Mother Teresa often said, “I don’t look at the masses as my responsibility, I look at the individual. I can only feed one person at a time. I can only bathe one person at a time. So let us begin today! One, One, One…” Likewise, our Mission with Bridge of Hope Saint Joseph County, is “To end and prevent homelessness for single mothers and their children, one church, one family at a time”.

This was our message to several very interested pastors from 3 local churches who attended our Lunch & Learn, Tuesday Feb 23rd. We were so pleased to have in attendance:
Pastors from Trinity Evangelical Free Church: Rev. Craig Clapper, Rev. Jim Fair, Rev. John Ferguson and Dr. David Pannabecker.
Pastors from Southgate Church: Rev. Edgar Cabello and Rev. John Wilson.
Pastor from South Side Church of God: Rev. Randy Kerr.

A sense of enthusiasm and anticipation filled the air as pastors and board members fellowshipped before lunch. Board members in attendance were:
Kelly Bowman, Dale Carter, Mike Druley, Pat Druley, Sheila Holody, Bill Killilea, Norma Jean Neff, Marianne Rodtsbrooks and Carol Swope.

What a wonderful time we had, as we shared our mutual passion “To exemplify Christ’s Love and to promote physical, emotional and spiritual wholeness” in our community. Pastors were excited to learn about the Bridge of Hope success model – The 3-Way Partnership – and how their church community can become involved.

The 3-way Partnership provides:

· Mentoring groups from local Christian churches (Professionally trained by Bridge of Hope Saint Joseph County) that eventually become life-long friends and the on-going support group for the mother.
· Professional case management (by the Bridge of Hope professional staff), also providing governance and fund-raising with the support of Bridge of Hope National.
· Bridge of Hope covenant with a homeless mother achieving self-sufficiency through job training, full-time employment, budgeting & parenting skills and life-changing friendships, growth and wholeness through her mentoring group.

This model has an 85% success rate in graduating mothers through the 18 month program. The Pastors expressed strong interest in being involved and in providing mentoring groups from their churches as we begin to accept homeless mothers into the program in the next few months.

One pastor commented that “This is how Jesus loved to teach… over a meal. What a wonderful way to introduce the Love of Bridge of Hope!”

The need is great!

In Our Community
· 45% of babies born in Saint Joseph County are born to single
· mothers
· 76% of these children live below the poverty line in Indiana
· 77% of homeless children will not graduate from High School
· 83% of homeless children will suffer violence or abuse by the age of 18

But Christ’s Love is greater!

Let us begin, One, One, One….

- Mike Druley

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