Building Bridges Across the Community

CARING MATTERS
Published Thursday January 31st, 2008
Appeared on page C8

What does it mean to build a bridge?

Crossing a gap, comes to mind. Using a bridge to get from one place to another. Or a bridge can be a metaphor. We can build a bridge from one part of our lives to another.

It is with this in mind that the group Bridges of Canada operates. The organization has been in existence since 1987 with its head office in Fredericton. Its original name was Cons for Christ.

The Bridges organization is built on the philosophy that incarcerated individuals, ex-offenders, those at risk to offend and their families deserve respect and dignity. Bridges workers believe these people can turn their life from crime and addiction using prayer. The Bridges organization wants to change the attitude of the incarcerated and ex-offenders to that of a giver from a taker.

Monty Lewis, founder and president of Bridges of Canada, is a prime example of a life changed. He had lived a life of crime but became a changed man, a testament to the power of God. Lewis's story is told in the book the Caper. From this changed man came the foundation for the Bridges of Canada Mission.

One of the biggest services Bridges provides, outside the direct ministry, is its Christmas for Kids program. It provides gifts to the children and dinner for the families of inmates and ex-offenders who are unable to do so. The men and women who need this program have been incarcerated because they made a mistake, but they still love their children. It's important the families of inmates not be forgotten at any time, but Christmas is especially important for the children.

In 1990, Lewis took an inmate along to deliver a few Christmas presents to families he knew were in need. The inmate was so moved by the reaction of the families, he cried. Upon release, the man, a career criminal, changed his life, never re-offended and now works for the Bridges organization. Now, he's a giver.

Between 2000 and 2005, the program grew to 150 families. This Christmas, 505 families with an incarcerated parent were included. The event costs more than $10,000 in cash as well as in-kind donations of gifts, wrapping and delivery. The program is both emotional and rewarding to volunteers who participate.

Bridges of Canada also runs a summer camp for children of incarcerated parents who might otherwise not attend. The camp is called Bar None Camp and does just that, all kids can go regardless of their ability to pay. The camp has a dual purpose. First, it lets children who often have a stressful home situation the chance to get away and be a kid. Secondly, the camp offers a chance for children to learn to make good choices in life.

Bridges of Canada is holding an event to raise money to build a pool at the summer camp. It is being held at the Sunset Church and features the Lapointes, Richard Paul and the Weavers.

For ticket information or more information about Bridges of Canada, call 443-9960 or e-mail bridges@bridgesofcanada.com.

Cindy Sheppard is the executive director of the Fredericton Community Foundation. Her column profiling Fredericton's non-profit agencies appears Thursdays. Please send comments to letters@dailygleaner.com.