About US
Our history
In 2005, John Schwechten and CJ Anderson founded Peace Bridges with the mission statement of promoting peace in our community and throughout the world. We began in Bend, Oregon with efforts toward having a small local bridge designated a peace bridge.
On December 17, 2008, the Bend City Council proclaimed the Portland Avenue bridge "The Peace Bridge of Bend." The bridge crosses the Deschutes River and is adjacent to two parks, Pacific and Pioneer Park.
Our global family lives in Kibwezi, Kenya where we started a small orphanage in 2005, with the intention of educating girls. At present we have over 23 girls who now have the hope of a future and breaking the cycle of poverty. 10 young women have attended colleges and 10 are in elementary school and 3 are in high school.
A sincere thank you to our sponsor:
Board members
Peace Bridges Central Oregon Board Members
Peace Bridges Central Oregon Board Members
Peace Bridges Central Oregon Board Members
(left to right) Colleen Shearer, Susan Battles, Sharon McNeill, Mike Conrads, Nancy Doster, Heather Burkus
Missing in image – Jill Martin our junior board member graduated High School 2020
Kenyan Board Members
Peace Bridges Central Oregon Board Members
Peace Bridges Central Oregon Board Members
Jackson Wambua Mwanzia – Administrator and House Father at Better Life Children's Home
Kenyan Board Members
Kenyan Board Members
Kenyan Board Members
Janet Isika – Administrator and House Mother at Better Life Children's Home
Kenyan Board Members
Kenyan Board Members
Kenyan Board Members
Dominic Muli, Ph.D.
Dr. Muli was sponsored by CJ and John the founders of Better Life/Peace Bridges. Read his inspiring story>
about our logo
Our logo uses the colors of the flag of Kenya. It uses the symbolic image of a necklace that can also appear as a headdress...and a bridge. It is strong and yet female.
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