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Edith Yoder
Executive Director

Edith Yoder became the first executive director of Bridge of Hope National in April 2002 after serving as executive director of Bridge of Hope Lancaster and Chester Counties since 1990. She authored The Mentor's Resource Guide, a training tool which helps equip caring Christians for an effective ministry of friendship with homeless families. She also co-edited Amazing Hope, the story of Bridge of Hope's first ten years of ministry.

"It has been a joy to see God at work through mentors from various Christian churches," says Edith, who holds a master's degree in Adult and Organizational Development from Temple University.  "Over and over we see that the connection with a mentoring group from a local church makes the difference for homeless single mothers and their families."

Dana Felder
Web and Database Administrator

Dana Felder joined the Bridge of Hope National staff in April 2007, bringing previous experience in financial consulting and retail management to her role.  She is a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford, Pennsylvania; and she has had a lifelong interest in seeing people stuck in tough situations be able to succeed with the support and encouragement of others.

"Most of us have had at least one person in our lives who believed in us," says Dana.  "That's what I like about Bridge of Hope's program.  The help for mothers and children is not only monetary; it also includes mentors - people who say, ‘You can do this!'"

Mindy Fetherman
Director of Marketing and Development

Mindy Fetherman came on staff with Bridge of Hope National in July 2008, having served for 14 years as the director of Outreach for a large Presbyterian church.  She is passionate about people in the church being involved in God's work in the world.  And she says that equipping the church in mission is the great blessing of her professional life.    

"I love that Bridge of Hope calls churches to work together and Christians to put their faith in action!" says Mindy, who holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Administration-related fields.  "I desire to increase resources so that Bridge of Hope can empower more churches to work together in the name of Jesus to help women and children to experience home."  

Wendy Hoke Witmer
Program and Outcomes Consultant

Wendy Hoke Witmer became Bridge of Hope National's Affiliate Consultant for Program and Outcomes in January 2007.  She has a master's degree in Social Work and brings extensive experience in program development and leadership in the child welfare and disability fields.  She goes to James Street Mennonite Church and is a foster/adoptive parent.

"Bridge of Hope has intrigued me for years," says Wendy.  "It gives feet to the Church and support systems for families who are often lacking these when social services exit their lives.  I'm excited to be able to help Bridge of Hope affiliates fine-tune their programs and services to promote the best possible futures for families."

Leslie Homer-Cattell
Director of Outreach

Leslie Homer-Cattell became a staff member of Bridge of Hope National in 2004, having previously served as chair of the Marketing Committee on the board of Bridge of Hope Lancaster and Chester Counties. Her professional experience includes communications work with a number of Christian faith-based nonprofits.

"I enjoy hearing how God is at work in communities across the country," says Leslie, whose role is to communicate Bridge of Hope's vision and talk with Christians who are looking for a way to help single mothers break the cycle of poverty and homelessness." As Christians with eyes of compassion, we can grow in our faith and experience joy and purpose as God's instruments of hope in the world."

Joy Sawatzky
Director of Affiliate Startup and Covenant Services

Joy Sawatzky joined Bridge of Hope National's staff in June, 2006. Her professional career has been rich and varied, including work - as both a nurse and a social service director - with those experiencing homelessness. Joy holds a masters degree in Pastoral Ministries and is an experienced trainer, public speaker, seminar leader and sacred storyteller.

"After years of working on the front lines with social services and churches helping the poor and marginalized, I was immediately drawn to the Bridge of Hope model," says Joy. "It includes training and support for the mentors, as well as professional case management services for mothers in the program. And Bridge of Hope's solid spiritual foundation and the length of the program give the best possible chance for once-homeless women and children to realize a new future. 'It takes a village' to move a mom and her children out of homelessness and Bridge of Hope becomes that 'village.'"

Michelle Wright
Office Administrator

Michelle Wright joined the staff of Bridge of Hope National in August 2008, having worked in customer service and management roles in the fields of travel, finance and health care.  She is a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church where she enjoys coordinating a children's club.

"I first heard about the local Bridge of Hope when our moms' group bought Christmas gifts for a family one year," says Michelle.  "When I was preparing to return to work after my children went to school, I knew I wanted to work with a Christian faith-based organization and make a difference.  This position at Bridge of Hope National was the right fit at the right time."