In the early 2000's, much of the public was still unaware of the growing heroin epidemic. At this time, Tom Bowser lost a friend to an overdose. As he spoke with local law enforcement, he learned just how devastating the crisis was—police officers were encountering youth as young as 13 years old struggling with heroin addiction. This heartbreaking reality led Tom and his wife Sandy to take action. In June 2002, the vision for Fishbone was born.
It started very simply in 2002 by walking around and praying for Butler City’s South Side neighborhood. Tom & Sandy then started a bi-weekly game day, which they held in Father Marinaro Park. And it proved to be a great way to share the hope of Jesus with a community living on the South Side. That same winter, Tom & Sandy gained access to an abandoned church, and this old church enabled the ministry to continue through the winter. In this simple provision, God was affirming Tom & Sandy’s passion to serve a community within the city.
The ministry location bounced around for several years, and this made it difficult to establish permanent relationships. But after three years of transient locations, Tom & Sandy began renting the Brown House at 437 Shore Street. This house is located in a neighborhood of Butler City known as “The Island”. In 2010, the Bowser’s purchased the Brown House, enabling Fishbone to become a permanent home within the community!
For eight years, Faith Fellowship Alliance Church served as the parent organization for Fishbone Ministries. Then, after eight years of fruitful ministry, Fishbone was established as an independent non-profit. Fishbone now hosts two after-school programs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well a Sunday evening Family Chapel service.
Building relationships is the heartbeat of Fishbone’s ministry to the neighborhood of The Island. At each program, a meal is freely served to strengthen the bonds of community. What began as one couples’ passion, to bring the hope of Jesus to a community in need, has now become a thriving ministry right in the middle of Butler City! Praise the Lord!!