Saturday afternoon was a great day for honoring agencies that provide much needed services to families in need. It was also a time for more than 2,000 people to enjoy free food, games, and live music. A petting zoo and horse rides were also a part of this family and community celebration.
Bridge Builders Counseling and Mentoring Center of Port Huron, under the direction of Executive Director Craig Foster, sponsored the 4th Annual Fall Fest. This event, which was held in the downtown area of Port Huron, showcased the work of Bridge Builders and many other social agencies of the greater Port Huron area.
Why do I write about this event?
First, volunteers for my HAGER FOR SENATE campaign were on hand to help in this event providing help in security, preparing for the event, serving food and cleaning tables. As we wore our bright orange campaign T-shirts, we received many positive comments for our helpful service and our campaign message. It was an absolute privilege to serve such a worthy project.Secondly, and more important, I have always believed that government, whether it be Federal, state or local CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT provide the answers to all of the difficult issues that people face.
That is not the role of government! A major role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations. The best government is that which governs least. The strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.
However, there are times that an individual or family truly needs extra help, a place to stay, a hot meal or some encouraging words. This is where help from individuals or non-profits enter the picture.
My wife and I have spent our entire adult lives attempting to live out these responsibilities. Sometimes we have been helpful; sometimes we’ve fallen short. But it is our obligation to keep trying.
We have witnessed the work of the non-profits. We are blessed to have great agencies helping people throughout the St. Clair and Lapeer County areas.
Bridge Builders is just one example. Founded in 1992 under the vision and leadership of Dan Lundblad, this fine organization exists to minister to low-income, one-parent families. Their basic belief is that no one should have to raise a child alone.
A specific goal of Bridge Builders is to provide every boy in their counseling program with a Christian Mentor who will continue as a support to the child and his parent. What a lofty goal… and one with which success has been realized. Check out their website at www.bridgebuildersinc.org.
Kudos to all individuals and non-profits who “fill the gap” to help those who need a helping hand, and to those who live out the belief that government cannot and should not solve all of the challenges that our society faces.
