Portage County Juvenile Court Partners with neighborhood bridges
WESTERVILLE, Ohio, (June 24, 2026) – Neighborhood bridges, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports direct local giving in partnership with school district leaders, counselors, and social workers, is collaborating with the Portage County Juvenile Court staff to help K-12 students in need across the county. This effort taps into neighborhood bridges’ proven model of engaging community members in the districts it serves to fulfill requests for essential needs and services, removing barriers to school attendance and success.
This first-of-kind partnership enables Portage County Juvenile Court staff members to post requests for specific needs on behalf of at-risk students within school districts served by neighborhood bridges: Kent City Schools, Field Local Schools, Crestwood Schools, Ravenna Schools, Streetsboro Schools, and Waterloo.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and this partnership with neighborhood bridges allows us to connect students and families with resources that can make an immediate difference in their lives,” said Judge Patricia J. Smith of the Portage County Probate-Juvenile Court. “Whether it's meeting a basic need, helping a student stay engaged in school, or providing support during a difficult time, this collaboration creates new opportunities to support students and their families before challenges become barriers to success, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have across Portage County.”
"The Portage County Juvenile Court learned about neighborhood bridges through a community partner, and I only wish we had known about this program sooner,” said Jessica Tamba, director of diversion services, Portage County Juvenile Cout. “I was impressed by its effectiveness and by how quickly needs are met. There is a tremendous need for neighborhood bridges in Portage County, and our Court is honored to have the opportunity to post needs on behalf of local youth. Too often, young people who are perceived as delinquent are facing challenges at home, and programs like this can help address those underlying needs. Neighborhood bridges provides our Court with a meaningful way to show youth that we are on their team—working with them, not against them. The impact on young people and their families cannot be overstated."
Neighborhood bridges enables professionals from schools, mental health agencies, churches and other service organizations to advocate for those facing basic needs insecurity. By posting needs through a secure website. The organization then shares these needs with community members via daily email alerts and social media, encouraging direct giving and support. Recipients remain anonymous.
Common needs include food, clothing, coats, shoes, school supplies, fees, eye exams, household items and financial assistance for basic expenses.
How to Get Involved
Community members and businesses can follow and meet local needs by visiting https://neighborhoodbridges.org, clicking on “community,” and signing up to receive emails from any of the neighborhood bridges school communities in Portage County listed below:
· neighborhood bridges Crestwood
· neighborhood bridges Field Local
· neighborhood bridges Ravenna
· neighborhood bridges Streetsboro
· neighborhood bridges Waterloo
Follow activities on social media by searching for Portage County neighborhood bridges communities on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about neighborhood bridges, how to bring neighborhood bridges to a school community, or to learn about Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities in your community, email contact@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 670,028+ students and families through over $14 million in giving since its founding in 2017. neighborhood bridges is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, and operates its “Gateway for Kindness” in 71 communities throughout Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.
For more information, visit neighborhoodbridges.org.
Contact:
Rick Bannister
Founder and CEO, neighborhood bridges
614-390-1142
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