Chatham Bridging the Gap: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Contributed by Chatham Bridging the Gap

Chatham Bridging the Gap is a hyper-local nonprofit organization that provides assistance to temporarily “bridge the gap” for Chatham residents who might face an unexpected financial setback due to a loss of employment, divorce, death of a spouse or a catastrophic illness for example.

Chatham is a wonderful community because of the people who call it home,” says Chatham Bridging the Gap member Ellen Blazoski. “Residents right here in our neighborhood may be going through some difficult times and chances are, people don’t even know it. This is where Chatham Bridging the Gap steps in to help get people back on their feet.

Chatham Bridging the Gap assists individuals and families in a respectful way at no cost and in a highly confidential manner by meeting with the individual or family to better understand the family’s circumstances. Applicants are asked to fill out an application. Services provided include: temporary financial support through food cards, utility or rent support, in-kind gifts such as clothing, shoes, household items, furniture, budgeting assistance, job search assistance, sports/club fee waivers, handyman home repair, emotional support and making connections with Morris County services for available services.

Chatham Bridging the Gap’s generous benefactors have included: Chatham Jaycees, Chatham Fire Department Association, Chatham High School Athletic Boosters, Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church, Fairmount Country Club’s Ladies’ Holiday Luncheon and The Greater Lafayette Classic. Chatham Bridging the Gap also partners with St. Patrick’s Christmas in a Box.

Formerly known as the Chatham Cares & Shares and Local Assistance Board, Chatham Bridging the Gap was founded in 2015 after leaving the municipal government auspices to become a 501c3. The organization has assisted more than 60 families within the Borough and Township. Donations may be mailed to: P.O. Box 271, Chatham, NJ 07928. For more information or if you would like to join the committee of Chatham Bridging the Gap, please email: eblazoski@optonline.net.