"I believe that Daily devotions have helped my son to have a better temper and more self-control. Thank you so very much for giving to Bridges for Youth. You have helped to make it possible for my child to grow in a positive way."

Kelly Slocum, one child age 7

"[Bridges is beneficial to me as a parent for a couple of reasons]; the kids really enjoy going, and I’m still working so it helps out. Things my children enjoy about Bridges: the friendly staff, they get to play with their friends and get to go outdoors. [The neighborhood has benefited from the Bridges program by the fact that] almost all the kids in the neighborhood go. It brings them together. [Something specific I have noticed in my childen since going to Bridges is that] they have learned to be respectful to those in charge."

Jami Schafer, kids ages 6, 7, 10, and 12

"[Bridges] is great! My boys don’t have to be home for an hour before I get off of work. They love it. Bridges for Youth is a great place for the children [in my neighborhood] to go and have positive influences."

Naomi Mosier, kids ages 11 and 13

"Bridges for Youth gives me a place to take my kids after school where I know they will be safe, so I can return to work. If it wasn’t for Bridges, my children wouldn’t have a safe place to go after school. Thank you so much for helping with Bridges for Youth. It is so helpful and it gives the kids something to do in Marshfield."

Joel Whittington, parent of five kids ages 7-11

"Bridges for Youth helps to instill and affirm values and principles we teach to our children. Every Monday and Thursday I’ll hear the kids discussing the Bridges devotion of the day."

Patricia, parent of three

"They have been reading their bibles more at home to check verses they have learned. Some things they say fit my kids' real-life experiences."
"My neighborhood is a lot better because Bridges keeps alot of kids off the streets and requires better behavior out of them."
"Thank you so very much for giving of what you have to keep this center open for children who really need a safe and nice place to go everyday. Its because of your generosity that they are able to continue to do so."

Shawnda Schmidt, kids ages 8, 8, 11

"Since attending Bridges I have seen that my children have been more and respectful to their elders."
"Thank you very much for your support. This big help (Bridges) keeps kids active instead of doing something they don't have any business doing."

Carisa Brown, kids ages 9, 11, 13, 16

"Devotions helps to reinforce what my children and I work on at home by prayer and the Bible."
"This program benefits kids by getting the Word of God to them, being a safe place for kids to hang out and stay out of trouble, and the fact that Bridges is free helps those families w/lower incomes."

Rebecca D. Cannon, kids ages 9, 11

"Bridges gives my kids a positive environment after school and I don't need to worry about them."
"To those who have given to support Bridges: You are a blessing and thanks for all your time and sacrifice."

Barb Stoddord, kids ages 9, 10, 12

"The kids in our neighborhood know eachother [because of Bridges] and they get along and we have noticed them working together more."
"My girls have help at Bridges that I would probably not be able to give them, and they complete their homework."
"Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I really appreciate your services. May God bless you."

Tonia Lewis, daughter age 8

"Sometimes in the rush of our lives we need a break to be better parents to our children... Bridges gives me that little break I need. Thank you."
"I feel that Bridges has given my child a Christian background that will help her make the right choices in life and I have seen that already take place."
"Thank You to the angels who have made a difference in my childs life."

Cherie Careccia, daughter age 13

"I appreciate all the wonderful people who work and devote their time to help the kids. "

Donna, a parent

"Thank you! Working for my family is made possible from you and the Bridges program.
[Bridges is] something in the neighborhood to help the people and the kids positively!"

Erik, a parent

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You will be blessed with your investment in these kids lives."

Nancy, a parent of 4

"Thank you for helping my children to have a safe and wonderful learning experience with staff I trust—they are very nice and helpful.
The children come while I'm at work—I don't worry about what kind of environment they are in."

Tabitha, a parent

"[Because of Bridges] my children are more respectful of God and they pray more."

Donna, a parent

"My daughter enjoys devotion time the most. Being around kids her own age is another [thing that she enjoys].
Something positive I have seen in my daughter since going to Bridges is that her behavior is better when she comes home. She is learning a lot about how to carry herself. She also is more sensitive to others."

Tawn, a parent

"Bridges is a free after school program that provides a safe place for kids to do homework, get affirmation in a very positive environment and learn more about God and how to make Bible truths make a difference in their everyday life."

Brent and Faith Stilts, child age 10

"It is good for the community and our youth to keep them out of trouble. Gives them a warm, fun, safe environment to play and socialize."

 Alisha, parent of ages 8, 9, & 11

"Bridges is that… A bridge between church, school and home. It allows the children their time in an environment equipped for them and geared to promote good character, which our community needs more of. With crime, drugs, and alcohol controlling so many lives and single parent households, someone had to fill the gap. Please support this awesome program. Its an investment in our future, and not just this year."

