By: Barb Knicely, a reporter with the Clarksburg Exponent and BridgeBuilders volunteer

H.I.S. (Hope In Salvation) Bridgebuilders, a 12 year old Dallas based ministry, began ministering in this area last year and many lives are changing because of it. "It is our desire to bring hope when there is no hope," Coordinator Tressa Shaw said. "People need to know someone cares." They are focusing on two areas in the county; Laurel Lanes and Monticello Avenue.

"We are not just handing out gifts in kindness, we want to build relationships," Shaw sincerely said. "That comes from spending time with the residents." Last year at Laurel Lanes time was spent building relationships. Now they are implementing programs to assist throughout the year. An Open House is planned for Thursday May 22 from 3-6 at Laurel Lanes where they will be sharing the various programs and events for 2008. "We have been in prayer and believe God is leading us in these programs and events," Shaw said.

They plan to offer Moments for Tots, Girls Scouts, Life Skills Counseling, Children's Story Time, Weekly Bible Studies, Backyard Bible School, Summer Relay, and Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. "We are integrating relationships with pastors, churches, ministries, the medical community, educational facilities, government offices and corporations," Shaw said. "Together we are building bridges of hope for people."

Lou Aragona, Executive Director of the Clarksburg Harrison Regional Housing Authority believes they are aggressively working to make the community a better place. "I couldn't be more pleased with what they are doing," Aragona said. "They do a lot geared toward children but also help the adult population. Their positive attitudes and enthusiasm are extremely contagious and we have really embraced what they are doing in the area."

Chairman of the Housing Authority Marcel Malfregeot agreed," I have been amazed at the way the community has come together. It is a true labor of love. They are bridging the gap and going the extra mile by sacrificing for others."

The projects on Monticello Avenue will begin on Saturday, June 7 with the Second Annual Operation Clean Sweep. Last year six tons of trash and debris were removed from the area. "The residents are so excited about what's going on in the neighborhood," Shaw said. "Along with the Clean Sweep, we will be adopting houses and making renovations throughout the summer."

Through this organization people are encouraged to move from hopelessness to hope, from illiteracy to literacy, from welfare to work, from abuse to health, and from darkness to light.