Where I was
In 2007, I began volunteering as a youth leader. I fell in love with the work, talking with student about Jesus and doing life with them. I was also working in a cafe, and eventually became the assistant manager at a local coffee shop.
What I saw
When the girls I worked with were freshman in high school I started getting phone calls late at night from them saying “I’m on the Hill, and I’m scared…can you come get me?”
I was so frustrated by the fact that kids where getting into trouble, and felt like they have no safe place to go. Then one of the students I work with was hospitalized for attempted suicide. Depression and suicidal tendencies, and drug and alcohol use issues are rampant in Boulder among our youth. I was so frustrated that no one was doing anything about it! Then God invited me to take action and make a difference.
What I wanted to do
God gave me the idea to put my two passions (coffee and teen ministry) and create a nonprofit coffee house FOR teens – The Bridge. The Bridge will be a safe place for students to be known, heard and accepted; they can come to Jesus unhindered.
Where I am now
We are in the process of raising funds for a building. In the mean time we host one or two events per month that are completely free to students. These events are designed as a safe space for students to bring their friends and find rest.