Bridge of Grace Ministries

06/15/2026

https://www.wane.com/top-stories/true-community-effort-fort-wayne-neighbors-pull-older-woman-from-burning-home/

❤️ Neighbors helping neighbors.

This past weekend, the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood lived out its motto in a powerful way.

When a house fire broke out on Gaywood Drive, neighbors from every direction rushed toward the danger—not away from it. Together, they worked quickly to rescue an elderly woman trapped inside her home, bringing her to safety before first responders arrived.

Their courage, compassion, and selflessness are a beautiful reminder of what makes this neighborhood so special.

At Bridge of Grace Ministries, we often say that true community transformation happens through relationships. Stories like this prove it. When neighbors know one another, care for one another, and are willing to step in during moments of crisis, lives are changed.

We are incredibly proud of the residents of Mount Vernon Park Neighborhood Association and grateful for leaders like Sierra Williams, our neighborhood block captains, and so many others who continue to foster a culture where people genuinely look out for each other.

Please join us in praying for the homeowner as she recovers and for all those who responded with such bravery.

This is what community looks like. 💙

The Fort Wayne Fire Department was called to that housefire Saturday night in the 5200 block of Gaywood Drive.

06/15/2026

🌞💦 What a SWIM-TASTIC first week at MVP Kids Summer Camp!

Our campers are diving into an incredible summer filled with learning, growth, and fun. Each day includes opportunities to grow in their faith while building skills through reading, math, art, music, STEM activities, and physical exercise.

This week’s adventures included swim lessons and an exciting visit to Indiana Tech, giving students the chance to explore new experiences, make lasting friendships, and develop confidence along the way.

We’re so grateful for an amazing start to the summer and can’t wait to share more highlights in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned for more MVP Kids Summer Camp updates! ☀️🏊📚🎨🔬

06/03/2026

🐟🐠🐡 ALL ABOARD!

Our Under the Sea summer camp registration is officially FULL!

Thank you to all the parents who are sending your kids to our program this summer!

We have transformed the building into an ocean playground, and we are so excited to start next week!

See you all so soon! 🌊

06/01/2026

📣 Leadership Update at Bridge of Grace Ministries!

We are pleased to announce that Marty Pastura has been appointed as Interim CEO of Bridge of Grace Ministries.

Many in our community already know Marty through his years of service and leadership in Fort Wayne. As the former CEO of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, Marty brings more than 26 years of nonprofit leadership experience, along with a deep passion for strengthening organizations and communities.

Marty has already stepped into the role and is providing steady leadership, supporting our staff, and helping ensure continuity as our Board of Directors conducts a national search for our next permanent CEO.

During this transition, our focus remains firmly on our mission: breaking the cycle of poverty in Southeast Fort Wayne through housing, education, youth development, workforce development, and community engagement.

Our programs are strong, our staff is engaged, and we are preparing for an impactful summer season serving children, families, and neighbors throughout our community.

Please join us in welcoming Marty to this role and praying for him, our staff, our Board of Directors, and the search committee as we seek God's guidance for the future of Bridge of Grace.

05/26/2026

✨ Meet some of our 2026 Mount Vernon Park Scholarship recipients!

These students represent hard work, perseverance, leadership, and hope for the future of our community. We are incredibly proud of each of them as they take the next step in their educational journey.

The Mount Vernon Park Scholarships are possible through strong community partnership, and we are especially grateful for our partnership with the Questa Education Foundation as we continue investing in the next generation of leaders.

For many of these students, this scholarship is more than financial support. It’s encouragement. It’s opportunity. It’s a reminder that their community believes in them.

Congratulations again to all of our recipients. We cannot wait to see where your journey leads next. 💙

05/21/2026

Dear Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our friend and colleague, Jennifer Platt.

Jennifer was an integral part of our team, serving as the Fund Development Administrator for the past several years. We'll miss her love for people, her sometimes surprising humor and administrative gifting.

Please join us in keeping their family and loved ones in your thoughts. You can read their full obituary and service details in the comments.

05/18/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the success of the Mount Vernon Park Scholarships through Bridge of Grace Ministries! 🎓✨

This special opportunity continues to support and empower local students as they pursue higher education and brighter futures.

Thank you to our community partners, supporters, families, and everyone who makes this impact possible.

Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients — your hard work, dedication, and determination are inspiring! We cannot wait to see all that you accomplish. 💙

A special thank you to the team and our partners for investing in the next generation of leaders.

05/15/2026

🤝 Better together.

This week we hosted our quarterly community partners lunch—bringing together organizations and leaders who are located right here on our campus and throughout the Mount Vernon Park neighborhood.

Representatives from Alliance Health Centers, Wesminster Early Years Academy, Levan Scott Academy Elementary, Parkview Community Nursing, Family Resource Centers at Iris, the Mount Vernon Park Neighborhood Association, MVP Landscaping LLC, and Bridge of Grace Ministries gathered around the table to share updates, celebrate success stories, and discuss how we can continue serving Southeast Fort Wayne together.

When partners are present, connected, and invested in the same neighborhood, real collaboration happens—and so does lasting impact.

We’re grateful to work alongside people and organizations that care deeply for this community. 💙

05/07/2026

🌮🌸 A few things happening around our campus this week…

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo during our Tuesday evening Taste of Community dinner with Mount Vernon Park residents. Sharing food, conversation, and community around the table.

We also had the opportunity to support our amazing Wesminster Early Years Academy teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week with a flower bar to help remind them how valued and appreciated they are.

From community dinners to encouraging educators, these moments all point back to what matters most…people. 💙

05/06/2026

Special shout-out and congratulations to our Huntington University intern Megan Litherland on completing her Bachelor’s of Arts in Missions.

She’s been a blessing to the team and we are super proud of her!! 😊