The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing

04/21/2026

Our very own therapist, Sarah Lake!

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

Dear Friends, Supporters and Community Partners of The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing:

On behalf of our staff, our board of directors, and those we serve, I would like to thank everyone who supported our spring fundraiser, “Fado Night,” with Catarina Avelar and Carlos Furtado. Thanks to keyboard accompanist, Chris Oliveira, and the other talented musicians who shared their gift of music.

We are grateful to St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Warren, RI for allowing us to use their hall and to Richard Bento, a member of both St. Thomas Parish in Warren and also St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Dartmouth, for his exceptional skill in not only coordinating the entire event but in serving as Master of Ceremonies for the night (that itself was worth the price of admission.) Thanks also to our new Development Consultant, Jesika Jennings Davis, for her dedication and support.

I am particularly grateful for Richard’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bento, and their team of kitchen workers who spent two whole days in the kitchen. We thank them for the delicious Portuguese meal. Thanks to Kathy Thomas and Nicole Branco for keeping track of ticket sales and for maintaining the spreadsheet. Thanks to the many parishioners of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Dartmouth for helping to plan the event and for forming an incredible team of volunteers and for creating so many beautiful baskets for the raffle. Thanks also to the many local businesses who donated items.

Finally, many thanks to Bay Coast Bank for their generous donation of $1,000.00 toward this event. Bay Coast Bank is always so centered on the needs of people in the local community and has supported The Bridge in so many ways over the years.

After expenses, we raised a total of $9,200.00 to help support the mission of The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing provides the community with a welcoming environment that promotes mental health and wellness. Our mission is to help people of all ages experience emotional and psychological wellbeing through access to individual counseling, support groups and other programs.

The Bridge is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit counseling center in Dartmouth, located on the campus of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, serving folks from all over the Southcoast region. To further support the mission of The Bridge, we invite you to visit this link: https://givebutter.com/iyoxyN

Thank you again to everyone who supported this amazing event!

Sincerely,

Rev. Scott A. Ciosek
Executive Director, The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing

04/18/2026

REMINDER TO ALL WHO RESERVED TICKETS: Our Spring Fundraising Event is taking place tonight (6:30 to 10:00PM) to support the work and mission of The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing, a counseling center that offers mental health services here on the Southcoast. Thanks to all who purchased tickets and those who are organizing this event! Thank you for supporting this important work we do.

04/08/2026

MEET OUR STAFF: SARAH LAKE, MCMHC, Psychotherapist

Sarah is a master’s level clinician who graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She brings over 10 years of experience working across a variety of mental health settings with individuals of all ages.

Sarah has experience supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental differences, as well as a range of emotional, behavioral, and life transition challenges.

She takes a dynamic, collaborative, and realistic approach to therapy, meeting clients where they are and moving at a pace that feels right for them. She believes that each client is the expert of their own life and works alongside them to build insight, develop practical tools, and navigate challenges in a way that supports lasting growth. Her goal is to create a supportive and genuine therapeutic space where clients feel understood, empowered, and capable of reaching their full potential.

To schedule an appointment, call 508.997.0903

thebridgedartmouth.org

04/08/2026

MEET OUR STAFF: EILEEN DUNLEAVY, LICSW, Psychotherapist

Eileen received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Assumption College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rhode Island College School of Social Work. She is a licensed Clinician with over thirty years’ experience providing therapy to a variety of populations. She believes in a compassionate collaborative approach to assist people to identify their goals to assist them to develop healthy, meaningful and satisfying lives. She incorporates a number of therapeutic interventions into her treatment approach that include solution focused, strength based, person centered, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. She is culturally sensitive, and trauma informed.

She works primarily with adults specializing in anxiety, depression, grief and loss, adoption issues, divorce issues, blended families and trauma.

She understands that seeking therapy can often be uncomfortable and difficult, especially when one is dealing with a difficult life challenge. Her goal is to create a safe, nonjudgemental and supportive space to allow her clients to process their challenges and to gain new skills to seek meaningful resolutions.

