Creating an Atmosphere

For Healing

AMWAY INDEPENDENT BUSINESS OWNERS MARGARITO AND MARTHA AGUILAR REGULARLY ATTEND BIBLE STUDY GROUP AT THEIR CHURCH. RESIDENTS AT THE NEARBY AUBURNDALE BRIDGES OF AMERICA®† RESIDENTIAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM, WHICH OFFERS REHABILITATIVE PLANS FOR WOMEN WITH FELONY DRUG OFFENSES, OFTEN JOIN THEIR STUDY GROUP. LOCATED IN AUBURNDALE, FLORIDA, THE PROGRAM ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO OWN THEIR RECOVERY AND THEIR FUTURE – AND HELPS THEM BELIEVE THEY CAN LIVE THE LIFE THEY WANT ONCE THEY OVERCOME ADDICTION.

Margarito and Martha were deeply moved by the stories the women in the program shared each week – the struggle of addiction is personal for the Aguilars. “My brothers were addicts and are now rehabilitated,” Martha said. “We felt for these women because we understood what they and their families were going through.”

The Aguilars wanted to help bring those families back together. They began volunteering at Bridges of America® events that allow the women to see and spend time with their visiting families and children. The Aguilars and their 11‐year‐old son, Sebastian, create activities and crafts for the families to enjoy together. Margarito coordinates games of beanbag toss, while Sebastian and the other children play checkers. Face painting, candy and gifts help make the time together special.

“In situations like these, the children are always the ones who suffer the most,” Martha said. “It’s a joy to help create good memories for the little ones and their mothers.”

Spending time with the kids is amazing, Margarito added. “Seeing them smile and making them happy is all worth it.”

Most of the women at Bridges of America® graduate from the program within six months. The Aguilars attend graduation events to support the women’s re‐entrance into the community and exchange email addresses so they can stay in touch by sharing positive Bible verses and thoughts.

The Aguilars say their involvement with Bridges of America® comes from a firm belief that everyone deserves to be loved and heard. “People make mistakes, and we all need grace,” Martha said. “As a human, you can be healed and the whole community can help. If our family can help by making those days and memories special, we do.”

“It’s a joy to help create good memories for the little ones and their mothers.” – Martha Aguilar