The Summer Park Day at Sue Haswell Park, an eagerly anticipated annual event organized by The Bridge Ministries, took place on May 31st for the third consecutive year. The event, which marks the beginning of summer, featured a vibrant array of activities, including free food, snow cones, a bounce house, and engaging games, creating an atmosphere perfect for community connection.

This year the Brazos Interfaith Immigration Network (BIIN) was represented at
the event by Freddy Nieto and Ushan Perera, they are the Outreach coordinator and fundraising outreach intern respectively. Ushan spoke about his experience being a representative at the event and described it as a “vibrant” atmosphere for sharing our mission of supporting the immigrant community in the Brazos Valley area. He further said:

“Engaging with the diverse crowd, I had some conversations about the challenges immigrants face and how BIIN is dedicated to providing essential support. It was heartening to see the interest and enthusiasm from people wanting to learn more about our services and how they can get involved. Many expressed gratitude for our efforts and shared personal stories that underscored the importance of our work.This experience was not only rewarding but also motivating, as it reaffirmed our commitment to advocacy and support for immigrants. I look forward to continuing our outreach efforts and building even stronger connections within the community.” – Ushan Perera

The Bridge Ministries, the host of Summer Park Day, is a nonprofit organization
that operates as a food pantry, providing essential supplies to those in need in the local Bryan-College Station area. They support over 500 families each month with free food and other necessities, ranging from toiletries to diapers. Their dedication to alleviating food insecurity and supporting families in need complements the work of organizations like BIIN, highlighting the power of community collaboration.

During the event, nonprofits from around the community gathered to provide
information and support to prospective families in need. The presence of these organizations, including BIIN, created a network of resources and support that
attendees could tap into, enhancing the sense of community and shared purpose.