As a first-generation born American, I have witnessed the communication struggles that my family has faced, especially my grandparents who, after 20 years living in the United States, remain unable to speak English. Growing up, I helped them understand and speak with English speakers, but it was not until they needed weekly visits from a nurse due to their debilitating health conditions that I realized how essential clear communication was to receiving quality healthcare. Consequently, during COVID-19, I volunteered at a local healthcare agency to contact elderly, homebound patients to check on their well-being and provide companionship. I discovered that many of them, like my grandparents, were non-English speakers who faced language barriers when communicating with visiting nurses, physical therapists, and other skilled healthcare staff.

To bridge this gap in communication, I created Bridge the Gap during the pandemic. Motivated by the need for accessible interpretation services, I recruited many individuals with diverse language backgrounds who were willing to volunteer their services for this cause. Many local healthcare agencies have benefited from Bridge the Gap’s interpretive services. Bridge the Gap is dedicated to breaking down the language barriers that inhibit the delivery of quality healthcare while promoting more effective communication in the healthcare field.

In addition to providing interpretation services to local healthcare communities, we have expanded our platform to gather more volunteers and extend our support to a diverse range of organizations. We believe that offering assistance and making a difference shouldn't be limited to just one sector. By connecting with a variety of organizations, we can address various community needs and provide valuable contributions where they are most needed.

Our commitment to breaking down language barriers in healthcare remains at the core of Bridge the Gap's mission. However, we also recognize the broader impact we can achieve by collaborating with different organizations. Whether it's supporting education, social services, environmental initiatives, or other community-focused projects, we strive to make volunteer opportunities easily accessible and meaningful for everyone.

Join us in this endeavor and be a part of our ever-expanding network of compassionate volunteers, dedicated to creating positive change across different spheres in our community. Together, we can make a collective and lasting impact that touches the lives of many.