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 work alongside residents and community partners to break the cycle of poverty and build thriving and sustainable neighborhoods in Southeast Fort Wayne.
We believe every person is created in the image of God and possesses unique gifts, talents, and potential. Rather than focusing on what is wrong in our community, we seek to identify what is good and build upon the strengths that already exist. Through an Asset Based Community Development approach, we put people at the center, cultivating meaningful relationships, developing indigenous leaders, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to flourish.
Inspired by the holistic ministry of Jesus in Luke 4, we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ by demonstrating the Gospel through both word and action. Through Housing, Opportunity, Progress, and Education (H.O.P.E.), we aspire to empower people, strengthen neighborhoods, and create lasting, Christ-centered renewal throughout Southeast Fort Wayne.
Our Foundation
As a child growing up in Mexico, Javier Mondragon often felt as though the doors of the church were closed to him. That experience planted a vision in his heart to create a ministry where everyone would feel welcomed, valued, and loved.
In 2007, Javier and his wife, Annette, moved to Fort Wayne and founded Many Nations Church, a multiethnic congregation rooted in Southeast Fort Wayne. As relationships grew within the community, so did the understanding that sharing the love of Christ meant addressing not only spiritual needs, but also the physical, emotional, and social challenges facing families and neighborhoods.
In 2012, Bridge of Grace Ministries was established as a Christian community development organization committed to long-term, place-based transformation. Since then, we have worked alongside residents, churches, schools, businesses, and community partners to create pathways of hope and opportunity.
Today, Bridge of Grace continues to pursue its mission of empowering people to build on their God-given strengths and live life with purpose, believing that transformation happens when neighbors and communities work together to create thriving and sustainable neighborhoods for generations to come.
Vision
Mission
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
Stewardship Matters
Financial Audits
Please click to download the latest available audits
The Bridge of Grace Team
Gentel McGhee
General Manager, MVP Landscaping
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
Dr. Joanne Alvarez – Vice Chancellor of Kosciusko County | Ivy Tech Community College
Steven Hays – Lead Elder | Fellowship Missionary Church
Rhonda Meriwether – Literacy Support | Fort Wayne Community Schools
Jeff Ostermann – Chief People & Culture Officer | Sweetwater
Dr. Lora Overton – Asst Professor Science | Ivy Tech Community College
Brandon Almas – Attorney | Brotherhood Mutual
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.
