Economic Transformation

H.I.S. BridgeBuilders of South Dallas serves as our example of economic transformation

It is a faith-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has an extensive history of serving low-income communities in Dallas. Founded in 1995 by an inner-city mom and a north Dallas businessman, H.I.S BridgeBuilders exists to “unite and mobilize the body of Christ to bring transformation to cities through salvation and the restoration of communities for the glory of God.”  The organization seeks to accomplish this mission through five integrated program areas: Education, Employment Training, Medical Care, Economic Development and Spiritual Development.

 

Though H.I.S. BridgeBuilders is founded on Christian principles and practice, they serve each of their clients regardless of religion, faith, or creed. Recognizing that for lives to be changed and communities renewed, their service meet practical needs in a way that empowers individuals and families toward self-sufficiency.

Mike Fechner, Founder and President of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders, came out of a business background before committing his life to serve low-income communities in 1994. After more than a decade of providing personal mentoring and discipleship in the inner city, Mr. Fechner had a strong desire to make a lasting impact on a greater number of inner city residents.

In 1995, Mike joined with Velma Mitchell to create a ministry designed to build a bridge of Christ love between the diverse communities of our city. Mrs. Mitchell came from the South Dallas community and had experienced similar hardships as other residents in the area, including losing her only son in a drive-by shooting. Having successfully overcome many obstacles, she desired to be a vessel of blessing and role model for others. The organization began their activities with GED classes and encouragement teams in the Turner Courts public housing development and later expanded to Rhoads Terrace and Cedar Springs housing developments. BridgeBuilders continues to serve these communities but has expanded its influence and reach due to the two low-cost clinics (optical and dental) and three employment training courses it operates. The organization also has nascent works in San Antonio, TX and Clarksburg, WV. Plans are under way to begin optical clinics and training labs in each of these two cities.

 

Both Mr. Fechner and Mrs. Mitchell have been a source of tremendous, positive impact in the Dallas community. Today, Mike serves as President of H.I.S BridgeBuilders and continues persevering in his mission of revitalizing low-income community. He has created an organization that brings many resources to these communities, including partnerships with corporations, governmental agencies, medical care providers, educational institutions, foundations, churches and volunteers. Mr. Fechner received the Legends of Service Award from Dallas Life Foundation in June 2006. On October 23, 2006 he was named the recipient of the 2006 “Let Justice Roll on Like a River” Economic Development Award from the research arm of the Foundation for Community Empowerment, the J. McDonald Williams Institute.

Employment Training

Many of the issues in the inner-city are born of financial difficulty, but one of the most pervasive is that of finding gainful employment with long-term career potential. One of the goals of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders is to offer comprehensive training in a marketable skill and then support the trainee through the process of interviewing and employment.

 

Eye Glass Lab Technician
The cornerstone of our employment-training program has been the ophthalmic lab technician course offered at the BridgeBuilders Eye Clinic. Students receive in-depth training in the lab, classroom, and dispensary area. A certified lab manager has trained more than 35 students since the start of the program; 27 have found employment.

Dental Lab Technician

Dental Laboratory Technician training will begin January 2008 in partnership with Bill J Priest Community College.  Classes will be held at 5715 Pilgrim under the leadership of Ms. T. Justice.

 

Computer Technician
In October 2007, H.I.S. BridgeBuilders added another class to the employment-training curriculum, computer technician.  Classes are held in Rhoads Terrace Housing Development Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 2:00pm and at Turner Court Housing Development, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The Rhoads Terrace program focuses on computer programming, troubleshooting and repair, preparing students for certification and employment. The Turner Courts program focuses on computer basics such as Word and Excel as well as cartooning.

Employment Training Partners
BridgeBuilders works closely with Essilor USA, Wal-Mart and Southwest Lens Laboratories, the University of Houston College of Optometry, Stern Reed Dental Lab, ServingHIM Ministries (dental clinic) and Dallas Housing Authority to assure students receive quality training in preparation for long-term employment. BridgeBuilders also works closely with El Centro Community College. The Opthalmic Lab Technician and Dispensing Technician program has been added to their Workforce program. Potential students are tested in preparation for acceptance into classes. After graduation, they are prepared for employment interviews with laboratories throughout the Dallas area.

