BRADENTON, FL – Bradenton-based nonprofit Big Dreams Through Small Steps (Big Dreams) has partnered with Goodwill Manasota to help those with disabilities and chronic health conditions to receive critical support. This collaboration will serve to expand Big Dreams’ community initiative, Bridge Abilities, a program dedicated to providing mobility aids and medical equipment to individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions who lack access due to financial hardship or gaps in coverage.

The partnership marks a significant step forward in local efforts to bridge the accessibility gap for vulnerable residents. Bridge Abilities collects, refurbishes and redistributes gently-used medical equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, and other essential assistive devices. The program operates under the belief that no one should be held back from independence or recovery because of income or insurance status.

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading nonprofit dedicated to “Changing Lives through the Power of Work” through its mission-integrated social enterprise operations. Goodwill will bring its organizational strength and logistics network to support the growth of Bridge Abilities. Known for reinvesting in community services – with the goal of lowering barriers to employment through revenues generated by its retail operations – Goodwill’s involvement will expand outreach, storage, and distribution capacities for the program.

Community members can support this initiative by donating gently-used mobility aids and medical equipment. Donations may be dropped off at any Goodwill Manasota donation site. 

Individuals in need of equipment can visit the Big Dreams website to submit a request. The organization will work to match them with available resources based on urgency and inventory.

“Together, our two organizations aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals throughout the region by ensuring they have access to the necessary tools for mobility, rehabilitation, and daily living,” said founder and President of Big Dreams, Misty Ritch. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for all.”

“Goodwill has a long and proud history of lowering barriers and increasing critical access for those with disabilities and other challenging conditions,” added Goodwill Manasota President & CEO, Donn Githens. “We are looking forward to working with Big Dreams Through Small Steps to help those in need to enjoy increased mobility and better health by expanding the efforts of the Bridge Abilities program throughout our community.”

For more about Big Dreams, visit bigdreamsthroughsmallsteps.org. For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. Goodwill’s mission-integrated operations assist individuals with barriers – such as people with disabilities, veterans, older adults, and other impediments to stable employment –  by providing jobs, job skills training and education, and life and career coaching. In 2024, Goodwill served over 7,000 individuals, placed 1,563 in jobs, assisted 463 veterans, collected over 234,600 pounds of food for area food banks, and diverted 98.4 million pounds from landfills. For more information or for a comprehensive listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.

Big Dreams Through Small Steps
Big Dreams Through Small Steps is a 501(c)(3) with a mission dedicated to empowering families and building stronger communities by connecting needs to solutions - one small step at a time. Visit bigdreamsthroughsmallsteps.org.