Bright Bridge Ministries’ mission is to promote the dignity and welfare of the under-resourced in our community by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. In late 2019, we changed our name from Pensacola United Methodist Community Ministries to Bright Bridge Ministries (BBM). This intentional change came as a result of being granted a complete brand transformation, courtesy of idgroup’s Brand on Us initiative. With this change, we propel forward with a renewed sense of purpose, passionately serving men, women and children regardless of faith or circumstance. Our organization was founded in 2007 to address the many faces of hunger in Pensacola. Initially, bagged lunches were handed out as people approached a local church in need of food. We have grown over the years into an empowering organization that addresses more than just the hunger of those in the area. BBM provides our services to the community at large. Our hot, healthy meal service is often a way to introduce those in need to all the services that we offer. Most of our meal clients walk or ride their bike to our location. Additional programs have been added as needs and resources have been identified, including mail service, basic needs, addiction resources, job placement, and other empowering services. In 2023, over 1,800 men, women, and children received hot, healthy meals through our weekday lunch program. At least 120 individuals have earned a bike through volunteering at least 30 hours at our organization.
In 2017 we launched successful supportive residential programs designed to provide a safe place for individuals to develop independent living skills. Many of our participants come to us upon their completion of a stay at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. We provide a place of safety and support to individuals at perhaps their most vulnerable time. Our staff meets with each participant to develop the skills each person needs as they move from crisis to stability. We have space to house 40 individuals and have housed a total of 90 since we opened. Approximately 74% of our shelter individuals have had successful outcomes. Our residents contribute $100 per week towards the cost of the program. This helps the participants develop financial education skills and also rebuild their dignity.
