COVID-19 Viet Nam Update

The COVID-19 pandemic in Viet Nam is part of the ongoing worldwide virus.  The first known case of COVID19 in Viet Nam was reported on January 23, 2020. As of June 5, 2020, the country had 328 confirmed cases, 293 recoveries, and no deaths.

Business is very much back to normal now.  Churches and schools are open for regular activities.  

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Letter from the President

The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every one of us and our work. For many of us, it means big changes in our daily routines. Non-profit organizations like Bridging Hope are also struggling with how to help our clients and recipients, while also trying to endure the crisis ourselves.

Sister Sen has been working with our partners in Vietnam to bring foods and necessities to some of our most vulnerable clients. We are also continuing to make regular disbursements to our recipient organizations in trying not to disrupt their needed operations. Locally, Sister Sen has been working with a number of volunteers to make cloth face masks and distribute them to the homeless and the needy. 

As you know, we depend on our fall events to provide a majority of our budget. With the current unknown, we are scrambling on how to reach our fundraising goals without these important events. As a loyal supporter, we encourage you to make an online donation that meets or exceeds what you might spend on our event. You can donate online here: Bridging Hope Online Donation

Thank you for your continued partnership during these unprecedented and difficult times. Take care and best wishes.

Luong Ha

President of the Board

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Letter from Executive Director

Dear friends of Bridging Hope,

We hope you and your families are staying healthy and safe during these unusual and challenging times.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. The women and children in Viet Nam are no exception.  Many of them are ​barely surviving due to limited food supplies. In response to these urgent needs, Bridging Hope is providing food and monetary assistance to Viet Nam in several ways: 

• A two-week supply of vitamin C was sent to the elders of the Elder Outreach Program and those at the Thiên Phước Center. 
• ​A two-week supply of food was sent for distribution by local volunteers to the physically disabled members of ​the Threads program during the lockdown. Some members will continue to receive food supplies after lockdown due to their more severe physical limitations.   
• Bridging Hope, along with Denver seamstresses, made about 4000 masks and distributed them to homeless shelters, health facilities and those who requested them. To provide jobs for the women at Mai Tam shelter in Viet Nam, we placed an order for 6700 masks. Many thanks to donors who provided money and materials to help make this project possible!

In addition, Bridging Hope continues to send regular funding to the projects we currently sponsor. All nine of our programs have received their second quarter distributions.  Deep thanks to our 2019 donors, Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Marycrest Franciscan in Denver, and the Christmas for Breakfast program in California, whose donations ​created a reserve for 2020 distributions. More than $200,000.00 ​had been budgeted this year to help support 700 plus women and children with nutrition, healthcare, and education.  This is significant for such a little organization like ​ours.  

The biggest concern now is our 2021 Viet Nam distribution because donations receive in 2020 will be used in 2021. Bridging Hope has received $20,000.00 in donation so far. Our goal for 2021 is $282,000.00.  The Art and the Vietnamese Culture Fundraiser held in the Fall is uncertain at the moment. Please click here to help us to reach our goal. 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks for your continued “bridging hope” with us now and throughout the years.  ​Your generosity truly gives the women and children in Viet Nam hope ​for a better li​fe and a brighter future.  

We are in liminal space, a time of being in “betwixt and between” things.  Our major challenge is the current economic downturn and the increased needs of our women and children.  With your continued assistance, we will find ways to help those who depend on us in so many ways.  May we all be blessed with hope and abundance, trusting that we will get through this time ​and move forward to ​a healing and peace-filled future.  

With gratitude and grace,

Sen Nguyen, OSF

Bridging Hope Executive Director

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Announcements

• Gift of Your Will
  You can secure Bridging Hope’s mission for the future by leaving a gift of your will.  Your donation to Bridging Hope maybe matched by your company!  Check it out with your company’s Human Resources Department
• Matching Donation
  Did you know….?  Your donation to Bridging Hope may be matched by your company!  Please check with your company’s Human Resource Department to see whether your gift can be matched.
• Leave a Legacy of Care
  Please consider designating Bridging Hope in your will or estate plan in order to ensure the continuation of vital assistance to destitute women, children and elderly in Viet Nam.
• Shop at AmazonSmile. 
  A portion on each purchase will be donated to Bridging Hope:  amazonsmile
   
• Do you need face masks?
  Contact Bridging Hope @
  (303) 477-0309 or email
  sen@bridging-hope.org