Volunteer Programs

"Elliot Kim"
I came to Syracuse about a year ago, but haven’t spent much time here since I go to boarding school in Virginia. To be honest, I didn’t really feel much affection or attachment to my new environment and spent winter and spring breaks counting down the days until I returned to school. However, when I got the opportunity to serve as a staff member at Lodi Summer Kids Camp, I got to experience what Lodi felt like and was soaked in the atmosphere of the community. As I met kids, parents, and any member of the Lodi community through the camp, I decided that I wanted to make a difference, a positive impact on these people. By cleaning up the streets of Lodi, I hope that my actions will help me bond with the community and make them curious about the God we believe.

"Samuel Ahn"
My name is Samuel Ahn. I am 16 years old and an upcoming junior at Jamesville Dewitt High School in Syracuse, NY. Ever since I was born, my family and I have been interested and taken part in helping refugees in Syracuse, NY. Our church started many programs and projects throughout the years specifically to help refugees and to help them learn about God. I have always been involved in these activities and have really enjoyed them. Being included in all of these programs throughout my life has made me want to keep helping refugees in any way I can. Working with Building the Bridge is just the start.

"Caleb Ryu"
I grew up in Manlius, NY a peripheral town of Syracuse. Growing up, had no interest in bettering the community, but recently, I attended the Lodi Summer Camp which gave me the opportunity to see families from other countries and regions. I also saw the harsh conditions they were living in because of the situation of this community. Seeing all these families living in tough neighborhoods inspired me to try to make efforts to better the community. That’s when I discovered Building the Bridge, an organization dedicated to making the darkest streets of Syracuse into the brightest. I believe working with Building the Bridge will get us one step closer to the goal of creating a more well-rounded community.  

The absence of community service and good works in downtown Syracuse's streets has led to unsettling communities, broken homes, and broken lives. The number of refugees that came into this community has substantially grown in the past few years and the living conditions have continued to worsen. Our mission is to serve this wonderful community we grew up in. We are planning on doing this by doing little things, like picking up the trash on the streets, which we hope will eventually inspire others to join this essential mission. Each and every one of us starting to better the community through small deeds will make a transformative impact on the community we know and love.

A Word From Our Volunteers

Our Mission