Many may not know that The Juniper Center has a nonprofit initiative called Bridging the Gap Collective, launched in 2023. Since its founding, the collective has steadily grown into a mission-driven organization that the entire team is proud to support. Dedicated to serving individuals across the Chicagoland area, Bridging the Gap focuses on helping those who face barriers to mental health care due to limited resources or systemic marginalization. By working alongside other nonprofits and community leaders, the collective aims to spark meaningful change and bring hope where it’s needed most.
Recently, we sat down with Keenen Stevenson, the newly appointed Executive Director, to hear his vision for the future and learn how he plans to lead the organization through its next chapter.
Getting to Know Keenen
Keenen Stevenson, a licensed clinical social worker at The Juniper Center, is also a dedicated social justice advocate focused on educational equity and eliminating healthcare disparities. Reflecting on his college years, Keenen shared, “I decided to pursue a degree in Recreation and Nonprofit Management because I was committed to being part of the solution and creating meaningful change.” His passion for advocacy was deeply shaped by a personal tragedy—losing a cousin to gun violence. That life-altering experience redefined his sense of purpose and fueled his desire to make a lasting impact in his community. Motivated to be a force for change, Keenen became increasingly aware of the systemic issues affecting both his neighborhood and society at large. At The Juniper Center, Keenen initially joined Bridging the Gap Collective as a board member. Recently, he stepped into the role of Executive Director, where he’s now leading efforts to rebrand the organization and expand its impact in the Chicagoland area.
The Many Goals for Bridging the Gap Collective
As Bridging the Gap Collective continues to grow in recognition throughout the community, one of Keenen’s key goals is to build even greater visibility. “We’ve made a significant impact,” he explains, “and it’s important that our community sees and understands that.” A vital part of the collective’s impact comes through its internship program. Several interns at The Juniper Center have had the opportunity to work with clients through Bridging the Gap, gaining hands-on experience while providing much-needed care to individuals without access to insurance. Keenen recalls supervising intern Amanda Valenti, who described her time with the collective as “an incredible and immersive experience.” She highlighted the value of connecting with fellow interns on a similar journey and reflected on how the experience helped shape her identity as a clinician in training. This commitment to cultivating future mental health professionals—while expanding access to care—remains central to Bridging the Gap’s mission as it continues to grow and serve the Chicagoland community.
Sharing the Message With the Community
Raising awareness is no small task—it takes a collective effort to share Bridging the Gap’s mission and establish it as a staple in the nonprofit mental health community. Fortunately, the board is rising to the challenge. Through fundraisers, social media outreach, and active participation in community events, they’re working to elevate the collective’s visibility and expand its reach. Keenen emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication in that process: “One of the core strategies I’m using—and plan to expand—is engaging in honest, clear conversations. I want to share concise, fact-based information that shows how we are making a measurable difference. When people understand our impact, they are more likely to support and invest in our mission.” That clarity is paying off. Community support is steadily growing—from board members hosting birthday fundraisers on Facebook to colleagues across the mental health field contributing to the cause. The Bridging the Gap Collective is deeply grateful for this growing wave of support and looks forward to building even stronger community connections in the future.
What’s Next for Bridging the Gap?
Looking ahead, the Bridging the Gap Collective has big goals on the horizon. The board is focused on expanding the collective’s reach—not only by growing its client base and welcoming more interns, but also by deepening its presence in the community. Keenen shares his vision for what’s next: “I envision the organization offering case management, expanding mental health services, and building even more community partnerships. I firmly believe that as we continue to grow and navigate uncertainty, our resilience will stand out. Our ability to adapt and respond as a united team will show donors, partners, and the wider community that we are capable of rising to meet any challenge together.” To learn more about Bridging the Gap Collective or find ways to support its mission, visit thejunipercenter.com/bridging-the-gap. Donations are always welcome from those who believe in our vision, values, and the power of accessible mental health care. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest updates—there’s so much more to come!