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Who We Are

TRANSFORMING SOUTHEAST FORT WAYNE

Bridge of Grace Ministries is a Christian community development organization created to transform lives. Through our mission of empowering people to build on their God-given strengths and live life with purpose, we endeavor to break the cycle of poverty and build thriving and sustainable neighborhoods alongside engaged and indigenous community leaders.

We use Asset-Based Community Development methodology for the sustainable development of communities based on their strengths and potentials. This approach puts people at the center as we identify what is good in our community so that we can build on the assets instead of focussing on challenges and what is wrong in our community.

We believe that everyone is created in the image of God with unique strengths and talents. We refuse to see our neighbors as simply our clients or people without anything to offer. Instead, we pray God works through Bridge of Grace to affirm the people in our community. Our role is to help our neighbors realize their value and power.

In Luke Chapter 4, Jesus tells us that He came to proclaim the Good News to the poor, and He didn’t stop there. He speaks about freeing the captives and oppressed, restoring sight to the blind, and proclaiming the year of the Lord. Here we find the holistic ministry of Jesus. He not only cares for spiritual needs, but also the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the people.

The most powerful evangelism of all is not only in speech and word, but actively being the Good News; not just preaching the Gospel but demonstrating the Gospel. Love for our neighbors that is only spoken is not love at all. At Bridge of Grace, we aspire to demonstrate and express love to our neighbors through our actions.

We have a philosophy of service. We believe that it is possible for people to break the cycle of poverty. We believe that communities and neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne can be restored and thrive again.

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Our Foundation

Javier Mondragon aspired to create a ministry with an open door policy to the community after feeling that church doors were closed to him during his childhood in Mexico. In 2007, Javier and his wife, Annette, arrived in Fort Wayne and founded Many Nations Church, a multiethnic congregation in the low-income community of southeast Fort Wayne.

In 2012, Javier established Bridge of Grace Ministries, a faith-based community development organization empowering people to build on their God-given strengths and live life with purpose. Through holistic efforts, Bridge of Grace aims to break the cycle of poverty by building thriving and sustainable neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne. The non-profit supports southeast Fort Wayne residents by closing gaps of opportunity and creating access to resources they need and opportunities they deserve.

Vision
To break the cycle of poverty by building thriving and sustainable neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne.
Mission
We empower people to build on their God-given strengths and live life with purpose.
Purpose

We support southeast Fort Wayne residents by closing gaps of opportunity and creating access to resources they need and opportunities they deserve.

Our Path of HOPE

2008
2009
2010
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2019
2020
2022
2023
2024

Many Nations Church Opens

Recession Hits

Adopt-a-Block Begins

Partnership with Levan Scott Academy leads to starting programs for elementary students after school – Hands on Homework

Bridge of Grace Ministries becomes a non-profit

Violence at the highest level in the neighborhood

Mount Vernon Park Neighborhood Association begins

Fellowship Missionary Church Collaboration

Home Safety Assessment Program

1st Neighborhood Listening Tour

First Home Renovation

First Summer Camps for Youth

BG hires first employees, a Community Development Director

First Pocket Park Opens in MVP

MVP Landscaping Launches

2nd Pocket Park Opens

Habitat for Humanity Partnership Breaks Ground on 1st new house in MVP in over 50 years

Early Years Initiative Starts

HOPE Unleashed Capital Campaign Kick-off

Celebrate 10 years of Bridge of Grace Ministries

Homeownership and Financial Literacy Classes Begin

HOPE Unleashed Capital Campaign Fully Funded

Early Years Academy Opens

Alliance Health Clinic Opens

Stewardship Matters

Rated by Charity Navigator

Annual Reports

Initiatives and Impact for southeast Fort Wayne.

2024 Report

2025 Report

990 Forms

Please click to download the latest available 990 forms.
2023 Report

2024 Report

 

Financial Audits

Please click to download the latest available audits

2024 Audit

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The Bridge of Grace Team

Meet the dedicated individuals who drive our mission forward. Our team at Bridge of Grace is passionate about making a positive impact in southeast Fort Wayne. Get to know the people behind our community-driven initiatives.
Becky Baker Photo
Becky Baker
Faith and Community Care Director
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Patricia Cordero
Office Manager/Executive Assistant
color headshot of David De Leon
David De Leon
Property Construction Manager
Sierra Du Bose
Sierra Du Bose
Programs Director
Dave Gross
Facilities Manager
Megan Litherland
Intern
Frank Lopez
MVP Landscaping Maintenance Coordinator
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Gentel McGhee
MVP Landscaping General Manager
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Chris Minier
Director, Mount Vernon Park Development
Headshot of Jennifer
Jennifer Platt
Fund Development Administrator
Dennis Salazar
Dennis Salazar
Videographer/Grant Writer
Zack Spieth
Director of Operations
Halle Tash
Halle Tash
Youth Programs Assistant
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Jacquelyn K. Walkup
Chief Financial Officer
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Zuri Williams
Financial Assistant

Board of Directors

Discover the leadership behind Bridge of Grace. Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding our organization’s mission and vision for a brighter future in southeast Fort Wayne. Meet the dedicated individuals shaping our community’s progress.