Rhonda Diamond, single parent of ages 6,9,11,14

Former Bridges For Youth staff, Melissa Holstein, This e-mail dated Nov. 2, 2006 used by permission.
“As I was browsing through the pictures on Bridges website my heart filled with such an overwhelming feeling. I smiled from ear to ear, but yet choked back tears at the site of some familiar sweet faces of the kids at Bridges For Youth. I have so many memories stored up in my heart from Bridges, memories I would never trade for anything in the whole world. Some of my toughest days at Bridges were the days that I learned the most. I remember the very first kid that I had to kick out for the day. He was so mad at me. He had gotten mad playing pool and he slammed the pool stick down across the table. He was such a hardhearted kid anyways, and when I told him he couldn’t come back the next day, he looked at me like he could have just killed me. It was intimidating, but I stood my ground. When he returned there was a change in him. From that moment on I had a relationship with that kid. He let me past the walls he had built. I will never forget the night I took him to church and he went down to the altar with tears streaming down his face. When he was finished he said, “My heart feels so good”. I could go on and fill up 100 pages of testimonials about the benefits of Bridges For Youth. You will never know what a privilege it was for me to work for you at Bridges For Youth. It changed my life.”

Melissa Holstein, Case Manager
Yell County Arkansas, Specials Services Center

“They notice that the staff are sincere about teaching them good values and living them daily. Your money (support) is not just an investment for now, but will have eternal value in the development of these children.”

Nancy Hendon, parent of ages 7, 10, 13

This editorial appeared in the Springfield News Leader on Nov. 18, 2006
“One of the best programs to help kids stay out of gangs is one I read about in your paper several years ago. They have several facilities in our city. They provide places for kids to go after school-places to do homework, have snacks, and enjoy fellowship with each other and with adults supervising. “
“A new look at what they have accomplished in the past few years might be brought to the attention of the groups that are working to deter interest in gangs. This type of program merits our contributions of money, time, talents and service.”
“Kids need safe places to learn how to become an asset to our community, and they need our support”.

Priscilla Paul, Springfield

“I think Bridges helps kids stay focused with positive things and keeps them from getting into trouble.”

John Clemens, single parent, 10 yr old

“Bridges offers an alternative to the standard after school program, a Christian alternative. The kids really enjoy it.”

Krissi Lowe, kids ages 11 &9

“I know my son has a positive, loving place to go after school. I know kids are not allowed to be disrespectful or to pick on others. Being open later on Friday gives me a little time to myself.”

Cathy Taylor, son is 15

“My girls are learning about the Bible and how important it is to have God in their lives.  It is a positive place where I can trust the role models and they have devotions every day.”

Susan Grady, kids 11 & 13

“It keeps our children off the street and out of trouble between school letting out and parents getting off work. It also promotes social skills and helps with behavior in relating to others.”

Sean Appleby, kids ages 8 & 12

“Being involved in Bridges For Youth Centers produces respectful, caring, responsible youths, and investing in such a program would prove beneficial for our community.”

Carla Edwards, parent of 15 year old

I believe Bridges for Youth gives opportunities to kids. Kids with nowhere to go have a place where they belong, right in their own neighborhood. Kids that lack self-esteem and self-worth are given God’s love and a place in His family. Kids without discipline are given boundaries and rules that show someone DOES care about them. Much like the miracle of the fishes and loaves, God has taken Bridges for Youth, a small under-funded ministry, and given hundreds of kids opportunities they never would have had otherwise.

Bret McGowne
Wood Brite / Wood Renew

"Yes. They love it! (devotions). They pray more, help clean up more in their rooms and around the house. Bridges For Youth has made a wonderful impact on my kids.

God bless! Val-single mom of ages 9 &12

"I am pleased to have been able to support Bridges For Youth over the years. We know the importance of a good wholesome environment for children during the formative years. I believe Bridges For Youth provides such an environment for many children who otherwise would be forgotten."

Mark Harrell-Plaza Realty, long time supporter

"Jeigh told me once that it helped him (devotions) not want to lie. That makes me happy."

Darren Scott-single dad of ages 10,11, & 13

"It has helped my oldest child from hanging out with the wrong kind of people"

Kelly Benton-single mom of ages 5 & 11.

I learned about Bridges for Youth through my school, SMSU. After volunteering at Bridges I realized that this center really helps a mother or father by providing a place for their children to go after school that is free of charge. This keeps the children off the street and gives them somewhere to go to do homework, play with other friends, and gives them a mentor that is there to just listen to them when they need someone. I also feel that it helps children spiritually by teaching children about Christ and allowing them to send out a prayer request for their loved ones as well. I think it would be beneficial to have more centers of this nature.

