About Bridges of Hope

“The story of Bridges of Hope began 50 years ago when my father planted a seed of love in my heart for the Latin American population. Over the years, God nourished and watered the seed by allowing me to serve Hispanic people, both in the US and internationally in many different capacities. Many years later, little did I know, I would found an organization called Bridges of Hope International.” – Janet Michel

Bridges of Hope International was founded in 2007 as a 501 C-3 non-profit faith based organization  focused on  bringing hope to Central and South America through short-term mission trips and international partnerships. We provide ongoing support and resources for the activities of local organizations with whom we partner in Latin America. In addition, we organize and lead short-term trips to Central and South America as a tangible way of expressing the love and heart of Jesus Christ. We build relationships and form partnerships in Latin America with churches, existing foundations, and other non-profit organizations that share a similar vision of empowering and enabling individuals to become self-sustaining. We provide resources and opportunities to others to help them achieve their personal goals and dreams, thus helping them to realize their God-given potential. We serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus to rebuild, renew, and restore hope to the hopeless.

VISION

ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THOSE TRAPPED IN THE CYCLE OF GENERATIONAL POVERTY FROM A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE: EMOTIONALLY, SPIRITUALLY, AND PHYSICALLY

Education

Investing in education is the single most effective way of reducing poverty. Education is more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. It is one of the most important investments a country can make in its people and its future, and is critical to reducing poverty and inequality.

Health

Inequalities in health stem from the conditions of people’s lives: living conditions, work environment, age, various social factors, and an individual’s response to their illness. These conditions are also shaped by political, social, and economic structures.

Micro-Enterprising

Our mirco enterprising initiatives are designed to empower individuals to transition from a life of poverty to becoming self- sustaining through vocational training. Small loans are available to entrepreneurs who wish to expand their personal business or want to begin new initiatives or form community co-ops.  Employment opportunities change lives!

Building Lives

To help families break the cycle of poverty, and become self-sustaining, we give a “hand up,” not a “hand out.” Empowering and equipping those we serve empowers them to thrive; not just survive!