Bridges Volunteer Spotlight: Jeanna McGinnis

Captivated with the African people and armed with a heart for servitude, Jeanna was in the process of moving to Africa to fulfill her desire to work among the people. Only months before relocation, a snowboarding injury left her with extensive injuries that forced her to change her plans. Turning her focus to local work with the Sudanese, Jeanna McGinnis now lends her talents and compassion to Bridges to Sudan as a volunteer.
 
Willing to be used in any capacity, Jeanna hit the ground running! She organized the office's multiple case files, educational supplies and grant materials. Having a huge heart for spending time with the Sudanese children, she planned and oversaw last month's art project and trip to MOSH (Museum of Science and History). Additionally, her background work at World Golf Village gave her the expertise to help Sudanese refugees sift through struggles with high house payments and financial loss in the current economy.
 
"Jeanna is funny, compassionate and hard-working," exclaimed Executive Director Sharon Svihel. "When she comes into the office, I can give her a run-down of needs and opportunities and she comes up with a solution - she is a take charge kind of person."
 
We want to recognize and thank Jeanna for dedicating her time and talents to the local work among the Sudanese in Jacksonville!

Bridges Kids Leave the Classroom for Lessons in Art and Culture

Sudanese students rarely get the opportunity to expand their education beyond the classroom through extracurricular activities. With this in mind, Bridges to Sudan plans field trips so that Sudanese youth can experience education opportunities that both foster creativity and facilitate interactive learning. Thanks to partnerships with local groups and the help of volunteers, Bridges was able to offer a program this past month that included art, nature and culture.
 
In partnership with a local volunteer group called GIVEINADAY, Sudanese youth ages 8 to 17 participated in a two-hour drawing class that focused on watercolors and canvas. Students could paint whatever they desired and explore their talents in the area of art.
 
To further cultivate experiential learning, Bridges volunteers and youth spent a day in downtown Jacksonville. They enjoyed a picnic by St. John's River followed by a tour of the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) where they viewed science exhibits and saw a planetarium show.
 
Thanks to volunteers and coordinators Ashley, Jeanna, Falma, Aping and Dahlia and to Affiliate Director of World Relief Elaine Carson for her help. We couldn't do it without you!

Christ’s Church Pumpkin Patch

On 10/30 we took 16 children from ages 2-12 to the Christ’s Church Pumpkin Patch. The children were given the opportunity to socialize in a safe and fun environment.
 
The church had multiple bounce houses, face painting, food, games, photo’s and most importantly candy.
 
Dozens of cars lined up for their “trunk or treat” event a unique way of involving the community in the outreach. With 4 chaperones we were able to break the children into small groups so that we could capitalize on their experience. Sadly the older children understood they could not participate in trick or treating in their own neighborhoods as it would be unsafe, they did not hesitate to express their gratitude.
 
This event also gave us an opportunity to raise awareness in the community; people noticed the children and our Bridges To Sudan lanyards and asked questions. The field trip was a huge success, for the children and volunteers.