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About The Bridge​

At The Bridge, we believe in the strength of collective action. We’re a hub for connection, designed for our neighbors to foster understanding, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.

Who We Are

A Community-Led Initiative 

The Bridge stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, a grassroots initiative born from the collective desire of neighbors to strengthen the very fabric of their locality. Recognizing the vital importance of accessible resources and comprehensive support systems, The Bridge endeavors to cultivate an environment where every community member has the opportunity not only to survive but to truly thrive.
What We Do

Creating Change Where It Matters Most

Deeply embedded within and entirely focused on the unique needs of the local community, The Bridge operates under a model of self-governance and leadership by its own members. This ensures that its direction and activities are directly aligned with the aspirations and requirements of those it serves. 

The overarching aim of The Bridge is to develop and sustain a vibrant, multifaceted center that actively addresses critical areas of community well-being, specifically focusing on:

Community Investment

Investing in our community through collaboration, partnerships, and shared initiatives that create lasting impact.

Youth Development
In partnership with organizations dedicated to youth, we support a range of programs and opportunities that nurture growth, development, and potential. Together, we create avenues for learning, recreation, and positive engagement that strengthen both young people and the community as a whole.
Healthcare Referrals
Striving to improve the ease with which community members can access necessary healthcare services, information, and resources, working to promote overall health and wellness.

Through these core areas of focus, The Bridge seeks to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build a more resilient and prosperous community for all who call it home.

Our Mission

Cultivating Thriving Neighborhoods in High Point

The Bridge serves as a catalyst for the revitalization and strengthening of High Point’s core neighborhoods. Our mission is deeply rooted in the principles of unity and collaboration, bringing together a diverse array of community resources to address the multifaceted needs of our community. Central to our approach is the strategic leveraging of resources at all levels to maximize our impact and ensure the long-term well-being of the community. The Bridge is a welcoming hub that inspires positive change, serves community needs, and provides educational opportunities to help individuals and families thrive while building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods in High Point.

OUR PARTNERS

Bridge Builders

The Bridge is only possible because of our community network of partners who see our community’s strength and believe in opportunity. 

These partners include, but are not limited to:

Our Bridge Builder wall in the High Point meeting space is updated annually as part of our partner agreements.

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Piedmont
  • Burns Hill Neighborhood Association
  • Carl Chavis Memorial Branch YMCA
  • City of High Point
  • Community Clinic of High Point
  • D-UP
  • Foundation for a Healthy High Point
  • Greater High Point Food Alliance
  • Growing High Point
  • High Point Schools Partnership
  • Macedonia Family Resource Center
  • Ministers Conference of Greater High Point
  • Cone Health
  • One Step Further, Inc.
  • Operation Xcel
  • Southwest Renewal Foundation of High Point
  • Triad Adult Pediatric Medicine
  • Triad Goodwill
  • United Way of Greater High Point
  • Washington Street Community Association
  • Welfare Reform Liaison Project
  • YWCA of High Point
    Guilford County
  • High Point University
  • Triad Health Project
  • Hayden-Harman Foundation
  • Pamela Palmer & Associates, LLC
  • FaithAction International
  • High Point Public Library
  • Tomorrow’s Titans
  • Guilford Nonprofit Consortium
  • Kellin Foundation
  • Visit High Point
  • Resilience High Point

Interested in Becoming a Partner with Bridge?

Contact Us
Our Mission

The Bridge Serves As a Catalyst

The Bridge serves as a catalyst for the revitalization and strengthening of High Point’s core neighborhoods. Our mission is deeply rooted in the principles of unity and collaboration, bringing together a diverse array of community resources to address the multifaceted needs of these areas. We believe in proactively engaging the residents themselves, recognizing their inherent knowledge and lived experiences as essential components in the development of effective and sustainable solutions.

Central to our approach is the strategic leveraging of resources at all levels – local, state, and federal – to maximize our impact and ensure the long-term well-being of the community. The Bridge is more than just an organization; we are a central hub, a welcoming place that actively inspires positive change, diligently serves the needs of our residents, and is committed to providing valuable educational opportunities that empower individuals and families to thrive. Through these interconnected pillars of inspiration, service, and education, we are dedicated to building stronger, more vibrant, and resilient core neighborhoods within High Point.

Meet the Team

Chris Gillespie

Executive Director

Chris Gillespie is the Executive Director of The Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to community building and empowerment through collaborations and service. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has a proven track record of leading successful community based programs and initiatives. He is passionate about creating lasting change and promoting investment in the communities he serves. Prior to joining The Bridge, Chris served as the Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity of Alamance County and West End Ministries in High Point.

