About
Bridge House / Grace House was founded on the principle that recovery from addiction could not be maintained without an individual’s basic needs being met.

For over 65 years, it has been our mission to provide substance-use disorder treatment services to those who have lost everything. Individuals come to us hopeless, helpless, and many who are without the will to live. They are provided a safe place to recover and provided with the tools necessary to build a new life. The only organization offering long-term residential treatment in the Greater New Orleans Area; our clinical and vocation-based programs validate each individual as an important member of our community while promoting personal responsibility in a life of recovery. With two housing facilities (Bridge House for males and Grace House for females), we treat over 700 homeless, indigent, uninsured, underinsured, and/or unemployed men and women each year. Our services are offered regardless of one’s ability to pay.

Our Programs

Bridge House / Grace House is a 24-hour, 7 day a week, residential treatment facility that provides substance-use disorder treatment to men and women in two separate locations and regardless of their ability to pay. Bridge House, the residential facility for males is located at 4150 Earhart Boulevard; and Grace House, the only substance-use disorder treatment facility exclusively for women in the Greater New Orleans area, is located at 6321 Stratford Place. Bridge House / Grace House Residential Substance-Use Disorder Treatment Programs provide a continuum of care that ensures all clients referred are evaluated and provided services to meet their individual needs.

Our Program Goals

The overall goal of Bridge House / Grace House Residential Substance-Use Disorder Treatment Program is to increase the quality of life through the provision of specialized addictive disorder treatment services.

  • Sobriety is the highest priority of treatment. However, there is an inherent long-term goal of maintaining sobriety through, healthy restructured life skills.
  • To increase the client’s adjustment and functioning within peer, family, vocational, legal and social relationships.
  • To improve psychosocial adjustment and functioning through the continuing development of services appropriate to the individual strengths, abilities, needs and preferences.
Accreditation
CARF International is an independent, nonprofit organization that surveys and accredits health and human services providers worldwide. A service or program that is CARF accredited has passed an in-depth on-site review and has demonstrated substantial conformance to internationally recognized standards for quality.

CARF International accreditation demonstrates a program’s quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served. CARF International is an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services. Toll free (888) 281-6531. www.carf.org

Bridge House / Grace House has been accredited by CARF since 2013 and is currently accredited in our residential treatment programs. Our accreditation is a public commitment that we strive to:

  • Involve persons served and their families in their service planning.
  • Respect individual cultural preferences.
  • Be accountable to our funding sources, referral agencies, and the community at large.
  • Address health and safety concerns, such as building safety and emergency preparedness.
  • Maintain management practices that are efficient, cost-effective, and based on outcomes and consumer satisfaction.
Leadership

Kevin Gardere

Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Gardere has been an employee of Bridge House / Grace House since 2002. He has been responsible for Major Gifts since 2004. In December 2013, he became the Executive Director of Development and in December 2023 he took over at CEO.  Kevin was a resident at Bridge House and completed the program in April 2002. Kevin went to De La Salle High School and LSU (Geaux Tigers!), is married and has 2 children.

Veronica Buccola Savana, LPC-S

Chief Clinical Officer

Veronica Buccola Savana has been an employee of Bridge House / Grace House since 2014. She has worked as a counselor, Clinical Director of the women’s program, Executive Director of Clinical Services, Compliance Officer, and now currently holds the position of Chief Clinical Officer. Veronica is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor who has 10 years of substance use experience. She is a graduate of LSUHSC with a masters in rehabilitation counseling. She is married with three children.

Walter Wright, CPA

Chief Financial Officer
Walter Wright, CPA joined the Bridge House / Grace House Finance Department in June 2014. He is a native of New Orleans and has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of New Orleans. Walt is a classic rock enthusiast and a high functioning Dairy Queen Blizzard addict.

2026 Board of Directors

Michael Pou, President

H. Elder Gwin, Vice President

Gregory Romig, Treasurer

Susan Tyler, Secretary

Walton Goldring, Immediate Past President

Peter Bowen

R. Vaughn Cimini

Brandon Davis

William Gaiennie

Jeffery Haigler

Nancy Gaden Jackson

Keith Katz

Ryan Kruse

Iggie Perrin

Claudia Powell

Parker Robinson

Suzanne Rusovich

Chip Verges

Sharonda Williams

 

Our Funding

Donations to Bridge House / Grace House take various forms, including cash, services, new or used goods including clothing, furniture, toys, food, and vehicles. 

Your donations to our thrift stores, your donations to our used car lot, and your cash donations sustain us. Bridge House / Grace House would not exist without your support.

56% of our budget comes from your donations!

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