Why BuildaBridge?

First Institute in Limon, Costa Rica following an earthquake (1997)

Beginning in 1997, when we conducted our first Institute amongst 15 traumatized congregations in a dysfunctional and earthquake ravaged community in Costa Rica, we have consistently seen what can happen when artists with the training and passion for service engage their art as a vehicle for transformation. Though often difficult to document in quantitative terms, there is evidence of our impact at home here in Philadelphia and around the world in some very challenging places. First a few of my favorite quotes.

“This week I learned not to kill people”, is probably one of my favorite quotes from a young boy following our arts for peace camp in Guatemala. This young man lived in a bullet ridden barrio infested with violent gangs. At 10 years of age, he was already being recruited to “join-up”.

“This is the first time my son has ever succeeded in any academic class”, stated a mother after her son with autism attended our summer art and biology class.

Where is Mr. Smith

“You’re from BuildaBridge!” Rich pointed at Dr. V as she passed him in the hallway of Women Against Abuse where BuildaBridge has a program for kids and their moms.  Rich had noticed the BuildaBridge logo on her shirt.

 “How do you know BuildaBridge? Are you in our Tuesday night class?” She inquired.  He was older than the Mommy and Baby class she was about to teach, and so he appeared to fit in with the new Tuesday night photography class we offer. His singing response was exceptional, “Hey BuildaBridge, Yea.  Hey BuildaBridge, Yea.  My name is Rich, and I’m from Philly, and I have a move I like and it goes like this….. He began singing the BuildaBridge song that he had learned two days prior. Together in the hall, right there, they sang the song together.