Outreach Projects
Living out our Faith
So what does “living out our faith” look like? Taking action is a necessary part of our relationship with Christ. That’s what makes our Christianity come alive and leave behind the type of legacy Jesus modeled during his earthly ministry. Here, at The Bridge, we encourage our LIFEGroups, missions teams, families, and individuals to find ways to be the hands and feet of Christ by serving others, locally… nationally… and yes, even internationally.
Below are local organizations we have partnered with to reach beyond our walls into our community. Some of these organizations are ongoing partnerships, and some of them are periodic based on the needs of the organization. Either way, we list them here as a resource to you! We understand that often, it’s not that you don’t want to be involved in community outreach, it’s more often the case that you don’t know where to start. If you are looking to get involved, feel free to browse these organizations and ask the Lord where He may want you to share His love beyond The Bridge Church walls.
Let us know how we can help you take your Next Step in “living out your faith”.
Give Kids the World
http://www.givekidstheworld.org/index.php
The story of Give Kids the World begins with a little girl with a wish and the desire of one man to make that wish come true.
The little girl’s name was Amy. Amy had leukemia and one wish – to visit the theme parks in Orlando. To facilitate Amy’s wish, the request of a complimentary stay was made to a respected hotelier. As he had done many times before, the hotelier gladly obliged and Amy’s wish was that much closer to being realized. Sadly, the remainder of Amy’s travel plans took too long to arrange and her wish was never granted; Amy had passed away. Time simply ran out.
This unfulfilled wish inspired a man, the hotelier, to make a vow that no child in need would ever be failed again. That man was Henri Landwirth and his desire to ensure that Amy’s story would never repeat itself is where the story of Give Kids the World begins.
Good News Club – Somerset Acadamy Central Miramar
https://www.cefonline.com/good-news-clubs
Good News Club is an outreach program for the children of Somerset Central Miramar Charter School. It is held on Thursday afternoons after school. There are two divisions of Club: 1st and 2nd grades meet after school – 4:00 pm in the Adventure Zone. The 3rd – 5th grades meet after school – 4:30 pm. All children are invited but must complete the permissions form to attend.
First Priority – Somerset Acadamy Central Miramar
Why First Priority?
There are almost half a million students in the public middle and high schools of southeast Florida. Statistics suggest that over 90% of these teens do not know Christ, which demonstrates the urgent need for us to meet them where they are – the campus. A majority of Christians state that their decision to follow Christ was made by age 18. We could be only one generation away from catastrophic faith abandonment if we do not equip students to fulfill the Great Commission. That is why, since 1998, First Priority has been so passionate about connecting the CHURCH to reach the CAMPUS for CHRIST.
How does it work?
The 1984 Equal Access Act gives students the right to initiate and lead a Christian club on campus. When students start a club, we send them one of our church-approved youth workers to coach them on how to reach their campus for Christ. The success of First Priority begins and ends with the local church. The students, youth pastors & faculty sponsors that partner with us all belong to a local congregation. Once a student receives Christ on campus, they are encouraged to connect to the body of Christ where they can grow in their new faith.
Where is First Priority?
There are almost 200 clubs across seven counties, from South Florida to the Treasure Coast. In addition, we partner with over 120 local churches, 300 volunteers, and thousands of students. To find a club at your school, visit FIND A CLUB. To reach every student on every public middle and high school campus in southeastern Florida with the Gospel… this is our First Priority!
His House Children’s Home
His House Children’s Home is a private, faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to restoring joy to the lives of children from newborn to 18 years of age. Since it was established in 1989, His House has been offering safe, caring homes to abused, abandoned and neglected children in South Florida.
The organization is a frontline provider of residential services for children. Its model is unlike many other residential programs. Each home is staffed with nurturing caregivers who make every effort to create a beautiful, cozy safe haven where children feel safe and loved. Over the past 26 years, His House has restored joy to the lives of more than 10,000 children.
In 2008, the agency opened its His House International program, providing residential care and case management to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) from Central America and other countries of the world. With the success of the UAC program, the agency was selected in 2010 as the United States reception center to receive and care for more than 500 orphaned children from Haiti following its devastating earthquake. His House International has served over 4,000 children in this program since it was established.
His House is committed to breaking the cycle of abuse, while meeting the emotional, medical, educational and social needs of the child. The organization provides programs and services ranging from residential care and foster placement. Children need a safe, loving place to call home during the turbulent times in their lives. His House is a healing place that gives wounded children not only that home, but renewed hope for a brighter future. – See more at: http://www.hhch.org/#sthash.Br5O8sdw.dpuf
Ronald McDonald House
Mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida
The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children in South Florida. Guiding us in our mission are our core values:
- Focusing on the critical needs of children.
- Celebrating the diversity of the programs we offer and the staff, volunteers and donors who make them possible.
- Staying true to our heritage of 32 years of responsible stewardship.
- Operating with accountability and transparency.
Tab-a-thon – We Collect Tabs Here at The Bridge Church
Collecting aluminum tabs is a fun and easy way to recycle and more importantly make a difference in the lives of children and families. Since the start of the Tab-A-Thon program in 2005, almost $30,000 has been raised on this program and continue to raise funds for our Houses. This is over 40 million pop-tabs that have been collected and recycled! Our goal is to continue to collect the pop-tabs in 2015 to benefit the environment and continue to raise funds to our Houses.
Broward Outreach Center
http://www.miamirescuemission.org/
Since 1922, the Miami Rescue Mission has provided meals, shelter, life-changing programs—and hope—to men, women and children in need. Last year, with thanks to donors like you, over 550,000 meals and 220,000 nights of safe shelter were provided to people in need. Our supporters touch the lives of thousands of men, women, and children each year.
Habitat for Humanity
About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Our mission is to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Who is Habitat for Humanity?
As a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry that builds with people in need regardless of race or religion, we welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.
We have more than 1,400 local affiliates in the United States and more than 70 national organizations around the world. Together, we have helped 6.8 million people improve their living conditions since our founding in 1976.
What does Habitat do?
Habitat for Humanity builds houses that are simple, decent and affordable to low-income families around the world. Whenever possible, we build sustainable, energy-efficient and healthy housing.
How it’s possible
Donations to Habitat for Humanity provide vital financial support to help us build and repair houses. In addition, more than 1 million people each year volunteer to build with us under trained supervision.
In the United States, our partner homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments are used to build more Habitat houses.
On a global scale, we use innovative housing finance practices and/or partnerships with microfinance organizations to build and repair homes.