Bridge of Faith Teaches Life Skills—and more!—With Love

by Courtney Ellis

Bridge of Faith was established in 1996 as a non-profit committed to a twofold mission in caring for women: to help stop prison recidivism and to come alongside those who age out of foster care. Many women who were formerly incarcerated or part of the foster system (or both) are at risk for homelessness, so Bridge of Faith seeks to help them across this challenging gap and into stable lives and homes.

The seeds of this ministry were planted in the 1980s when founder Carol Reza met a young woman named Linda. Linda had recently turned 18 and needed a place to live, so Reza invited her to move into a spare room in her own home. Prior to turning 18, Linda had resided with her aunt and uncle and their 13 children in a two-bedroom apartment. She hadn’t had much training in how to succeed on her own as an adult. In addition to housing, Reza extended an invitation to a mentoring relationship as well, teaching basic life skills and the Bible. The next year, another woman requested similar support. Over and again the Lord brought young adult women into Reza’s life to mentor. She soon realized that the need was great.

In time, Reza felt a pull to make the ministry more official. There were more women than she could mentor on her own, and the Bible studies she led had grown, expanding into service to currently imprisoned women and emancipated foster girls. In July of 1995, Reza got a 501c3 and Bridge of Faith was officially launched.

According to Bridge of Faith’s website, in 2003 a donation of $100,000 allowed them to purchase and open a 20-room house called H.O.M.E. (Home Opportunity Meets Emancipation). This home “is generously funded by community businesses and individual donors and operates entirely with a volunteer staff.” Two additional homes were opened in 2007 and 2008.

To help fund the programs to serve women and girls, the organization also runs Up*Scale Collectibles on Greenleaf Avenue in Whittier, a resale shop that also serves as a drop-in counseling center and a training place where “girls residing in the HOMES can learn and enhance their job skills.” Bridge of Faith also runs occasional events like fashion shows and dinners to raise money.

Participants in Bridge of Faith’s ministries have gone from dropping out of high school to earning their masters’ degrees in programs like biblical studies. Women who once faced extreme uncertainty about the future now hold down steady jobs. One even recently purchased a home.

“I told the Lord I would do whatever he asked,” said Reza, noting how fulfilling the work has been. “I love watching girl’s lives change [as they] transform into mature women.”

Today, the greatest challenge facing Bridge of Faith is a succession plan. Reza founded and has been the leading voice for this ministry for over fifty years and cannot continue on with the same pace in perpetuity. Beyond that, she encourages people to support Bridge of Faith in three ways, “Emotionally, financially, and through your local churches.” There is always a need for volunteers, job leads, and more monetary support.

To learn more about Bridge of Faith, contact Reza or visit their website.

*Photos are of Carol Reza and various participants in the program.*

Courtney Ellis, Associate Pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, is an author and storyteller. Courtney will be reporting over the next few months on the presbytery’s mission partnerships.