Monday Morning Joy: 'Normal' threatens community ride

The I Will Mentorship Foundation (IWMF) held a bike ride in the Dunbar community of Fort Myers recently, and gave more than 20 kids free bikes, safety vests and helmets.

IWMF's founder, Jesse Bryson, joined volunteers and members of the Fort Myers Fire Department in leading safety classes and the ride near Mt. Olive AME Church. And, although gunfire broke out nearby, none of the kids were affected and the ride continued. "It reminds us of the serious challenges this community is facing. Unfortunately, this is their normal," Bryson said of the incident.

Bryson's efforts to positively impact at-risk youth in Southwest Florida, via the rides, are funded in part by a $5,890 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. The donation, was part of a $300,000 grant given to the FutureMakers Coalition, by the Schulze foundation.

Bryson purchased a bike trailer with the grant, will recondition 200 bikes and hold bike repair clinics.

Go to www.iwmf2.org to lean more about the program.

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Upcoming Fort Myers rides and clinics:

May 25 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3105 Broadway.

Aug. 24 at Rosa De Saron Assembly of God, located at 13235 Palm Beach Boulevard.

Dec. 14 at Good News Baptist Church of Pine Manor, located at 1650 Oak Drive.

The rides are held from 5 to 6 p.m.

Repair clinics will held at Fort Myers Schwinn Cyclery, located at 3630 S. Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. Dates are May 21, Aug. 20 and Dec. 10.

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Monday Morning Joy is a video series of uplifting moments from the daily lives of the people of Southwest Florida. Got a moment to share? Tell Kinfay Moroti about it at kmoroti@gannett.com, on Facebook (Kinfay Moroti) or on Twitter @Kinfay and #sharethejoy