Our clerkship students visited The Bridge STL, which is a part of the Health Equity and Justice curriculum.
During the visit, they toured both the boutique and their 13,000 sq ft warehouse that serves as the hub for collecting, sorting, and distributing donations. They met with Executive Director Michelle Sortor, who provided a comprehensive overview of their mission and operations.
Clients are referred to The Bridge STL through partner organizations, social workers, healthcare providers, and other community-based resources. A key component of their model is that referred individuals and families have full access to the retail boutique and are treated exactly like any other customer—with dignity, respect, and gratitude.
Michelle also walked us through how donations are accepted, sorted, and either placed in the boutique, redistributed, or responsibly recycled. The organization is deeply committed to sustainability, ensuring that items not suitable for use are recycled rather than ending up in landfills. Their focus on upcycling supports a healthier planet.
The group also heard about the many men, women, and families they support and the meaningful impact of their work across the community. The Bridge STL is already partnering with area private schools and continues to expand its partnerships to grow its resources and support those in need.
This experience strongly aligns with the Health Equity and Justice curriculum. It highlights an opportunity for our community to learn more about The Bridge STL and how to support their efforts.