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Bridges Community Ministries
3933 FM 344 E 
Tyler, TX 75703

Bridges MinistriesA multipurpose Christian campus providing free after-school development, professional vocational mentorship, a community social enterprise Coffee Caf&eacute;, a community theatre, and basic needs assistance for teens in our community.&nbsp;Vision: &quot;To see a generation of East Texas teens restored in dignity and grounded in Christ, walking boldly into their calling with real-world wisdom and God-given purpose.&quot;&nbsp;Mission:&nbsp;&quot;Building a bridge for teens to discover their purpose by teaching, mentoring, and equipping them through faith, creativity, and practical skills, all centered on the love of Jesus Christ.&quot;Core Purpose:&nbsp; Spreading the GospelThe foundational purpose of Bridges Ministries is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every operational platform (from vocational training to hospitality) serves as an intentional avenue to share Christ&#39;s redemptive message, foster true discipleship, and cultivate lasting spiritual maturity in local youth. Public Area:&nbsp;&nbsp;Coffee Caf&eacute; Operations ~ Mon- Fri: Mon&ndash;Fri: 8:00 AM &ndash; 12:00 PMDuring morning business hours, the Coffee Caf&eacute; functions as a welcoming space open to the community. It provides a peaceful sanctuary to slow down, hold meetings, or rest. This operation functions as a direct social enterprise, where community patrons support the ministry, and proceeds help sustain our youth frameworks. Youth Area:&nbsp; After-School Ministry ~ Mon&ndash;Thu: 3:30 PM &ndash; 5:30 PM &bull;&nbsp;Grades 6&ndash;12During afternoon ministry hours, the Coffee Caf&eacute; shifts roles completely to serve as the active After-School Area. It turns into a cozy, protective environment filled with snacks, table games, rich conversation, and encouragement, where students are known by name. Every student receives a free snack, a free drink, and access to developmental tracks. In our main hall and other spaces, students join fun classes that are designed to help them grow. All for the purpose of sharing the Gospel. &nbsp;LIFE SKILLS &amp; TRADES: (not an extensive list)Financial literacy, first aid, auto maintenance, cooking &amp; nutrition, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, and stewardship.&nbsp;ARTS &amp; FAITH: (not an extensive list)Drawing, sewing, photography, theater &amp; creative expression, small groups, Bible study, and discipleship. Mentorship:&nbsp;The Business Mentorship Program ~ Mon&ndash;Thu: 3:30 PM &ndash; 5:30 PMIntegrated directly into our afternoon layouts, the caf&eacute; serves as a real-world vocational launchpad. Running alongside the after-school area hours, students earn required school service hours while gaining practical marketplace experience under direct adult supervision. Teens master professional barista espresso machinery operations, register cash handling, and internal business inventory tracking.&nbsp;~ Community Service Hours available for students. Education:&nbsp; Home School Hub ~ Mon&ndash;Thu: 8:30 AM &ndash; 1:30 PM (During School Year)NEW (still in the works) A collaborative environment built to partner with and support local home-educating families in East Texas. The facility acts as a third space where homeschool co-ops and parents can RENT up to 16 round tables (holding 8 chairs each) or secure custom educational access to specialized lab environments (kitchen, sewing room, garage, podcasting space) to enrich their home-centered academic curriculums while supporting the ministry, and proceeds that help sustain our youth frameworks. Dignity:&nbsp; The Teen Closet in the Style Studio ~ Mon&ndash;Thu: 3:30 PM &ndash; 5:30 PMFor many local students, basic essentials like deodorant, face wash, or fresh socks are financial luxuries rather than standard givens. The Teen Closet in the Style Studio serves as a space of provision and restoration. Outfitted with a vanity counter, sink, and mirror, it confidently empowers youth to select and take home toiletries and unbranded apparel completely free of charge. &nbsp;(Amazon link coming soon)Deodorant, Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Body Spray, Pimple patches, Face Wash, Chapstick, Toothbrushes, Hair Clips, Combs, Laundry pods, Feminine hygiene items, New packaged socks, and Plain unbranded clothing and shoes (All sizes). Community:&nbsp; Theatre ~ Seasonal &bull; By Young Audiences &nbsp;of Northeast TexasThe Bridges Community Theatre is designed for students who want more than just a performance experience. Through professional-level instruction and meaningful mentorship with a Christian worldview, participants develop artistic excellence, confidence, leadership and communication skills, and character. Whether your goal is the stage, the classroom, ministry, college theatre, or simply personal growth, this program provides a strong foundation in the dramatic arts.&nbsp;~ The program focuses on students in Grades 6&ndash;12, but College Students, Adult Learners, and Community Members interested in theatre training and production are also welcome and encouraged to join us.~ Update to website coming soon&nbsp; Community:&nbsp; Weekend Utilization ~ Friday and Saturday &bull; Custom Scheduling/BookingOn Fridays and Saturdays, Bridges opens its facilities to neighboring Christian ministries, faith organizations, and local non-profits to host large-scale productions, advancement ceremonies, or theater gatherings. Space scheduling is managed structurally in exchange for charitable donations to support building utilities, grounds maintenance and support the ministry, while proceeds help sustain our youth frameworks. Bridges Community Ministries is an official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.&nbsp;(Tax ID number 75-2965858)&nbsp; All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Hello <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 196); overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting our cause. This donation greatly helps our mission. If you would like to contribute further to our cause, contact us to become a volunteer, or spread the word about our mission! Velmay Powervelmay@bridgesministries.org