Blair Funk

"It's a safe and fun place for children to go after school. In some cases this is the only safe place kids have to go."

Cherie Careccia-single mom of ages 10, 16

"Bridges For Youth has provided a moral and safe environment for my children. They have an after school activity that they love to go to and look forward to going everyday."

Barbara Rudy, parent of ages 6,6, 7 & 10

"They love the kids, care about what is going on with their lives. They teach them to be more respectful and more caring about how other people feel."

Vanessa Wheeler, parent of 13 yr old

If I were to sum up why I support Bridges for Youth, it would be that I saw the commitment and time investment that my son, Caleb, was willing to make as a director of one of the centers. He saw the value in having a place where kids could come, be loved, learn about God and have a variety of needs met as a result of the time they spent at the center. As he shared his personal experiences with the kids, it inspired me to tell others and also to get our church involved in supporting the work of Bridges.

Stan Williams

"My children have a safe and healthy place to go after school. With 6 in our family, our resources are limited."

Julie, parent of ages 6, 8, & 10

"My children would not be able to go if it wasn't free. It means a lot to them."

Robin Page, single mom of ages 9 & 12

"Steve had a vision or a dream that only God could have given to him. On faith he stepped out and developed the first Bridges For Youth Center at his own financial risk to him and his family. With God's guidance he took this dream and made a difference in the local community."

Mike Freyer, long time supporter

"Gives my children sense of belonging in age orientated group, with positive and spiritual influence."

Penny, mom of ages 13 & 11 at the Family Violence Center Bridges For Youth

I have always been impressed with the much needed Christian based program Steve Hare has built. Bridges for Youth is changing the lives of kids very much in need. It’s amazing what Steve is able to accomplish every month with the limited budget.

Steve and Bridges for Youth is a true testament to what one can accomplish with the right faith. It’s truly amazing when you see what these children ask for in their prayers. Because it is a Christ-centered program it gives children hope that live in hopeless looking situations.

Bridges for Youth is my favorite charity because I never doubt where the money goes or how it is spent. Thanks, Steve, for all you do. You are an inspiration.

Stan Krempges
CEO
Wood Brite / Wood RE New

"The program has been a good way for my children to make friends."

Aniecsia Luster, single mom of ages 8 & 11

I stumbled upon Bridges for Youth about three years ago while searching the net for information on youth centers. I have been involved with the birthing of a Christian youth center in southeastern Kansas in the capacity of Board of Directors member and Executive Youth Director. I was initially impressed with the professional web site, but became more touched as I read the vision of Bridges for Youth. Since that "chance encounter," I have corresponded with Steve Hare, the director, and have received Bridges' newsletters and emails. Those emails have been of great encouragement and inspiration for me and my fellow board members. We have been able to relate to the challenges of dealing with the struggles of today's youth as Steve has poured out his heart regarding certain situations. We have been inspired by Steve's faith in God to provide for Bridges financially. That faith has actually spurred us on to love and good deeds by supporting Bridges for Youth from our own youth center budget. God has lead us to recognize the heart for kids that Bridges has and to plant seeds in their ministry.

You only need to be around youth for a very short time to see the great need there is in our society for safe and encouraging environments for youth. Kids today face many challenges that would be difficult for most adults to deal with. We have seen the value of having a place for them to attend where they will be safe, loved and at the same time be introduced to Godly principles that can only make them better members of our society and obviously improve their personal lives. Having centers such as Bridges for Youth instill in neighborhood youth the idea that there is some consistency in the world, that there is a better lifestyle and that there is someone who cares. It simply gives them hope.

Joyce McMunn
The Rock Youth Center
Parson, Kansas

"I think they play more constructively, instead of roaming the neighborhood for someone to play with."

Jennifer, single mom of ages 7 & 9

"Bridges For Youth is a good program that allows kids to make choices that are positive"

Quentin Cunningham, parent of 9 year old

"It helps to know that my child is with his friends at Bridges For Youth, having a good time, not running the streets getting into trouble."

Debra, single parent of 15 year old

"It is a positive place for children to go to learn about Jesus, in a world that seems to have forgotten who the Lord is"

Debbie, single mom of ages 8, 10 & 11

"They like doing the daily devotions. I think it makes them have a more positive attitude and they also have fun learning about the Bible and God. "

Lisa Wilken, parent of 6 & 8 year old

"I would say that Bridges reaches the kids that Boys & Girls Club miss. They are bluntly Christian, and to me that's good news."

