Creating a community where every immigrant feels welcomed and is empowered to flourish.

Creating a community where every immigrant feels welcomed and is empowered to flourish.

About Us

Our Founding

Project Dignity grew out of our founder’s experience of opening her home to refugees. Through everyday encounters with remarkable individuals, Bridget saw firsthand both the challenges they face and the profound need for supportive communities.

The first person she had the privilege of hosting was Margo, a young woman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her story embodies resilience and courage. As she adjusted to a new culture and faced the uncertainty of her future, her determination inspired Bridget to look beyond immediate support. Margo’s journey emphasized the need for safe, stable housing—an understanding that became a core pillar of Project Dignity’s mission. Margo’s experience also highlighted the importance of job placement, language skills, and the warmth of friendships that build trust. These experiences with Margo and others laid the foundation for Project Dignity.

Vision And Mission

Project Dignity envisions a community where every immigrant feels welcomed and empowered to thrive. In partnership with local resettlement agencies, churches, and community groups in South Bend and Mishawaka, Indiana, we provide tailored support in housing, transportation, language, financial literacy, and mentorship to help refugees transition smoothly and build independent lives.

Our Approach

Project Dignity is grounded in the belief that true belonging comes from being treated with dignity and respect, fostering genuine connection and mutual growth within our shared humanity. Our approach is simple but impactful: in addition to helping to meet immediate needs, we foster friendships and help refugees build dignified lives in their new home. Together, we aim to create communities where refugees can thrive and contribute, strengthening us all.

Meet Our Team

Bridget Donohue

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Bridget brings over 35 years of experience in education and leadership. Bridget’s career includes teaching seminars in Scripture and humanities at Trinity School at Greenlawn, serving as Assistant to the President for curriculum development, and training faculty as a master teacher. She is also an editor and writer at Veritas Journal. During her final year of teaching, Bridget began housing refugees in her own home. This transformative experience led her to establish Project Dignity, where she now serves as Executive Director.

Mae Cheung

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Mae Cheung is the Vice President of Operations and General Counsel for the Bainum Family Foundation and its sister 501(c)(4) organization, the Children's Equity Fund. Mae has dedicated the majority of her 20-year legal career to advising and leading nonprofit organizations. She is particularly committed to nonprofits focused on education and improving conditions for children and families.

Anne Linczer

SECRETARY

Anne Linczer is a veteran teacher and seasoned administrator who has dedicated her life to education. She taught in an overseas university setting, served as associate head of school and faculty member in a classical school, founded a homeschool co-op, and homeschooled her ten children. Fostering a love of learning, educating the whole person, and orienting students toward a commitment to serving the common good are essential components of her approach. She brings a wealth of cross-cultural experience and awareness to her role.

Carrie Urbanski

TREASURER

Carrie Urbanski is the Chief Operating Officer at Healy Group, where she oversees financial operations, human resources, vendor contracts, and a wide range of operational activities. Before joining the Healy Group, Carrie spent 13 years in the nonprofit sector, holding roles such as data analyst, project administrator, and financial director. Carrie is actively involved at St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving as Chair of the Haiti Twinning Ministry. Her most cherished roles, however, are as wife to Matt and mother to their two daughters.

Your Gift Transforms Lives

Every dollar you give helps refugees find dignity and hope as they rebuild their lives in our community. At Project Dignity, we prioritize using your contributions where they matter most — directly impacting the lives of those we serve.

Where Your Donations Go:

  • Safe Housing: Clean, stable, and welcoming homes address a refugee’s most critical need.

  • Job Placement and Training: Connecting refugees with local businesses helps them gain meaningful employment and build financial independence.

  • Technology Access: Essential tools like laptops enable refugees to access online resources, continue their education, and communicate with family and employers.

  • Community Programs: Transportation coordination, English language support, and other services help refugees integrate into their communities.

  • Volunteer Training: We equip volunteers with the skills and understanding needed to make a real difference in the lives of refugees.

  • Long-Term Sustainability: A portion of your gift supports the infrastructure that allows Project Dignity to serve refugees now and for years to come.

How to Give:

Donate Online: Find us on Venmo at @projectdignityindiana

Mail a Check: Send checks to Project Dignity at:
P.O. Box 4184
South Bend, Indiana 46634  

Contact Us: Fill out the Contact Us form to discuss major gifts, legacy donations, or corporate partnerships

Your generosity makes everything we do possible. Thank you for walking alongside refugees as they reclaim their dignity and create a brighter future.

Volunteer

Volunteering with Project Dignity is a powerful way to make a lasting impact. Every effort helps create meaningful change, empowering individuals to rebuild and thrive. We especially welcome volunteers who can provide housing, transportation, language interpretation (Spanish, French and Dari would be particularly useful), or have other skills that might be useful in helping refugees thrive in their newly adopted home (examples include technology, job training, and bicycle repair). Most of all, we are looking for people who want to befriend refugees and make them feel welcome. Fill out the Contact Us form and let us know how you’d like to volunteer with Project Dignity. Join us in making a difference—together, we can uplift and support lives with compassion and respect.

Contact Us

Email: bdonohue@projectdignityindiana.org

Address: P.O. Box 4184, South Bend, IN 46634

Call: (269) 262-1397

Don’t hesitate to reach out—together we can create a community where every immigrant feels welcomed and is empowered to flourish.