How We Got Started
Bridge The Gap (BTG) was born out of a compassionate response to President Ronald Reagan’s call for community volunteerism in 1982. Founded by Catherine H. McNair, or Mother McNair, at the Moncrief Senior Citizens Community Center, BTG began as a beacon of hope for the poor and elderly overlooked by the welfare system. Moved by the plight of the marginalized, such as an elderly woman’s tears over her first paper towel roll and a double amputee’s dire conditions, Mother McNair rallied volunteers from all sectors to provide essential social services. Early efforts saw lines of the needy stretching blocks for personal hygiene items, and partnerships with entities like United Way, led by the empathetic Robert Gray, solidified BTG’s mission. With the support of local leaders, businesses, churches, and community volunteers, BTG has uplifted thousands in Jacksonville, including the elderly and handicapped. Today, Yvonne McNair-Lane, Mother McNair’s daughter, continues this legacy with unwavering dedication, leading a team of volunteers who selflessly serve the community, embodying the spirit of BTG’s inception.
Our Mission
The mission of BRIDGE THE GAP is to mobilize volunteers and entities- government, faith, health, business, and the community at large to partner [with us] in filling the gaps that exist in the delivery of fundamental social services to
older adults, persons with different abilities and other citizens requesting support in Northeast Florida.
Our Vision
To transform health and wellness for the underserved in Jacksonville Florida through Bridge the Gap’s food security efforts and other wellness-related services.
Our Purpose
To serve the unmet needs of older adults and people of different abilities by providing necessary services to sustain or improve their quality of life and help provide support of people engaged with the justice system to successfully reacclimate to society.
Our Programs
Bridge the Gap offers a variety of impactful programs aimed at addressing critical community needs. Their Food Insecurity program works to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food, combating hunger in vulnerable populations. The Health and Wellness program focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles and providing resources for physical and mental well-being. Lastly, their Community Improvement program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community through various development projects and initiatives. Together, these programs embody Bridge the Gap’s commitment to fostering a healthier, stronger, and more vibrant community.
Food insecurity
Bridge the Gap sponsors food distribution to promote food security to Jacksonville residents on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This essential community service is possible through our partnerships with Feeding Northeast Florida and local grocery chains (Winn Dixie, Harveys and Publix). Moreover, the second and third Wednesday of the month is designated as Senior
Day, when seniors from numerous senior centers in Duval County are bused in to “shop” for food and fresh seasonal produce from our onsite Garden of Eden, a subsidiary of Bridge the Gap.
Health and Wellness
Bridge the Gap continues to offer educational programs which include healthy nutrition classes/ demonstrations, as well as current plans for offering Health and Wellness Coaching by National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches. The goal is to help participants become empowered toward becoming more active and self-sufficient in their own health and wellness.
Community Improvement
Bridge the Gap partners with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to help/empower females (incarcerated for misdemeanors) return to their respective communities as productive citizens. Classes/workshops for developing effective self-management and social skills serve to accomplish this goal. Skill-development classes are offered in the jail. Selected inmates donate supervised volunteer time on Wednesdays to help with food distribution and practice their new skills.
Garden of Eden
The current community garden is expanding to provide an opportunity for community volunteers to grow their own food. This is a unique arrangement in that Bridge the Gap and its Garden of Eden are located in a City Park, easily accessible to local residents. Bridge the Gap will provide the infrastructure and supervision.
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