Bridging is Arizona's first and only Furniture Bank, incorporated in June 2004 and recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the IRS in March 2005. Bridging was founded by Jim Piscopo, a 30 year Arizona resident. While providing volunteer service at a local domestic violence shelter, Jim recognized an unmet need. Prior to Bridging, once families left the shelter and moved into an apartment or home of their own, very often they did so with little or no furniture. A harsh reality confronts those who are striving to begin again- after deposits, rent and other expenses are paid, there is little or no money left to make a "new" house a comfortable home. Bridging fulfills this need by providing clients a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally select items that appeal to them. In the past 11 years Bridging AZ has provided over 250,000 items to families in need throughout Arizona. read about our Veterans Initiative and Veterans Furniture Project http://www.bridgingaz.com/veterans-initiative/veterans-furniture-project/Winner of Scottsdale Sterling Award for Nonprofit the YearMission Statement: Empowering People and Bridging Lives Toward Self SufficiencyVision Statement: A Community of Realized Potential and Personal Dignity