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Fuel
the Vision
Bridges For Youth’s
success at reaching kids is dependent upon you believing
along with us.
Bridges For Youth pledges
to continue providing our programs and neighborhood
centers; cost effectively, responsibly and with
maximum availability to youth on a daily basis.
Our low overhead and
presence in the midst of neighborhoods makes your
sponsorship dollars produce the maximum impact and
encouragement to Springfield youth who are at-risk
and disadvantaged.
The Work We Do
I have some imagery that should be
shared about the work we do. Let’s say you’re
out for a walk around a nearby lake. The wind has
kicked up in the neighborhood and you notice there
is a young man swimming a few feet from shore. The
waves are beating against him, preventing him from
getting to safety. You acknowledge his dilemma and
make a decision to save him. The boy struggles as
you are taking him to safety and both of you nearly
drown.
For a brief moment you are relieved
knowing that you have made a difference in this
young man’s life. Then you hear voices in
the direction of the lake again. As you turn you
notice there are three, no four more in need of
help. Your strength fails you and you summon help
from those nearby on the walking path. The passers
by help you save two, and two perish. As you experience
joy at the rescue of the three and sorrow at the
loss of the two you hear yet again more voices from
the lake. Almost unbelieving you turn again to the
lake and see what seems like hundreds of youth bobbing
up and down in the now fierce winds and engulfing
waters of what I call life.
 Out
of humble beginnings at our National Ave. location
in 1998, Bridges for Youth has grown at a miraculous
rate. At that time, we reached 8-10 kids. In May
of 2001, just prior to opening our Nichols St. location,
we were reaching 57 kids. Just two years later,
in May of 2003, 193 youth were registered in our
no-cost programs.The kids poured through our doors
at Bridges For Youth the following year, and we
had a remarkable increase to 404 kids.The increase
continues today with 884 kids registered at our
centers in April of 2007.
Yes,
we are encouraged that we have made a difference
for at-risk and disadvantaged youth on a daily basis,
but we are also troubled by the large number of
youth who we cannot reach right now. I wonder how
many will perish that we could have helped with
just one more monthly sponsor.
It is our prayer that you will share
in this vision and support “10,000
Tomorrows”.
For Christ &
Kids, Steve Hare, Director
“Enlarge the place of your
tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen
your cords, strengthen your stakes.” Isaiah 54:2
| 1st Year Achievements: July 1, 2003 -
June 30, 2004
Mission Accomplished
- 404 youth involved to attend a Bridges For Youth center
- 1 new neighborhood center added in Springfield
- Ingram Mill Center opened January 16, 2004
2nd Year Achievements: July 1, 2004 - June
30, 2005
Mission Accomplished
- 661 youth registered to attend a Bridges For Youth center
- 1 new Bridges center added at Family Violence
Center
3rd Year Achievements: July 1, 2005 - June
30, 2006
Mission Accomplished
- 820 youth registered to attend a Bridges For Youth center
- 1 Neighbourhood Center added 2143 W.High Street
, Springfield Missouri
1 Neighborhood Center added 302 S. Clay
, Marshfield Missouri
4th Year Achievements: July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007
Mission Accomplished
- 912 youth registered to attend a Bridges For Youth center
- New “Upper Room Teen Center” opened at 2236 S. Ingram Mill
5th Year Achievements: July 1, 2007 - February 13, 2008
- 908 youth registered to attend a Bridges For Youth center
- New “Upper Room Teen Center” opened at 1033 W. Nichols
- New Bridges For Youth Office opened at 1039 W. Nichols
Beyond 2008
Our passion and intention is to reach kids across
the United States by planting new Bridges for Youth centers. Trusting
in God, building partnerships and collaborating with funding sources,
we hope to make a national impact in the very near future. |
"The program has been a good way
for my children to make friends."
Aniecsia Luster, single mom of ages 8 & 11 |
"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 |
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