Christy Gorman, parent of 3, 8, 9 & 15 year old

"Kathryn (staff member) gave my sons Bibles and my son Alex now makes sure that he reads to me from the Bible every night."

Barbara, parent of ages 6, 6, 7, & 10

We first heard about Bridges for Youth about three years ago at Second Baptist Church in our small group. Steve spoke to our class and we were touched by his sincerity, enthusiasm and obvious love for kids who needed to have a place to go after school and to hear about Jesus.

Recently we had the privilege to see the four centers. We were impressed with the facilities and the manner in which they are providing an attractive and well equipped place for the kids to come. They have a snack bar making provision for nourishment in a bright and clean environment. They even have popcorn machines at each facility!

The best part of Bridges is that the love of Jesus is so clearly shown in attitudes, showing patience but appropriate discipline. They also have a time of daily devotions with the kids. We are impressed that Steve goes out of his way to have strong, loving people working with the kids. Steve and Kathy are totally committed to the work and are tireless in giving of themselves.

Bill and Marijo Spick

As a staff member, I was privileged to lead Christ-centered devotions and lift up the needs of the kids in prayer. These were powerful tools that touched their lives in powerful ways.

I have witnessed Bridges nourish kids physically by providing various snacks and meals. But, more importantly, I have witnessed Bridges nourish the souls of kids with the love of Christ. There are many more neighborhoods out there that desperately need a Bridges for Youth. This is simply because all people need their lives to be touched by the heart of God.

Caleb Williams
Staff Member

I am Frank Reynolds, an ordained minister of the Assemblies of God. I pastored for 15 years in Canadaigua and Staten Island, New York and Medford, New Jersey. I was involved in the beginning of the Teen Challenge ministry in NYC with David Wilkerson. I developed and directed the Teen Challenge Training Center in Rehrersburg, PA for 11 years and was the National Teen Challenge Representative for 15 years.

I support Bridges for Youth because it helps the most vulnerable of our youth largely from single parent families. I volunteer at the Greene County jail all day every Wednesday. Many of the inmates have children that need this ministry. They come from an area where drug addiction and alcoholism is taking a toll on families. If these young kids can be given a positive roll model we can prevent them being drop outs and a future problem for society.

Frank Reynolds
Former Teen Challenge National Representative

I am pleased to have been able to support Bridges for Youth over the years. We know the importance of a good wholesome environment for children during the formative years. I believe Bridges for Youth provides such an environment for many children who otherwise would be forgotten. The message you deliver about Christ and God’s love for them may lead to a turning point in their lives. Good work!

Mark Harrell
Plaza Realty

I have personally witnessed the positive impact Bridges for Youth centers have had on youth in Springfield. Kids who otherwise may become involved in gang or drug activity have access through BFY centers to structured play and facilitators who truly care for their spiritual well-being. I have supported the centers because I believe in BFY’s mission, which is to guide youth toward God through the implementation of Christ-centered objectives. The director, Steve Hare, has been and continues to be a positive role model for the college-age young people that volunteer and work for the centers and for the kids who frequent them. I believe that God has anointed Steve to lead this ministry and that many more communities will be graced with a BFY center in the future.

Clay Holmes
Student Load Advisor
Evangel University

As a young missionary many years ago, I worked in a Christ-centered youth program that was part of an inner-city mission. I can tell you from experience that Bridges for Youth is changing our community! The caring and dedicated staff and volunteers work with the hundreds of youth that come through their doors each day, loving them, teaching them and sharing God’s Word in many different ways.

I support Bridges for Youth because I know the value of their programs, having directed similar programs in other cities. Many of the Bridges kids come from single parent homes, where Mom or Dad are working hard to just make ends meet. The love and care these kids receive at the centers is a great encouragement to them, and just may be the difference in their staying away from crime, drugs and immorality. I know that the Bridges board of directors are very conscientious in how they spend their funds, and that every dollar is stretched to help just one more.

The need is great in our community! Yes, we have other youth programs. Yes, we have other fancy facilities. Bridges for Youth has a piece that the others don’t necessarily have: they have Jesus. And they share Jesus with the kids through stories, devotions, games and one-on-one times that God uses to touch their lives. Because the Bridges centers are located in needy neighborhoods, they become part of that sub-community, as as such, get to know not only the kids, but their parents, the stores, the schools and many other programs. When a Bridges family has a need, the staff of the center are close by. Many times a child will bring in a parent to meet a staff member, and that conversation will be the start of a real relationship, allowing the center to begin to have the same impact on the parent.

I commend the Bridges for Youth program to you! The program is having an impact on our community.

Rev. James Harringer
Director
Springfield Victory Mission