Wendy’s of Santa Clarita is stepping out in support of local charity with its launch of Bridges to Friendship. Every Monday after 4 p.m. until April 30, Wendy’s is giving part of its proceeds back Bridges to Ability.

A Santa Clarita Valley nonprofit, Bridges to Ability offers social, recreational, vocational and educational programs for teens and adults with disabilities.

Rob Montgomery, who owns all four Wendy’s locations in Santa Clarita, hopes that this helps raise awareness for this important charity and will show residents what Wendy’s is willing to do to help local organizations.

“Wendy’s is a national chain, but I am a local owner.  Sometimes I think the importance of the local ownership of the franchise can get lost when the brand is national.  Our work with Bridges to Ability is one instance of the tangible community benefits of a locally owned Wendy’s franchise.  We can make a difference right here in Santa Clarita, supporting local efforts to improve life for all of us who live here.”

“We are so excited to have Wendy’s of Santa Clarita as our partner in our efforts to build bridges to better lives through increased access to integrated community activities,” said Hadassah Foster, Executive Director of Bridges to Ability. Foster has worked at Bridges to Ability since October 2011 and sees the largest need in the organization to be resources that allow them to provide services on a low-cost basis to clients with limited means. “This partnership will allow us to expand programs such as our Special Needs Athletes and Peers (SNAP) sports programs and hire additional staff,” explains Ms. Foster.

This new relationship with Wendy’s is encouraging and an opportunity to demonstrate the power of partnerships between local businesses and nonprofits to make a difference in our community.

To help contribute to Bridges to Ability, residents are encouraged to visit any of the four Santa Clarita Wendy’s locations after 4pm on any Monday from now until April 30. Mention the organization and Bridges to Ability will receive 15 percent of each purchase.