Background
Bridge Bread Bakery exists to provide opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness or instability to rebuild their lives through work, dignity, and community. Every loaf, every pastry, and every story reflects a journey from brokenness toward renewal. This is the story of LaRon, a baker whose voice — literally and figuratively — became a symbol of Bridge Bread’s mission and a marker of a new chapter in the organization’s growth.
The Discovery
Early in 2025, Bridge Bread Director of Development Chris Miller was in the office adjoining the bakery kitchen — a 2,000-square-foot space with 30-foot ceilings that make every sound resonate like a cathedral. From the kitchen came a sound that stopped him cold: a voice, clear and resonant, rising effortlessly through the room. “What is that?” he asked. “Oh, that’s just LaRon,” someone replied. But it was far more than “just” anything. LaRon’s voice — rich, bold, and pure — filled the space like a French horn: triumphant, magnanimous, transcendent.
The Song and the Vision
Months later, Bridge Bread founder Fred Domke was beginning a transition. After years as founder, Executive Director, Fred was preparing to move into a new role focusing on the personal and spiritual growth of the bakery team through a new Baker Development Program modeled after Stephen Ministry. Fred encouraged LaRon to share his gift publicly, selecting “Plowshare Prayer” by Spencer LaJoye, a song of lament, grace, and peace written by a transgender artist whose lyrics embrace the brokenhearted, the lost, and the healing. When Chris first listened to it, he recognized himself — a child who had endured the murder of his sister, and a man who had seen the same brokenness mirrored in the lives of his bakers. As a recovering alcoholic, he understood the song’s cry for mercy, healing, and peace on a deeply personal level. This song was for him — and for every baker working to reclaim their life through Bridge Bread.
The Preparation and Partnership
With Mike Heeley, then Director of Operations Manager (soon to be Managing Director), LaRon began preparing to perform “Plowshare Prayer” live. Mike accompanied LaRon on guitar, bringing both musical experience and leadership to the moment. Before joining Bridge Bread, Mike spent years involved in different aspects of the music industry. Their first public performance was at Manchester United Methodist Church, one of Bridge Bread’s largest partners, during a Wednesday community dinner for 200 people. The pairing of Mike and LaRon symbolized Bridge Bread’s mission in action — leadership and staff, side by side, using their gifts to lift others.
The PBS Television Connection
Soon after, Nine PBS TV (ch. 9) reached out to Bridge Bread to produce a feature for its local storytelling program “Living St. Louis.” When PBS called, the Bridge Bread team requested that the story include LaRon and Mike performing “Plowshare Prayer.” The program will air November 3 at 7:00 p.m., highlighting not only Bridge Bread’s social enterprise, but also the human stories of talent, resilience, and hope rising from within its walls. You’ll hear LaRon and Mike perform, as well as hear founder Fred Domke’s inspiring tale of how the bakery got started, and from other bakers employed by Bridge Bread. “Living St. Louis” is available on demand on PBS website and YouTube.
The Gala and the Next Chapter
At the Bridge Bread Gala on October 2, LaRon performed “Plowshare Prayer” live before donors and community supporters. It was the culmination of months of coaching, encouragement, and preparation — a triumphant moment that embodied everything Bridge Bread stands for: opportunity, dignity, and transformation. Soon after, members of the Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis visited the bakery. When they heard LaRon’s story, Chris shared a video of his performance at the church. Recognizing his immense talent right away, the choir members invited him to join, offering transportation to rehearsals and concerts. LaRon accepted — stepping into yet another community where his voice could continue to shine.
Outcome
From the bakery floor to the gala stage, and now to a citywide choir, LaRon’s journey represents the heartbeat of Bridge Bread: restoration through opportunity, and purpose discovered in community. It also marks a moment of transformation for Bridge Bread itself — as Fred Domke evolves from executive leadership into founding Advocates STL, empowering others to grow; and as Mike Heeley steps into his new role as Managing Director, strengthening the organization’s structure for the future. Through these intertwined stories — of LaRon, Fred, Mike, and Chris — Bridge Bread continues to prove that what begins as brokenness can rise again in beauty and song.
Key Takeaways
Hidden gifts can emerge when people are given space to grow.
• Leadership transitions can create renewal, not disruption.
• Intentional storytelling expands mission impact.
• Music and art are powerful tools for healing.
• The Bridge Bread community embodies redemption — not as a slogan, but as a lived reality.
