Cory Brooke first heard about Bridges to Community in 2004 when he was listening to a presentation on the organization by fellow business leader Mark Rollins. He was instantly touched by Mark’s passionate stories about volunteering in Nicaragua and decided to put together a group himself. He then traveled to the community of Masaya where he worked on building a home for a family. He was shocked by the terrible living conditions that the Nicaraguans had to deal with everyday. He was also amazed at how content and happy the Nicaraguans were despite these conditions.

Cory was so affected by his experience that he wanted to share it with his friends and family. He knew that it was incredibly important to show his kids what the rest of the world lives like. He has since taken his father, wife and son on a Bridges’ trip to Nicaragua and has plans to take his youngest daughter in two years. He finds it interesting to watch the reactions of his friends and family, which he says are very emotional. Cory is very grateful and appreciative that he can share this incredible experience with them.

Cory has been on eight trips to Nicaragua and has made a commitment to build 10 houses. He says that he keeps on going back year after year because it has changed his mindset on life. His experiences have made him recognize and truly appreciate what is important in life. He has been so touched by his time in Nicaragua, that he wants everyone to have this eye opening experience. He has organized many Bridges to Community trips and is now trying to get his local community involved.

“My times in Nicaragua with Bridges to Community have been a life changing experience and the trip can be a positive impact for anyone. After seeing the immense poverty, it is hard to not go back to Nicaragua.“