End of Year updates
A Season of Growth, Graduation, and Gratitude at Bridges of Hope
As the year continues to unfold, we are grateful for the opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaningful progress happening every day at Bridges of Hope Men’s Recovery Center and our sister program, Patrick’s Place Women’s Recovery House. This month, in particular, has given us several moments worth celebrating.
We are proud to share that one of our Department of Corrections–referred residents, whom we’ll call Ted, successfully graduated from Bridges of Hope into his own independent housing. Ted’s journey over the past year is a powerful reminder of what can happen when opportunity meets effort. While living at Bridges of Hope, Ted maintained full-time employment, completed his first quarter toward an Associate of Arts degree in Addiction Studies, and consistently showed up for the work required to rebuild his life. A year ago, neither Ted nor our staff could have imagined the pace and depth of the progress he has made. His success is the result of determination, structure, accountability, and a belief—earned over time—that change is possible.
This month also marked the graduation of another resident, David, who entered our program through Stevens County Drug Court Program. Drug Court is an invaluable asset to our community and a tremendous opportunity for those willing to engage fully in the process. The program is staffed by an experienced, dedicated, and highly qualified team, and our partnership with them has been exactly what collaborative work should look like.
David was referred to Bridges of Hope by a partner organization and entered the house in May of 2025. Through Drug Court, David was able to attend inpatient treatment, where he learned foundational skills that helped him begin reintegrating into society. Since arriving at Bridges of Hope, David has continued to grow—demonstrating responsibility, consistency, and a willingness to apply what he learned. Over time, he distinguished himself as a leader within the house, modeling the behaviors and values we expect from residents in our program.
David’s journey illustrates an essential truth: with intent, support, accountability, and sustained effort, people can overcome struggles related to mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. David is also an active and engaged father in his children’s lives, further showing that recovery is not just about stability—it’s about reconnection and purpose.
Beyond the men at Bridges of Hope, we are also happy to share that two women at Patrick’s Place Women’s Recovery House are doing well and continuing to make progress. Across both houses, residents are working daily to become better husbands, fathers, sons, mothers, daughters, and contributing members of our community.
We continue to prioritize placing individuals from our local community into our recovery housing programs. Time and again, both men and women in our houses are helping shift perceptions about what is possible for those who often struggle the most. Recovery housing is not a magic bullet, and it is not always successful for every individual. That said, decades of research and lived experience show that recovery housing works—and works best—when it is supported, accountable, and community-integrated.
On a lighter note, life at Bridges of Hope includes more than meetings and schedules. We now have eight chickens, all of whom are laying eggs daily and are carefully tended by one of our residents—our unofficial “chicken wrangler.” Reports indicate the hens are happy, healthy, and thriving. If you get the chance, ask us about Greyhawk.
As the Christmas season approaches, we want to wish you and your family a warm and joyful holiday. We are also preparing to ensure that the men in our program—and their children—have a meaningful holiday season. Several of our residents are actively involved in their children’s lives, and we are currently supporting families with children in the following age groups:
Female child, 4–5 years old
Male child, approximately 8 years old, on the autism spectrum
Male child, 9 years old
Female child, 9 years old, autistic
We welcome donations of new Christmas toys for these children. Their interests are varied but fall within traditional expectations for their ages. Donations can be dropped off at Bridges Thrift Store, 284 W. Astor, and given to Jennifer, our Thrift Store Manager. Please mention that the donation is for Operation Charlie Tango.
If you have questions or would like to coordinate support, feel free to email our Director at Director@hopechanges.me.
Finally, thank you. Thank you to everyone who has supported Bridges of Hope and our broader organization—through donations, volunteering, shopping at our thrift store, partnerships, and encouragement. Your support makes these stories possible, and we are deeply grateful.
I would like to also offer a special thanks to the following organizations and their staff: Steven’s County Drug Court, Northeast Washington Alliance Behavioral Health, Rural Resources Recovery Cafe located here in Colville at the former Brown Boys Eatery, the City of Colville, The Steven’s County Government including the Commissioners, New Health, Hope Street Rest Stop, Waters Meet, Innovia Foundation, Arcora Foundation, Providence Medical Group specifically the Well Being Trust and many other individuals who have supported us both publicly and privately!
From all of us at Bridges of Hope, we wish you a peaceful and hopeful holiday season.
Shiloh Reynolds
