became a certified grief coach. I am blessed to sit with and come alongside many mothers who have lost a child, as well as others who are dealing with all kinds of grief and loss.
I am so proud of my children who have persevered through the loss of their brother, and have worked hard, creating beautiful lives that touch many lives.
I am so proud of the Bridge of Hope community- of our family there- all the volunteers and people in the community who have made Bridge of Hope a beautiful safe, thriving and loving place to be.
What does success mean to you?
Being who and what you were created to be. We all have our unique gifts and callings. If we can do that, be that, and not compare ourselves to others, but be the important piece needed for the whole, that is success to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bridgeofhopesd.org and sheribriggs.com
- Instagram: Bridge of Hope Sand Diego, Sheri Briggs
- Facebook: Bridge of Hope San Diego, Sheri Briggs
