About
Bridge the Gap Mission is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income and disadvantaged residents of the southeast Raleigh area. While helping provide for immediate needs like clothing and household items, we also provide educational programs, activities and organized special events that aim to enhance community involvement with the goal of building pride and self-initiative. We participate with other advocates and networks to identify new resources and partnerships that will help us in achieving these goals.
Who we serve:
Based in Wake County, North Carolina Bridge the Gap Mission is actively reaching out to those in need in the Raleigh community. According to the 2017 Census data, Wake County has a poverty rate of 8.9%. When looking at the City of Raleigh as a whole there is a significant increase over the county of 14%. We believe there is a better way. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."
How we serve:
Community Fellowship has been the most important part of building bridges. Each week, Bridge the Gap Mission goes into various neighborhoods in the SE Raleigh area and visits with senior shut-ins. Our team delivers fresh fruit, vegetables, small necessities and enjoy conversations with folks that are secluded from the outside world due to health issues or lack of transportation.
Donations of clothing are given to the Wake Correctional Center “Clothes House” for men and to local transition homes for women that have been released from prison. This is essential to prepare men and women for interviews and to begin their new life.
We host a variety of community events and fundraising activities. All are encouraged and welcome to participate including those in need of community service hours.
Partnering with wonderful nonprofits and local businesses like JobStart, Aspire, Blue Lights College of Apex, Nu Beginning, and Tru Access have helped us expand our outreach programs on multiple levels. We are always looking for new partnerships so we can help others help themselves in as many ways as possible.
Where we serve:
December 2011
Kellan Adkins decided to do something different to celebrate her birthday. She asked several close friends to clean out their closets. They made a big pot of soup to take to a local area to help feed, clothe, and fellowship with individuals in need.
She knew she needed help from someone familiar to the area and community. She reached out to Otis, a community activist in the South East Raleigh community. With his knowledge and voice, it was the perfect combination. Together, the group put on a celebration that touched many lives and created a bond with people in the community. Kellan and her family wanted to continue doing mission work in SE Raleigh community with Otis and came up with the name “Bridge the Gap Mission.” From that point on, a wonderful partnership was formed and BTGM was creating events, gathering clothes and much-needed household items for low-income families.
October 2014
Bridge the Gap Mission’s store officially opened and in March 2015, we became an official 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. First United Methodist Church of Cary has been a strong supporter of BTGM, especially Becky Viersen. Becky’s late husband, Lee, worked with Otis in the community fellowship and in support of his legacy, Becky has become an integral part of BTGM.
We are extremely thankful for the support of family and friends, as well as local businesses, throughout the Triangle area that has helped us progress to where we are today and what our future holds serving our community.
We are extremely thankful for the support of family and friends, as well as local businesses, throughout the Triangle area that have helped us progress to where we are today and what our future holds serving our community.