Rob Hayworth – President | Summit Financial Group
Palermo Galindo – Vice President | Consultant and Community Advocate
Andy Binkley – Treasurer | Weigand Construction
Larry White – Secretary | Liberty Group Realty
Dr. Joanne Alvarez –  Ivy Tech Community College (Warsaw)
Steven Hays – Kimball Electronics, retired
Rhonda Meriwether – Purdue Fort Wayne, retired
Jeff Ostermann – Sweetwater
Dr. Lora Overton – Ivy Tech Community College (Fort Wayne)
Brandon Almas – Barrett-McNagny LLP

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We’re Just Getting Started

As Bridge of Grace continues to grow, our commitment to southeast Fort Wayne remains unwavering. Great things are happening in Mount Vernon Park, but we are just getting started!

We invite you to join us as we transform our community one neighborhood at a time. Together we can break the cycle of poverty and close looming gaps of opportunity for our southeast Fort Wayne neighbors.

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Become a Partner in HOPE

Donate
Get Involved
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Stronger Together

Our community partners are committed to bringing HOPE to southeast Fort Wayne. Through their generous support, together we are serving families in Mount Vernon Park through initiatives promoting housing, opportunity, progress, and education.
Become a Supporter

Becky Baker

Faith and Community Care Director

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of the Bridge of Grace team! God gave me a heart for southeast Fort Wayne years ago, and I’ve been privileged to be connected to Bridge of Grace through a church partnership for over 10 years. It is an honor to now serve this community in a full-time role.”

Becky earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Anderson University. She has over 35 years of experience in working with people, first as a social worker with families in transition, and then for the past 21 years in a shepherding role at Fellowship Missionary Church. She loves people and her greatest joy is seeing people discover who God made them to be and find ways to live out that identity.

Patricia Cordero

Executive Assistant

“I grew up in the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood until I was about 20 years old. I have moved out of the neighborhood although I am a lifelong Fort Wayne resident and have had the opportunity to see the positive changes initiated by Bridge of Grace. I am excited to be a part of the team that is making my childhood neighborhood a better place for everyone.”

Patricia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership from Purdue Fort Wayne.

David De Leon

Property Construction Manager

“As a young adult I lived in the Southeast side of Fort Wayne. I used to attend to Many Nations Church. In fact, this is the church where I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I have moved from the area, but the southeast side of town will always feel like home. I had the opportunity to be part of the first rehab houses when Bridge of Grace was just starting. I am excited to be part of Bridge of Grace. It gives me such a great joy to be part of a positive change in our community.”

David has an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Ivy Tech and has worked in construction for approximately 20 years.

Sierra Du Bose

Youth Programs Director

“I moved to the neighborhood 7 years ago and quickly began seeing the improvements that Bridge of Grace was making. It did not take long to know that this was something that I wanted to be involved in! A couple of years later I started working at Levan Scott Academy and got to see firsthand the ways that Bridge of Grace was improving the lives of the families there. Having the opportunity to step into this new role at Bridge of Grace is something about which I am excited. Helping to provide safe spaces after school and in the summer, where not only the students can make connections, but also the parents is something that I take pride in. The work at Bridge of Grace has just begun!”

Sierra graduated from Brown Mackie College and has an Associate’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. Sierra has over 10 years of working with children with special needs and behavioral issues.

Dave Gross

Facilities Manager

Dave Gross brings a diverse background in facilities, construction, and ministry work, with experience spanning the RV industry, home building, plumbing, and church operations. He has served as a facility manager and later as a facility director for a large church and school, where he spent over eight years supporting staff and students. His hands-on expertise, combined with a heart for service, has also led him to run his own business in home remodeling and property management before transitioning into nonprofit work.

Originally from upstate New York, Dave now calls Fort Wayne home, where he and his wife of over 45 years have built a life centered on family, faith, and community. He is passionate about encouraging others in their walk with God and is drawn to Bridge of Grace’s mission to serve and uplift the neighborhood. Outside of work, Dave enjoys traveling the country on his motorcycle, camping in his RV, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Megan Litherland

Intern

Zuri Williams

Financial Assistant

“I am a Fort Wayne native that returned home after leaving for 8 years. I worked in the school system where I got the vision to teach students about financial literacy through my own non-profit. I have always committed myself to giving back to the community through various functions, and being a part of Bridge of Grace community aligns with my goals of assisting with bettering everyone with their financial journey.”

