Kim and her daughter took up residence in the Safehouse in 2016. On the right track of trying to gain independence through obtaining employment and an apartment, Kim thought she had everything together. Unfortunately, Kim did not account for the lapse that existed in transitioning between apartments; therefore, Kim needed somewhere to stay in the interim. Kim met Nicole, the executive director of Bridges, and found out about the services Bridges offered. Kim decided to participate in the various classes and trainings offered at Bridges, and stayed for about a month. She believed she had everything she needed to move out on her own, so she did not remain in Bridges for further guidance, and moved into her new place. The next months proved difficult for Kim. Despite her best efforts, she found herself back in need of a place to live in 2017. She realized this time around that she needed to fully submit herself to all the love and grace the staff and volunteers of Bridges wanted to pour into her and her daughter. She immersed herself into the services as a student, which enabled her to turn around to teach others and help at the Safehouse. She also found a platform where she could express the gifts and talents God had given her through lyrical ingenuity, the written word, and motivational speaking.

Since her time at Bridges, Kim has since published a book entitled Rescued: From Worthless to Warrior. She dedicated her book to “anyone who has ever struggled with low self-esteem.” Kim’s story inspires and encourages those who have gone through a similar situation, as well as anyone who desires to grow in an understanding of God’s unconditional love. Kim has a whole YouTube channel full of her art. Her raw emotions and heart pour forth in her poems enveloped by rhythms. Check out Kim’s channel by searching for “SENT.Kim Brown” on YouTube. You can also support Kim’s ministry by getting her book on Amazon. Additionally, the January 2019 edition of SouthwestNOW featured Kim’s testimony, titled “Refuge in the Storm,” and is available online. At the conclusion of the article, Kim states, “There are places that will provide love and support with no strings attached if you just ask. For me, Bridges was that place.”

Written by Elizabeth K. Webster

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I am a single parent of three boys. I’ve been a hard worker my whole life, sometimes 60 plus hours per week, just to provide the basics like a roof over our heads, food and clothes. The first time we lost everything was when Katrina hit. I moved us from New Orleans to DFW for a fresh start. The second time around we lost everything because of health issues. I couldn’t get into any shelters even after what seemed like hundreds of calls. We were sleeping in the car, washing up in public bathrooms, and basically surviving but at least we were together. I cried out “Lord, I need you and I can’t do this alone. God placed me with some good people who saw something in me and built me back up. Bridges took me out of a dark and lonely place and into a safe and loving place to stay while God healed my heart. Through classes I learned about forgiveness, organization and discipline which helped me in parenting. I learned how to have faith while waiting on the Lord. Today, I am a godly woman (still in process) that knows I can’t do anything without Him. I’ve stepped out in faith to start my own business and hope to one day have my own bakery. I will forever be grateful to Bridges for opening the doors of the house and their hearts to me and my boys. You saw Gods plans for me and continued to speak it over me until I believed and hoped in them too. You helped me through the most difficult time in my life and I’m a better person today because of it.

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I left Shreveport, Louisiana feeling hopeless, without a plan. Some people might say that’s crazy but anywhere was better than where we were. I couldn’t keep allowing myself to be hurt. I needed to find somewhere safe for us to live but I didn’t know where to start. I found a shelter that allowed us to stay there for 30 days but after that I was in the same spot, homeless. Will I have this baby in my car? Will my son ask me to go back home? What home? I couldn’t think about those things. Keep it moving, Alexis. Don’t stop fighting. Keep looking and don’t give up. I called a longtime friend and asked if we could stay for a few days just until I found another place to go. That’s when I found Bridges online. We stayed with my friend for about one week before I got invited to come to Bridges. I didn’t know what to expect but when I arrived, but they were all so loving, kind and very patient with me and my son. Since I was pregnant with a four-year-old, I couldn’t find any housing options that would help us. Bridges is short term but they allowed us to stay for six months. On May 3rd, 2019 I gave birth to my baby girl Ariyah while in Bridges care. They helped so much during my recovery. All the staff would hold her while I took a nap or a shower until I got used to a new routine. Not just the staff but the other women living at Bridges impacted my life. I gained friendships that I still maintain today. Bridges connected me with PCHAS Single Parent Program, and I moved into my home on August 21st. It’s been almost one year since I packed up my car and left Shreveport and I’m proud of how far I’ve come but I couldn’t have done it without my Bridges family. I am working full-time and my kids are in school and childcare. I hope to go back to school and become an X-Ray technician so I can be a better provider for my family. It was truly a blessing that I found Bridges. I have overcome many obstacles with their help. Thank you Bridges for helping me rebuild my life 😊

Love,
Alexis, Ricky and Ariyah

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