Favorite Quote
“I am no longer accepting things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”– Angela Davis
Hobby
Attending sporting events, grilling out, and spending time with family and friends.
My Why
Bringing together faith-based organizations, nonprofits, educators, and community leaders to drive and implement action-oriented initiatives

Detra Betts

Deputy/Development Director

Detra Betts became Deputy/Development Director at The Bridge on March 31, 2025. With a decade of non-profit experience, she began in 2015 advocating for domestic violence victims and combating human trafficking in Rockingham County, NC. She later served as a case manager and advocate in Virginia. Prior to The Bridge, Detra directed a grant project at Guilford College focused on gender-based violence prevention. She also led Family Abuse Services of Alamance County and Haven of the Dan River Region as the Executive Director. 

Favorite Quote
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”– President Barack Obama
Hobby
Singing, Cooking Plant-based Meals, Traveling to the Beach/Mountains
My Why
My ‘why’ is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. There is nothing more inspiring to me than witnessing someone step into a new season of growth, possibility, and confidence. Seeing others realize their potential energizes me, challenges me, and reaffirms my purpose. That transformation, whether subtle or significant, is what fuels my passion and drives every effort I make.

Markeda Bullard

Career Community Navigator

I was born and raised in High Point, NC. I have worked in healthcare for 20+ years as a CNA. I worked in Drug and Alcohol Rehab, Mental Health, and worked with the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Population. I am a caregiver by nature and love to see people be empowered no matter the situation maybe. I accept people where they are and try to give them hope.

Favorite Quote
“Nothing will work unless you do.” and “Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better”—Maya Angelou
Hobby
I love Karoke and playing Spades.
My Why
I am here to give hope for the ones that have slipped through the cracks and feel like they are alone with no help. It takes a village to empower and to grow. I am that person who will assist you through this process big or small. Every milestone will be celebrated. I think everyone deserves to be at a place where they are self-efficient. I may not have all the answers, but I can give them resources.

Marie Kuhl

Operations Manager

Hi there! My name is Marie Kuhl, and I’m from the Triad area. I’m a proud alumna of High Point University. In 2021, I graduated from HPU with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In 2023, I earned a Master of Arts in Communications and Business Leadership from HPU. My passion lies in connecting with others, helping them build meaningful connections, and advocating for those in need. Since graduating, I have interned at Hopefulls, Inc., taught at Hayworth Christian School, and most recently, I worked as an HPU AmeriCorps VISTA for Resilience High Point.

Favorite Quote
“So long as we love we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I would almost say that we are indispensable; and no person is useless while he has a friend.”– Raymond Williams
Hobby
Living life!
My Why
Growing up, I saw firsthand how a lack of resources can limit a person’s future. My ‘why’ is to ensure that others don’t face the same barriers. I want to uplift underrepresented communities because I believe everyone deserves equal access to opportunity, dignity, and hope.

Adriana Jacinto

Community Navigator

My Name is Adriana Jacinto. I’m the newest member at The Bridge. I will be working with the High Point Communities. I’m happy to join the group . I’m looking forward to helping out in the community.  I have three lovely kids who I love dearly with all my heart.

Favorite Quote
My favorite quote is Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my Path”.
Hobby
I have a twin brother and love spending quality time with my family.
My Why
This initiative is important to me because being a Community Navigator allows me to empower and support my community. It gives me the opportunity to share important resources, build relationships and trust among the latinos and diverse communities and help others make informed decisions about their health and well being

Joseph Sprinkle

I’m a recently licensed pharmacist and the current Geriatrics Academic Pharmacy Fellow at HPU! I work with Senior Medication Care, a free service where I and other pharmacists help possibly lower the cost of high-cost medications for people on Medicare in the High Point ZIP code 27260. If you’d like to meet or schedule an appointment, you can call (336) 701-5810 or you can find me at The Bridge on Monday mornings!

Favorite Quote
“Why do we fall, sir? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.”—Batman Begins
Hobby
I like to draw and can do a Goofy impression!
My Why
I first became interested in pharmacy by volunteering at a nonprofit pharmacy in my hometown where we filled prescriptions for those who needed help in our community. Even though it’s a different city and different services, I’m so grateful and happy that I get to keep helping members of a local community as an officially licensed pharmacist.

Patrick Harman

Resilience High Point Board Chair

Dr. Patrick Harman, a High Point native, has been the Executive Director of the Hayden-Harman Foundation since April 2001.  In 2009, he began work on a revitalization effort in the Washington Street area.   In 2016, he began a core city neighborhood transformation initiative, Growing High Point, which has developed effective strategies to address healthy food access through its urban farms, food hub, mobile grocery store, apiary, and engagement with residents through community events.

Favorite Quote
“To be truly radical is to make hope possible, rather than despair convincing.”- Raymond Williams
Hobby
Playing the guitar
My Why
The Bridge is an opportunity to bring the entire community together to encourage, support, and uplift all residents of our amazing city.