Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Torrie Everhart. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Torrie, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mother planted a seed very early in life with her selflessness and eagerness to always help those around her. She served as a team mom for every sport I played, volunteered at each school I attended and physically supported every extra-curricular activity that I participated in. She navigated all of those things while disabled and often ignoring her daily pain yet never missing a “step”. She taught me the importance of serving those in need and just overall being a good human being. Her illustration of love created a call to action and was the jumpstart for a vision to create an impactful nonprofit for the community,

Torrie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Torrie Everhart and I was born and bred in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. I was raised in a single-family household and graduated from Georgia State University. This was no easy task and it took an entire village of godparents, neighbors and coaches that continuously steered me in the right direction. There were many charities and organizations that I volunteered for growing up but I yearned for a way to do more. And that prayer was answered when my business partner and founder Ray Young spoke of a vision that she wanted to create, with my help. From there, BRIDGE OF LIGHT was born.

Bridge of Light is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting at-risk and unhoused individuals change their personal narratives through empowerment, services, and resources. We currently have three mobile resource units where we provide showers, hygiene products, clothing, haircuts, laundry services and job readiness skills for those in need. We also create hygiene closets in schools throughout metro Atlanta for children who are underserved. I believe what sets us apart is that not only do we supply essential needs and services, we also provide homelike environments that promote dignity to those who are often forgotten.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My business partner, Ray Young and I met at Benjamin E, Mays High School where we developed a bond over sports and community. We were basketball teammates in high school and college and that camaraderie extends even today. We discovered our mutual passions and commitment for service which strengthens our dedication to Bridge of Light.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When we first began the process of serving the community, we called our events Spread Love Sunday. We invited our friends and neighbors to clean out their closets, give away their gently used clothes, shoes and outerwear and participate once a month in giving those items to others in need. As we became more familiar with our neighbors without homes, we quickly saw additional needs for hygiene products and sanitation. Understanding the challenges that accompany those experiencing homelessness, we began collecting toiletries and creating what we call Dignity Kits. We promoted collection drives to receive new underwear and socks. These basic essentials made a big difference in promoting self-esteem.

And then we had an even bigger idea, “What if we could put a shower on a bus?” And we did just that. Our first mobile unit consisted of a shower, fully-tiled with a bench for those who were also disabled. These unit paved a way for individuals to receive dignity, no matter where they were. We then implemented the Clean Slate Project which provides free laundry service. We are now able to extend our love throughout tent communities, under bridges, in schools and wherever there is a need to be met. Becoming mobile was the most influential and pivotal part of our journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: Bridgeoflightatl.org
• Instagram: Bridgeoflightatl
• Facebook: Bridgeoflightatl