Background Information

In the spring of 2007, members of the Hartford City Wesleyan Church (HCWC) attended a Poverty
Simulation in Muncie hosted by Teamwork for Quality Living. The impact of this experience ignited a
desire within HCWC to begin to develop a community outreach effort. Thus, Blackford County Hope was
born. The next two and a half years were dedicated to educating ourselves with the type of outreach
conducted in other communities, what resources are available in this area, and the needs of the
Blackford County community. After many meetings, heartfelt discussions, and even hosting Blackford
County's first-ever Poverty Simulation, Blackford County Hope has clarified its focus and developed a
definitive plan. There are several worthwhile resources available within and surrounding our county, but
a need exists for a comprehensive resource center to unite the needy with those resources.

While the Hartford City Wesleyan Church will maintain a database and printed Comprehensive
Community Resource Guide as part of this effort, Bridges to Hope will be the vehicle to apprise the
community of the many resources available to assist them.

Bridges to Hope

Bridges to Hope is a community resource event sponsored by Blackford County Hope (the community
outreach ministry of Hartford City Wesleyan Church). Bridges to Hope events will be offered at least four
times in a twelve-month period beginning in August 2010. The August Bridges to Hope will have a focus
that will ultimately be geared toward single mothers and their families, school-aged children, and
unemployed (or underemployed) heads-of-households. The event will include a free meal as well as
various stations that will offer specific resources correlating to the seasonal needs at that time.
Blackford County Hope committee members will be the primary organizers of the event; however,
volunteers from several organizations will partner with Blackford County Hope to assist community
members in need.

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