Today we’d like to introduce you to Cedar Bridge Foundation.
Hi Cedar Bridge Foundation, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cedar Bridge Foundation began from a very personal place. As a mother of an adult daughter with autism, I experienced firsthand the uncertainty that comes when a child transitions into adulthood. The structure and support that existed during childhood suddenly became limited, and I saw how easy it was for adults with developmental disabilities to become isolated. Terrie Baker and I (Maria Dowling) met through our shared experiences as mothers, and through many conversations, we realized we were both facing the same reality, not just for our daughters, but for so many families in our community.
What started simply began with creating opportunities for connection. We organized small gatherings so our daughters and others could spend time together, build friendships, and feel part of something. We quickly saw the impact. Confidence grew. Conversations became easier. People began to open up. It became clear that this was about much more than activities, it was about belonging. That is when Terrie and I knew we needed to do more, to help “Bridge the Gap” that so many adults and families face and we made the decision to start Cedar Bridge Foundation.
Our goal has always been to support adults with developmental disabilities in being active members of the community, not only for their own growth, but for the benefit of the community as a whole. We believe real growth happens in real life, not in isolation and not in the classroom alone. Social skills, life skills, and confidence are built through everyday experiences; whether that’s sharing a meal, participating in community outings, volunteering, or learning practical skills in real-world settings. When people feel they belong, they flourish. They begin to see what is possible for themselves, and they realize they are not alone.
This belief led us to develop programs like our Bridge to the Future: Cooking with Confidence program, where participants learn how to plan meals, prepare food safely, and work together in a kitchen. But beyond cooking, they are building independence, teamwork, and confidence. We have watched individuals who were once hesitant begin to take pride in what they can do, support one another, and grow in ways that extend far beyond the program itself.
As we look to the future, one of our most important goals is to expand opportunities that support employment skills and pathways to meaningful work. Employment provides not only independence, but dignity, purpose, and a deeper sense of belonging. We want to help individuals build the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them and valuable to the community.
Today, Cedar Bridge Foundation has become more than Terrie and I ever imagined when we first started. What began with a few individuals gathering together has grown into a true community where friendships are formed, confidence is built, and families find support and hope. Watching individuals grow, try new things, and realize their own potential has been the most meaningful part of this journey. We know there is still more to do, and we remain committed to continuing to create opportunities where every person feels valued, included, and connected.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Today, Cedar Bridge Foundation has become more than Terrie and I ever imagined when we first started. What began with a few individuals gathering together has grown into a true community where friendships are formed, confidence is built, and families find support and hope. Watching individuals grow, try new things, and realize their own potential has been the most meaningful part of this journey. We know there is still more to do, and we remain committed to continuing to create opportunities where every person feels valued, included, and connected.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, and one of the biggest challenges has been building something that is different from the traditional model. Many transition programs available after high school are connected to specific state funding and focus primarily on classroom-based instruction. While those skills are important, our vision has always been centered on real-world experiences, supporting adults with developmental disabilities in the community, where they can build confidence, develop life skills, and truly be part of the world around them.
Because our approach focuses on community-based learning rather than classroom-only settings, securing funding through grants, donations, and philanthropy has required us to think outside the box. We believe adults with disabilities should not be limited to classrooms alone, they deserve opportunities to experience life, contribute, and learn in real environments with the right support.
This path has required persistence, advocacy, and creativity, but it has also reinforced our belief that when individuals are given the opportunity to be part of their community, they grow, thrive, and realize what is possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We support adults with developmental disabilities, such as Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome etc., by creating opportunities to build life skills, confidence, and meaningful connections in real-world community settings. What we are most proud of is the growth we see in the individuals we serve, watching confidence build, friendships form, and families feel supported. What sets us apart is our focus on community-based experiences, not isolation or classroom-only learning. As parents, we understand this journey personally, and our mission is to help adults with developmental disabilities be active, valued members of their community and reach their full potential.
What does success mean to you?
We define success by the growth and confidence we see in the individuals we serve. Success is when someone who was once hesitant begins to participate, builds friendships, learns new skills, and feels a true sense of belonging in their community.
Success is also measured by inclusion, when adults with developmental disabilities are not on the sidelines, but are active, visible, and valued members of the community. Ultimately, success is helping individuals realize their potential and live meaningful, connected, and independent lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cedarbridgefoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cedarbridgefoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedarbridgefoundation
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cedarbridgefoundation
