neighborhood bridges

West Carrollton Schools to launch neighborhood bridges

September 6, 2024 – neighborhood bridges, a 501(c)(3) charity from Westerville Ohio, that champions direct local giving in partnering with school district leaders to serve our most at risk students, today announced the launch of its 54th “Gateway for Kindness” to serve the school community of West Carrollton.

West Carrollton Schools serves more than 3,200 students. As a community resource, neighborhood bridges West Carrollton will aid school counselors, teachers, social workers and administrators in meeting essential needs for at-risk and underprivileged students, and their families.

“We are thankful for neighborhood bridges and those who made it possible to partner with West Carrollton Schools. Our community has always played a major role within our schools. this program and platform will allow the community and businesses to come together and continue to benefit in the greatest way possible by meeting the needs of our students. We hope to bridge gaps and remove barriers to help our students and families succeed.” – Andrea Townsend, EdD, Superintendent, West Carrollton Schools

Neighborhood bridges drives direct support and care by inviting professionals at schools, mental health agencies, churches and other service organizations to advocate for those in need. Advocates post needs via a secure website that maintains recipient anonymity. Neighborhood bridges then shares those needs with subscribers and followers through daily emails and social media posts—engaging community members to fulfill them. Typical needs include food, clothing, shoes, coats, eye exams, school supplies, school fees, furniture, household items, and monetary donations for household expenses.

Launch of Gateway for Kindness--2

“Within the communities we serve, our ‘Gateway for Kindness’ connects those in need with those who can help. We are excited to add West Carrollton Schools to our service area,” said Rick Bannister, CEO, neighborhood bridges. “In preparing for this launch, the efforts of local school and community leaders demonstrate that kindness has momentum. Our partnership will direct impact to students and families in need in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. Simply put, our goal is to make sure that every student in the West Carrollton School District has the basic resources they need to attend school every day.

We celebrate the addition of West Carrollton to our Gateway for Kindness which now serves 28 communities in Ohio and those closest include Miamisburg and Mad River Local Schools. Montgomery County is most definitely a “corridor for kindness” in the greater Dayton area!

Serving as our Area Director will be Nicole Meyer

Nicole Meyer is the District Social Worker for West Carrollton Schools. This is her fourth year in the district. She obtained her Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work from Wright State University and is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Nicole has been working in the social work field for the last 6 years. She is dedicated to the students and families she serves here in West Carrollton. Nicole’s hope is neighborhood bridges will bring the community together and meet the needs of the students and families. She is excited to have more needs met and see our students' success in the classroom.

Our neighborhood bridges Steering Committee includes:

Dr. Andrea Townsend, West Carrollton School District, Superintendent

Rebecca Yerman, West Carrollton School District, Director of Student Services

Nicole Meyer, West Carrollton School District, District Social Worker

Rich Harmon- Hope 4 West Carrollton, Executive Director

David Fisher- Hope 4 West Carrollton, Executive Director

Richard Barnhart- City of West Carrollton, Mayor

Teri Murphy- City of Moraine, Mayor

Doug Woodard- West Carrollton Police Department, Chief of Police

Chris Barnett- West Carrollton Fire Department, Chief of Fire

Craig Richardson- Moraine Police Department, Chief of Police

Traci Kuzminski- Moraine Fire Department, Chief of Fire

Amber Holloway- City of West Carrollton, City Manager

Michael Davis- City of Moraine, City Manager

Todd Baker- Miami Valley Leadership Foundation

Bryan Bigness- MUM Food Pantry

Doug Stebbins- Elementary Physical Education Teacher

Lori Gibson- West Carrollton Lions Club President

Nate Mundy- Pirate Packs & West Carrollton Lion Club

Claire Stebbins- Reading Allies

Community members and businesses can follow needs in the community by subscribing to neighborhood bridges West Carrollton at https://neighborhoodbridges.org/community/west-carrollton-oh and following on social media channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbWestCarrollton

Instagram: @nbWestCarrollton

For more information about neighborhood bridges West Carrollton, or information on Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities, email us at WestCarrollton@neighborhoodbridges.org

About neighborhood bridges

A 501(c)(3) organization, neighborhood bridges’ mission is to bridge communities with schools in providing basic needs, removing barriers, and seeking equity for students so they can engage and succeed in school and life. The organization has driven direct support and care to more than 470,000+ students and families through over $9 million in giving since its founding in 2017.

Neighborhood bridges is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, and operates its “Gateway for Kindness” in 54 communities throughout Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.

For more information, visit neighborhoodbridges.org.

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