Our Mission
Chatham Bridging the Gap helps temporarily “bridge the gap” for Chatham residents who are facing an unexpected financial set-back due to a loss of employment, divorce, death of a spouse or a catastrophic illness. Chatham Bridging the Gap will assist in the most respectful way at no cost in a highly confidential manner.
Our History
Chatham Bridging the Gap (CTBG), formerly Chatham Cares & Shares while under the auspices of Chatham Borough government, is a 501c3 since 2015. A hyper-local nonprofit, CBTG is dedicated to helping Chatham families in their time of need. CBTG has relationships with local governments, churches and nonprofit organizations that help support the needs of community members.
More than 40 Chatham families have received assistance in some way. For qualifying individuals and families, assistance has included financial support for rent, utility bills and food store cards as well as help with employment networking and budgeting assistance.
Our Board
Alex Gibbons - President
Alex, her husband and three daughters have been living in Chatham for 3 years. Alex is currently at home raising her daughters, two of which attend Milton Avenue School. Alex volunteers throughout the community and at her daughters’ schools. She is an avid runner and enjoys discovering the beauty of New Jersey while running throughout town.
Johanna Hamel - Secretary
Johanna and her family moved to Chatham Borough in 2014. Their 8-year-old daughter attends Milton Avenue School. Through her 20+ years in banking, Johanna has worked with numerous nonprofits in New York City including social organizations. She is a managing director at First Republic Bank and has been with the New York Business Banking Team since 2008. Johanna is fluent in Spanish.
Jeanne LeMon - Treasurer
Jeanne and her husband have lived in Chatham for 30 years, raising their five children, with the youngest currently attending Chatham High School. A former CPA with Ernst & Young, Jeanne recently started her ninth year working for BlinkNow Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing financial and operational support to a globally recognized sustainable school, children's home and women’s center in Surkhet, Nepal. Jeanne is also the long-term treasurer for Chatham’s Stanley Preschool.
Jane Thistlethwaite - Board Member
Jane and her husband moved to NJ from England in 2005, following her relocation with Novartis Pharmaceuticals. She is currently working in the Oncology Early Pipeline Strategy team following roles in U.S. and global marketing functions. Jane and her family have lived in Chatham for 13 years, and her two children are students at Chatham High School and Chatham Middle School. She is a Chatham Girl Scout Troop Leader and has previously led several fundraising initiatives for the NJ Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Team in Training.
Stacey McEvoy - Board Member
Stacey McEvoy and her husband have lived in Chatham since 2002. They have a son in college and a son and a daughter attending Chatham High School. Stacey has been involved with Chatham Bridging the Gap for the last six years. A writer, she currently works at Chatham Living magazine.
Chiara Engström - Social Media Chair
Chiara and her husband moved to Chatham in 2007. They have two children at Chatham Middle School. After a career in financial services, Chiara made the switch to the non-profit industry and currently works for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society New Jersey Region. She is passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion and has several years of fundraising and volunteer experience.