To schedule an appointment, call our office at 508.997.0903

04/07/2026

Two of our clinicians at The Bridge, Sarah Lake,MCMHC and Beth Martin, M. Ed, are highlighted in the April edition of Senior Scope by Coastline Elderly Services. Click on the blue link below to learn about finding meaning in life's later transitions...

https://coastlinenb.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SeniorScope_April26.pdf

04/06/2026

MEET OUR STAFF: CATHERINE LEAHY, CLINICIAN

Catherine is a dedicated mental health professional committed to supporting individuals as they navigate the complexities of life. Catherine earned her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and currently serves as a School Adjustment Counselor for Fall River Public Schools. Her clinical background includes extensive work with adolescents and adults, with specialized experience supporting youth with developmental disabilities.

In her practice, she utilizes an integrative psychotherapy approach, primarily drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Person-Centered frameworks to provide tailored, empathetic care. Catherine has a deep love for animals and enjoys spending time at the beach, hiking, and spending time with family. Guided by the philosophy that "it takes a village" to weather life's inevitable ups and downs, she strives to be a collaborative partner in her clients' journeys toward growth and resilience.

To schedule an appointment at The Bridge, please call 508.997.0903.

04/06/2026

MEET OUR STAFF: NICOLE HEANEY, LCSW

Nicole is a licensed social worker (LCSW) with a BSW from the University of Vermont and an MSW from Boston University. Since 1991, Nicole has had the privilege of working in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, legal systems, community mental health centers, higher education, community organizing, and advocacy.

This broad experience informs Nicole of her holistic, client-centered approach. She draws on mindful cognitive-behavioral techniques, insight-oriented strategies, and solution-focused methods to support each client’s unique path. Nicole believes that clients are experts in their own lives, and is committed to working collaboratively to help them achieve their goals and create meaningful change.

To schedule an appointment with Nicole, call our office at 508.997.0903

04/01/2026

WELCOME TO JESIKA JENNINGS DAVIS

I am delighted to introduce a new member of our team at The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing. Jesika Jennings Davis is joining us as our Development Consultant. Jesika and her family recently moved from the Washington, DC area to Dartmouth where her husband grew up. It will be great to have a local person who is invested in the community to do this important work.

Jesika has served non-profit organizations for 15+ years a Director of Development, Chief Development Officer, Vice President of Fundraising, Annual Fund Manager, Director of Annual Giving.

Jesika has over 15 years of experience designing and executing integrated fundraising campaigns, donor engagement systems, and multi-channel marketing strategies. She has extensive experience in driving donor acquisition, retention, and revenue growth through annual appeals, digital campaigns, email marketing, and social media.

JESIKA'S CORE COMPETENICES INCLUDE:
Annual Fund Campaigns & Appeals
Donor Acquisition & Retention
Multi-Channel Marketing (Email, Direct Mail, Digital)
Social Media Campaigns (Facebook, Instagram)
Marketing Analytics & Performance Optimization
Donor Stewardship Systems
CRM Management & Segmentation
AI Tools Integration
Grant Writing
Event Planning
Content Creation (Case Statements, Impact Reports, Appeals)
Fundraising events, donor galas, and public engagement programs

Together with our Bridge staff, Board of Directors and Community Partners, I am very excited about this exciting opportunity as we enter into our second decade of providing mental health services. We are in the process of creating a new vision and fundraising strategy for The Bridge. Jesika is an upbeat, high-energy person who exudes positivity, possibility, and dedication.

Please join me in welcoming Jesika to our growing team!

The Rev. Scott A. Ciosek
Executive Director
The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing

A MESSAGE FROM JESIKA:
I'm thrilled to join The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing as their Development Consultant! With experience spanning community health, the veteran and disabilty communities, and the National Archives, my passion is helping grassroots nonprofits build the kind of sustainable fundraising programs that let them stop worrying and start dreaming bigger. The SouthCoast community deserves what The Bridge is building, and I'm honored to be part of it.

OUR MISSION STATMENT:
The Bridge: A Center for Hope and Healing provides the community with a welcoming environment that promotes mental health and wellness. Our mission is to help people of all ages experience emotional and psychological wellbeing through access to individual counseling, support groups and other programs.