Meet the Founders
In November 2003, Lynnelle Williams and Gale Franco-Trowbridge founded WillBridge of Santa Barbara, due to an expressed need in the community for an alternative solution to incarceration for the chronic homeless mentally ill and a Safe Haven for homeless females at risk of violent crimes or sexual assault.
Gale and Lynnelle saw opening WillBridge as an opportunity to utilize all their skills, resources and combined career experiences to assist and encourage homeless individuals to obtain a positive and productive future.
Since its beginning, WillBridge has met the needs of innumerable homeless persons, bringing many of them full-circle to lead rewarding lives. They have truly become a pillar of compassion in the community.
A native of the Island of Bermuda, Lynnelle lived her formative years in New York City and her young adult life in California. Lynnelle earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a Masters in Public Administration (MPA). The National Association of Social Workers, Santa Barbara Unit, has recognized Lynnelle. She has also received numerous outstanding service awards including Santa Barbara Citizen for the Year 1999 and a certificate of recognition for being a panelist for the Leadership of Santa Barbara County.
Lynnelle has worked closely with people who are homeless since 1986. Her experience includes 8 years as Director of the Salvation Army Hospitality House in Santa Barbara, 8 years as House Manager and Assistant Director of Social Services at the Salvation Army U.N. Women's Shelter in NYC, 1 year as Case manager with East 3rd Street Family Shelter in NYC and 3 years with Child Welfare administration (sex abuse unit), in NYC.
Lynnelle has ventured into many areas of social services throughout her work career, but was repeatedly drawn to working with the homeless. It became very evident that working with the homeless was not just a career experience, but also a calling. There is no mistaking that each career created a field of exposure and on-the-job training for all ages, genders and circumstances. Each job experience has strengthened her ability to establish a trusting relationship that encourages individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
Gale, a native of Santa Barbara, has committed herself to a life of service to the Santa Barbara Community and to human needs. A graduate of Santa Barbara Business College and Santa Barbara City College, Gale has received numerous awards for Dedicated Service, Outstanding Service, Uncommon Dedication and a Humanitarian award.
Gale recognized that she had the gift of compassion and giving at a very young age and always found that she eagerly responded to a cry for help. She began working at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church as an Administrative Assistant. Gale attempted to take an early retirement, but she found herself called back to working with the homeless. In September of 2002, Gale became the Administrative Assistant at the Salvation Army Hospitality House. Once again, Gale's job responsibilities went beyond the desk, statistics, and a computer. Gale immersed herself in learning about homeless services and agency providers. Without hesitation, she began working directly with the clients. She readily took over the Mobile Meal Program and has become a friendly face and trusted person among the homeless living on the street. Gale is exceptionally skilled and has 23 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant, but more importantly throughout her working career she has continued to answer her call to work with people in need.
A big thank you to Gale:
Gale dedicated two and a half years of tireless effort in preparation for and establishing the foundation of WillBridge. Her enthusiasm was contagious, her perseverance and diligence exemplary truly to be modeled. It takes a willing heart and the acknowledgment of a specific calling to forego the reservations of society, friends and family to plunge waist high into the circumstances and lives of the chronically homeless mentally ill. With a compassionate heart she openly embraced those that society has little or no understanding for. She laughed with them, cried with them, cried for them, and when they went missing she went looking for them. A kind word, a smile, a hug and a home cooked meal was guaranteed daily medicine. Lives have been touched, nurtured, healed and changed due to Gale's willingness to be an extension of God's hands.
Appreciation, gratitude and thank you are by far simplistic when it comes to accolades deserving of a woman with a pioneer spirit and a warriors heart. These heart felt words are dedicated to Gale Franco-Trowbridge, Co-Founder of WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc.
God's Blessings Always,
Lynnelle Williams, MPA, CEO
Founder