Medical

Eye Care

In August 2004, BridgeBuilders entered into a collaborative agreement with the University of Houston, further extending the clinic’s ability to offer ophthalmic services. With this agreement in place, the clinic has a full-time managing physician, Dr. Joe DeLoach, current chair of the Texas Optometry Board and visiting professor at the University of Houston. There is a rotating staff of six to eight optometric students via an extern program required by U of H. This sizable staff has allowed the clinic to offer free eye examinations and glasses, when needed, to 45-55 patients each day with more than 9,000 patients receiving care since the clinic opened. More than 11,000 pair of glasses at $15.00 a pair have been made and distributed. This fee covers the cost of supplies and training expenses. Optical companies throughout the US donate lens and frames to the BridgeBuilders Eye Clinic.  The clinic focuses on glaucoma education due to the vast number of undiagnosed cases among the poor.

 

Dental Care
BridgeBuilders, in partnership with ServingHIM Ministries and Dr. Kevin Seidler, opened a dental clinic on July 9, 2005 in the Rhoads Terrace Housing Development. This site is truly a "lighthouse for hope" for hundreds of children, youth and adults who are seeking quality dental care. Volunteer dentists and hygienists have completed more than 1000 appointments since 2005.  The needy and under-served receive examinations and treatment for $10.00 a visit.  Partials and dentures, at varying prices, are available with work completed in the on-site BridgeBuilders laboratory. The clinic is open one Thursday a month for pediatric care, one Friday a month and each Saturday for general dentistry from 8:00am to 12:30pm.  Dental hygiene is available Fridays and the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  Appointments can be made by telephone or in person.

As of October 2007, the Dental Hygiene program at Collin County Community College added the BridgeBuilders Dental Clinic as a training site.  Two Tuesdays a month, 9am to 3pm, interns will treat patients under the supervision of a retired dentist. The Dental Hygiene program at Collin County Community College has been awarded exemplary status by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and is accredited by The Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association (ADA).  BridgeBuilders is thrilled to include this exemplary college as a partner.  The true beneficiaries are the many, many people who need dental care and education and cannot afford it.

 

Medical Partners

Optical
University of Houston School of Optometry
Essilor USA
Wal-Mart Optical
Glimmerglass Optical

Dental
Serving HIM Ministry
Burkhart Dental Supply
Dallas County Dental Society
Collin County Dental Hygiene

Economic Development

 Bonton is an historically underserved community in South Dallas where H.I.S BridgeBuilders has served for the last twelve years. What began as Bible studies and mentoring has grown to include education, employment training programs, medical clinics and now economic development. The mission of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders is to "unite and mobilize the Body of Christ to bring transformation to cities through salvation and restoration of communities for the glory of God."  They understand that part of restoring communities involves an increase in the number of people employed and an increase in the number of viable businesses. To this end they have formed CityBuild, a Community Development Corporation which will partner with those who have a vested interest in bringing economic development to Bonton.

CityBuild's primary function will be the establishment of micro-businesses; actually micro-training businesses. These are micro-businesses that have, at their core, an employment training emphasis. For example, the first micro-business that they are pursuing is "V's Cafe".  V’s Café will be a small breakfast and lunch diner run by Velma Mitchell, a resident leader and co-founder of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders. V's Cafe will have a cafeteria-style delivery system, similar to that of Luby's. V's Cafe will not only offer great food at a reasonable price, but also jobs to help individuals in the community attain employable skills and experience in the food service industry. They will look to partner with cafeterias like Luby's or public schools to hire these workers. The formation of V's Cafe is the first step in bringing economic vitality to Bonton. BridgeBuilders is actively working with the Dallas Housing Authority and the City of Dallas in the redevelopment of the Bonton community. A master developer will be selected in November to lead this mass undertaking.

For more information about this organization, contact them at: 214-377-1551