Bridges Outreach

Bridges Outreach of Denton County, Inc was first founded in 2001 by a certified middle school teacher, Sharlyn K. Elliott who had a calling to make a difference in her school. Mrs. Elliott received her Bachelor’s degree in English from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas and received her teaching certification through Texas Women's University in Denton, TX. Mrs. Elliott noticed a need in her children to not only have more academic guidance, but spiritual as well. During the school year, Mrs. Elliott would not only create a stellar educational environment, but she was never afraid to speak on her faith in God and noticed that most, if not all of her students, gravitated toward God's love she freely taught to them. "They tried to take Jesus out of the classroom and I am going to help bring Him back in!" Affectionately known as "Mrs. Elliott", she worked hard and passionately for the children in the community as she served God. In the summer months, Mrs. Elliott saw that the youth needed enrichment in the summer when it seemed many would resort to falling into the wrong crowd so to speak. Mrs. Elliott, along with her supportive and loving husband, Johnny Elliott, founded the ministry to continue to surround the children with positive role models and attempt to sharpen the spiritual and academic aspects of their lives. The heartbeat of the ministry is to bridge the gap between the school, the church, and the community. While studying to earn her Master's in Education through Concordia University in 2010, she shared her ministry with one of her professors, Dr. Jan Morgan, which inspired Dr. Morgan to develop a similar ministry called Bridges Work in Tarrant County. Mrs. Elliott continued on and received her Master’s in 2011 and dreamed to make an even greater impact on the youth and community. Unfortunately, in February 2013, Mrs. Elliott was diagnosed with stage 4 of a rare and aggressive breast cancer followed by her passing on November 30, 2013, survived by her loving husband, Johnny Elliott, and two daughters, Jordan & Morgan Elliott. Even the months up to her death, Mrs. Elliott fought and returned to the classroom so she could continue to impact more lives. In August 2013, she received her 20 year pin for working 20 years in Lewisville ISD. Though it was not God's plan to have her with us physically, we are determined to carry out the legacy she has built. We are honored to have had a brave soldier like Mrs. Elliott to stand in the gaps for our children and fulfill the mission God placed on her heart. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7