Staff

Mike Fallon

Mike joined Bridge Ministries in June, 2000, and succeeded Harry Woodrow as Manager of the Medical Equipment Department in December, 2000, upon Harry's retirement. Today, Mike manages fourteen regular weekly volunteers, as well as many more occasional volunteers, and one paid employee. Together, they provided equipment to 2,114 families in 2006 valued at $421, 939. Equally important is Mike's service to the many persons who donate their used medical equipment to Bridge Ministries, since about half of those persons have experienced the recent loss of a loved one. And many of the others are facing daily challenges in caring for a person with a significant disability.

Mike brings a wealth of experience in diverse areas, such as the design of jet engines and electric fuel cells, the development of an industrial warehouse building, management of a sales office, and responsible positions in the moving and storage industry. For many years, he has been in charge of the operation and maintenance of his church's steam boiler. He served two terms as chairman of the board of deacons at his church (Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian in southeast Seattle). Mike has many years of first-hand experience caring for family members and friends with disabilities. Mike's religious faith inspires his dedication and work at Bridge Ministries, on behalf of persons of all ages and types of disability.

Mike has said, "I cannot heal the lame as Jesus did. But when I give someone a wheelchair or a walker, and that allows them to travel outside their home, perhaps for the first time in months or years, that makes me feel as if I'm following in Jesus' footsteps. It makes me happy to see someone's face light up, as they receive needed medical equipment, knowing that I have helped to increase their mobility and independence, and their participation in community life."

Education

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington
• Numerous courses in management and personnel issues
• Informal training and advice from many physical and occupational therapists, as well as from the users of the equipment themselves -- persons with disabilities

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