About Us
Building Bridges, Empowering Community
The mission of El Puente is to create a welcoming community and offer resources that connect the Hispanic community of Cookeville.
Our Story
El Puente was founded in the fall of 2022 by Chad Mynatt, Jill Mynatt, Jeff Reese, and Jordan Reese. With years of experience working in Hispanic communities overseas, particularly in the Dominican Republic, the founders recognized a pressing need for similar support within their local community in Cookeville, Tennessee. Their journey began by partnering with an English as a Second Language (ESL) program held at a local elementary school, where they built relationships with Spanish-speaking individuals and families. This experience revealed a range of needs beyond ESL, leading them to establish El Puente, Spanish for “The Bridge”, a name that encapsulates the organization’s mission to connect and empower the Hispanic community in Cookeville.
El Puente is committed to a relational, community-driven approach that fosters trust and provides critical support. Through education, advocacy, and direct services, El Puente helps families navigate barriers, access essential resources, and integrate into the broader community.
