Finding New Friends

By Brian Bethel
Abilene Reporter-News

Patri Bailey has found friends right in her own neighborhood.

''We live in a world in which neighbors don't really come out anymore,'' Bailey said.

But that's not true on her street, she said. Bailey regularly attends a Wednesday morning Bible study for women at Hardin-Simmons University's Friendship House on North Hickory Street.

The relationships she has forged there and with other neighbors in her North Abilene neighborhood are more precious than gold.

''It's made such a positive difference in my life and my children's lives,'' Bailey said.

From its beginning in 2004, Bailey has attended activities at HSU's Friendship House, which is part of a program patterned after one in Shreveport, La.

Click here to read the complete story