The Neighborhood Bridge Celebrates the Official Opening of the Bridge Center

Guests arrive for the grand opening celebrations.

TNB Executive Director, Prentice Butler (L), shakes hands with Rev. Carl Morello, Pastor of the Catholic Communities of Oak Park.

(L to R) John McIlwain, ED of Infant Welfare Society; Vicki Scaman, OP Village President; and Cheryl Potts, ED of Community Mental Health Board

(L to R) TNB Board Members Rendel Solomon, Jack Crowe, and Karron Hurks.

(L to R) Vimla Homan, TNB Director of Development, Anthony Shaker, and Jim Jankowski, TNB Facilities Chair

Rev. Carl Morello and Senator Don Harmon

Sandra Diaz of the Aspire Center, and Clara Bonnlander of Austin Coming Together

Mary Beth Hausken, TNB Communications Chair, and Karron Hurks, TNB Board Member

(L to R) Janice Grant, Team Assistant for State Rep. Camille Lilly; Senator Don Harmon; and Lynda Schueler, CEO of Housing Forward

Prentice Butler, TNB ED, introduces Rev. Carl Morello.

Rev. Carl Morello speaks at the event.

Dan Doody, TNB Board President

Prentice Butler, TNB Executive Director

Lynda Schueler, Executive Director of Housing Forward, which has offices in the Bridge Center.

Over 50 guests attended the event.

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon

Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman

The ribbon cutting at the Bridge Center.

Prentice Butler conducts a tour of the building.

Vimla Homan, TNB Development Director, chats with guests in TNB's new flex space.

Jackie Benson, TNB Business Manager, and Christine Wedekind, Pantry Volunteer Coordinator, show off the new Essentials Pantry space.

It was beautiful day in Oak Park on October 16 when more than 50 guests came together to celebrate the grand opening of the Bridge Center, the home of The Neighborhood Bridge. Upgrades to the former St. Catherine-St. Lucy rectory building have been taking place for almost a year, including HVAC updates as well as renovations to the building to create offices, conference rooms, an Essentials Pantry, and flex space for meetings and adult education classes.

Guests at the festive event included Senator Don Harmon, Village President Vicki Scaman, and many leaders from local nonprofits in Oak Park, River Forest, and Austin.

After speeches and the ribbon cutting, guests were treated to tours of the building as well as refreshments.

The Neighborhood Bridge has launched its Advocate Program and Essentials Pantry services at its five partner schools. It expects to also start providing Adult Education classes in 2026.

To learn about volunteer opportunities at The Neighborhood Bridge, go to our Volunteer page.