Zuri earned her bachelor’s degree at Tennessee State University in Nashville followed by her doctorate degree from Howard University located in Washington, DC. She continued her education by obtaining her license as a tax professional and starting her own business preparing taxes. Zuri has over 5 years of experience working in finance and educating students on financial literacy.

Frank Lopez

Landscape Maintenance Coordinator

Frank is a proud resident of Mount Vernon Park, where he and his family have lived for the past nine years. The Southeast side—especially the MVP neighborhood—welcomed them with open arms and is a place where Frank has seen firsthand how families can grow, thrive, and build lasting roots.

As an active member of the MVP Neighborhood Association, Frank has served alongside neighbors who care deeply about their community. From beautification and safety to simply showing up for one another, they are committed to strengthening the place they call home.

In the summer of 2024, Frank and his wife, Eyleen, felt called to open their backyard and start a small group with a simple vision: bringing Christ back into the home. What began as a small gathering has grown into Come Alive Church—a community focused on restoring hope, faith, and life to families.

Frank joined Bridge of Grace in 2024, an organization that has played a meaningful role in his family’s journey. It is an honor for him to now serve and give back what they have so freely received, working to make a lasting impact in the community.

Chris Minier

Director, Mount Vernon Park Development

“God placed a strong desire on my heart to move out of secular industry and into a ministry and/or not-for-profit organization. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work at Bridge of Grace. The work that the team has been doing at Bridge of Grace in the last ten years is so impressive. As someone that has only lived in Fort Wayne for a few years, I am also really excited to fully immerse myself in the local community and be a part of an organization making a difference.”

Chris graduated from Goshen College with a BS degree in Management Information Systems and is working on his Masters in Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University. Chris has spent much of his previous career in Engineering and Leadership roles in the Recreational Vehicle industry and other manufacturing organizations.

Jennifer Platt

Fund Development Administrator

“Working for Bridge of Grace and being able to witness firsthand the multiple ways the organization is the love of Christ in this community is amazing! I am so excited to be part of this organization and utilize my skills behind the scenes to assist in ministry being brought to the people in this neighborhood.”

Jennifer graduated from Huntington University with a B.A. in Communications. She has worked in the Not-for-Profit sector for over twenty years.

Dennis Salazar

Videographer & Grant Specialist

“I knew Javier and the work of Bridge of Grace in 2016 when the dream was just beginning for Mount Vernon Park. When I ran into Javier later in 2023, I was immediately ‘Wowed!’ with all that was happening. I have worked in some non-profits in the past, but not at this level of hope and impact. My background is in writing, videography, and just thinking and inventing. I’m so glad I’m going to be able to use my skill sets to help achieve Bridge of Grace’s mission.”

Dennis has a B.A. from Taylor University. He has studied philosophy and has an ardent interest in foreign films and in understanding how stories are told for entertainment and impact.

Zack Spieth

Director of Operations

“After over 20 years in the Air Force, I felt called to a new mission—one centered on investing in people and living out my faith through service. Joining Bridge of Grace Ministries as Director of Operations allowed me to use my leadership experience to support and mentor the dedicated staff serving the Mount Vernon Park and Pettit-Rudisill neighborhoods. I was drawn to the vision of community transformation and felt a deep responsibility to help develop strong teams, foster servant leadership, and pursue God’s will by empowering those on the front lines of this vital work.”

A Fort Wayne native and Air Force veteran, Zack served 28 years with the 122nd Fighter Wing, including a tour at the Pentagon, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Zack holds a Bachelor’s of Biblical Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master’s of Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University. He is the varsity girl’s soccer coach at Blackhawk Christian School and an active member of Harvest Fellowship Church. Zack and his wife have three children.

Halle Tash

Youth Programs Assistant

“Growing up in Columbia City, Indiana, I learned to love this area of Indiana and the people who make it lovely. Working at Bridge of Grace is more than employment to me; it is a partnership with God and a way to express His heart to His people. As I work with our youth, my aim is to encourage them in their identity, gifts, and worth.”

Halle graduated from IUFW with a bachelor’s in social work. She has worked in social services at the Allen County Library and collaborated with several Fort Wayne churches and ministries.

Jacquelyn K. Walkup

Chief Financial Officer

“I am passionate about empowering children and providing them with the tools they need to thrive and make a difference, they are our future. To join an organization who holds the same passion while supporting me in the utilization of my talents in my area of expertise is a gift, blessing, and privilege.”

Jacquelyn leads the Finance Team as the Chief Financial Officer; she has over 24 years of experience in providing professional services across a broad range of finance areas including serving private companies in the accounting, legal, and finance sectors. Jacquelyn received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Legal Studies from Trine University. Jacquelyn’s education and experience in the accounting, legal, and finance industries has prepared her to serve Bridge of Grace and support the ongoing dedication, passion, and commitment to southeast Fort Wayne.