Bridges MinistriesA multipurpose Christian campus providing free after-school development, professional vocational mentorship, a community social enterprise Coffee Café, a community theatre, and basic needs assistance for teens in our community. Vision: "To see a generation of East Texas teens restored in dignity and grounded in Christ, walking boldly into their calling with real-world wisdom and God-given purpose." Mission: "Building a bridge for teens to discover their purpose by teaching, mentoring, and equipping them through faith, creativity, and practical skills, all centered on the love of Jesus Christ."Core Purpose:  Spreading the GospelThe foundational purpose of Bridges Ministries is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Every operational platform (from vocational training to hospitality) serves as an intentional avenue to share Christ's redemptive message, foster true discipleship, and cultivate lasting spiritual maturity in local youth. Public Area:  Coffee Café Operations ~ Mon- Fri: Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PMDuring morning business hours, the Coffee Café functions as a welcoming space open to the community. It provides a peaceful sanctuary to slow down, hold meetings, or rest. This operation functions as a direct social enterprise, where community patrons support the ministry, and proceeds help sustain our youth frameworks. Youth Area:  After-School Ministry ~ Mon–Thu: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM • Grades 6–12During afternoon ministry hours, the Coffee Café shifts roles completely to serve as the active After-School Area. It turns into a cozy, protective environment filled with snacks, table games, rich conversation, and encouragement, where students are known by name. Every student receives a free snack, a free drink, and access to developmental tracks. In our main hall and other spaces, students join fun classes that are designed to help them grow. All for the purpose of sharing the Gospel.  LIFE SKILLS &amp; TRADES: (not an extensive list)Financial literacy, first aid, auto maintenance, cooking &amp; nutrition, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, and stewardship. ARTS &amp; FAITH: (not an extensive list)Drawing, sewing, photography, theater &amp; creative expression, small groups, Bible study, and discipleship. Mentorship: The Business Mentorship Program ~ Mon–Thu: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PMIntegrated directly into our afternoon layouts, the café serves as a real-world vocational launchpad. Running alongside the after-school area hours, students earn required school service hours while gaining practical marketplace experience under direct adult supervision. Teens master professional barista espresso machinery operations, register cash handling, and internal business inventory tracking. ~ Community Service Hours available for students. Education:  Home School Hub ~ Mon–Thu: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM (During School Year)NEW (still in the works) A collaborative environment built to partner with and support local home-educating families in East Texas. The facility acts as a third space where homeschool co-ops and parents can RENT up to 16 round tables (holding 8 chairs each) or secure custom educational access to specialized lab environments (kitchen, sewing room, garage, podcasting space) to enrich their home-centered academic curriculums while supporting the ministry, and proceeds that help sustain our youth frameworks. Dignity:  The Teen Closet in the Style Studio ~ Mon–Thu: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PMFor many local students, basic essentials like deodorant, face wash, or fresh socks are financial luxuries rather than standard givens. The Teen Closet in the Style Studio serves as a space of provision and restoration. Outfitted with a vanity counter, sink, and mirror, it confidently empowers youth to select and take home toiletries and unbranded apparel completely free of charge.  (Amazon link coming soon)Deodorant, Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner, Lotion, Body Spray, Pimple patches, Face Wash, Chapstick, Toothbrushes, Hair Clips, Combs, Laundry pods, Feminine hygiene items, New packaged socks, and Plain unbranded clothing and shoes (All sizes). Community:  Theatre ~ Seasonal • By Young Audiences  of Northeast TexasThe Bridges Community Theatre is designed for students who want more than just a performance experience. Through professional-level instruction and meaningful mentorship with a Christian worldview, participants develop artistic excellence, confidence, leadership and communication skills, and character. Whether your goal is the stage, the classroom, ministry, college theatre, or simply personal growth, this program provides a strong foundation in the dramatic arts. ~ The program focuses on students in Grades 6–12, but College Students, Adult Learners, and Community Members interested in theatre training and production are also welcome and encouraged to join us.~ Update to website coming soon  Community:  Weekend Utilization ~ Friday and Saturday • Custom Scheduling/BookingOn Fridays and Saturdays, Bridges opens its facilities to neighboring Christian ministries, faith organizations, and local non-profits to host large-scale productions, advancement ceremonies, or theater gatherings. Space scheduling is managed structurally in exchange for charitable donations to support building utilities, grounds maintenance and support the ministry, while proceeds help sustain our youth frameworks. Bridges Community Ministries is an official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. (Tax ID number 75-2965858)  All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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