In a bid to strengthen support for at-risk students and their families, Neighborhood Bridges, a renowned 501(c)(3) charity, has announced its collaboration with the Bibb County Schools community. This partnership marks the launch of the 48th “Gateway for Kindness” initiative aimed at providing direct local aid to students in need.
Bibb County Schools caters to over 3,000 students. The arrival of Neighborhood Bridges in this educational landscape will serve as a pivotal community resource. The charity’s involvement will assist school counselors, teachers, social workers, and administrators in addressing crucial needs for underprivileged students and their families.
Expressing gratitude for this collaborative effort, Mr. Kevin Cotner, Superintendent of Bibb County Schools, emphasized the critical role communities play within educational institutions. He highlighted the partnership’s potential to significantly benefit students by meeting their essential needs.
Neighborhood Bridges operates by engaging various professionals from schools, mental health agencies, churches, and service organizations to advocate for individuals in need. These advocates post the requirements anonymously on a secure website. The charity then disseminates these needs to subscribers and followers through daily emails and social media posts, rallying community members to fulfill them. Common needs include food, clothing, shoes, eye exams, school supplies, furniture, and monetary contributions for household expenses.
Rick Bannister, CEO of neighborhood bridges, expressed enthusiasm about incorporating Bibb County Schools into their service network. He lauded the efforts of local leaders, underscoring the momentum of kindness within the community. The partnership aims to provide direct assistance to students and families, fostering a culture of neighbors supporting one another. Bannister reaffirmed the charity’s commitment to ensuring every student in the Bibb County School District has the fundamental resources required for daily attendance.
Volunteers Lane Lightsey, Mistie Burkes, Craig Cargile, Stephanie Kemmer, Hollie Tillery, and Carla Hubbard will serve as area directors for Neighborhood Bridges Bibb County. The Neighborhood Bridges Steering Committee comprises individuals from various sectors, including education, healthcare, local government, and corporate entities, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives in addressing community needs, including Brandy Fancher, Town of West Blocton; Britney Dickson, Bibb County Schools; Nicki May, Bibb Medical Center; Kayla Thomas, Bibb County Schools; Kathy McCulley, Know My Hire; Cheryl Fondren, United Way of West Alabama; Karen Burklew, Southern Company; Ernie Cutts, Bibb County Schools; Ty Corbell, Bibb County Commissioner; Katie Crumpler, Bibb Medical Center; Kayla Cooner, Circuit Court – Bibb County; Camille Gibson, Bibb Medical Center; and Tiffney McCulley, Town of Woodstock.
It’s emphasized that 100 percent of donations to Neighborhood Bridges Bibb County will directly benefit students and families in need within the community.
To stay updated with the needs of the community or to contribute, individuals and businesses are encouraged to subscribe to Neighborhood Bridges Bibb County through their website or follow their social media channels on Facebook (@nbBibbCounty) and Instagram (@nbBibbCounty).
Neighborhood Bridges, as a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, has dedicated itself to bridging communities with schools to address fundamental needs, eliminate barriers, and promote equity for students, thereby enhancing their educational and life success. Since its inception in 2017, the organization has extended direct support exceeding $8 million to over 409,000 students and families. Presently, Neighborhood Bridges operates its “Gateway for Kindness” in 49 communities spread across Ohio, Alabama, and Mississippi.
For additional information on Neighborhood Bridges’ role in Bibb County or inquiries regarding Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities, interested parties can contact BibbCounty@neighborhoodbridges.org or visit their website at neighborhoodbridges.org.
