It is an exciting time for us as the Lord is expanding our work in the Bonton Community. Bonton is an historically underserved community in South Dallas where H.I.S BridgeBuilders has served for the last twelve years. What began as Bible studies and mentoring has grown to include education, employment training programs, medical clinics and now economic development. The mission of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders is to "unite and mobilize the Body of Christ to bring transformation to cities through salvation and restoration of communities for the glory of God." We know that part of restoring communities involves an increase in the number of people employed and an increase in the number of viable businesses. To this end we have formed CityBuild, a Community Development Corporation which will partner with those who have a vested interest in bringing economic development to Bonton.

CityBuild's primary function will be the establishment of micro-businesses; actually micro-training businesses. These are micro-businesses that have, at their core, an employment training emphasis. For example, the first micro-business that we are pursuing is "V's Cafe".  V’s Café will be a small breakfast and lunch diner run by Velma Mitchell, a resident leader and co-founder of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders. V's Cafe will have a cafeteria-style delivery system, similar to that of Luby's. V's Cafe will not only offer great food at a reasonable price, but also jobs to help individuals in the community attain employable skills and experience in the food service industry. We will look to partner with cafeterias like Luby's or public schools to hire these workers. The formation of V's Cafe is the first step in bringing economic vitality to Bonton. BridgeBuilders is actively working with the Dallas Housing Authority and the City of Dallas in the redevelopment of the Bonton community. A master developer will be selected in November to lead this mass undertaking.