Why do we Serve?

Melanie Blanton

Chairman

Global Outreach Coordinator at Petal First Baptist Church
Campus Nurse Educator at Moffitt Health Center at the University of Southern Mississippi

"Being a part of First Bridge allows me to do missions in the community I live in. I love reaching out and helping others at 'home'."

Carita Vidrine

Treasurer

Retired Teacher
​Teacher of English as a Foreign Language Online

"Seeing the positive impact on families and especially children when receiving school uniforms and/or summer food bags made me want to become more involved in this ministry."

Patrick Culpepper

Teacher at the Petal High School

Donna Holloway

"I serve because the gift of giving, no matter how small, is life changing for the giver and the receiver."

Ashton Jennings

John Nobles

Vice-Chairman

Retired Division Chief of the Fire & Aviation National Park Service

"I have never been involved in mission work and knew I should. I felt this is where God wanted me to start."

Conrad Stockstill

Process Controls Engineer for Georgia-Pacific Wood Products

"I was looking for a way to support the community. I believe in the work that First Bridge does and believe I can support their efforts through the gifts and skills the Lord has provided me."

Jessica sutton

District Sales Consultant at Armstrong McCall ​

"I serve so I can see first hand the lives changed from the impact we make on kids' self-esteem, and especially the sweet smiles on their faces."

Brad eubank

Ex officio

Pastor at Petal First Baptist Church

"I love the opportunity that we have to serve, touch and impact the lives of children and families through resources and relationships so that they can clearly hear the life changing message of the Gospel.  It’s such a joy to see the eyes of a child light up with a new pair of shoes or clothes or a food bag for a weekend!  I love to see the hope that we can give a parent or grandparent who desperately needs it!"

Laurie Rhodes

Secretary

Former Science Teacher & Stay at Home Mother & Aspiring Artist

"I’ve been actively involved in missions within Petal First Baptist Church for several years but have never formally served on a team whose emphasis is solely on mission opportunities that reach out to individuals within our own community. Joining First Bridge allows me to do just that." 

Hayley taylor

Manager of Communications at the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation

"Before becoming involved with First Bridge, I did not have a lot of involvement with local missions beyond the walls of Petal First Baptist Church. Since I began serving on the Board, I’ve realized a lot about the physical and spiritual needs in our community, and I want to be a part of meeting those needs."

Lisa ruffin

Teacher's Assistant at Petal Primary School

"I serve on the Board to continue the mission to help children within the school district and community with available resources."

Jo Lynn Walton

"I chose to serve as a board member for several reasons. First, to be faithful to God and His call on my life to server others. Secondly, I watched and recognized the impact this organization has, and saw the potential in the future for an even broader impact on many lives. This group has a passion for children and this community as a whole, and it is an honor to be even a small part of it."