Monroe Local Schools launches neighborhood bridges
Monroe Local School District launches neighborhood bridges
MONROE, Ohio — neighborhood bridges, a 501(c)(3) charity that champions direct local giving in
partnership with school district leaders to serve our most at-risk students, today announced the
launch of its 56th “Gateway for Kindness” to serve the Monroe Local Schools community.
As a community resource, neighborhood bridges Monroe Local Schools will aid school counselors,
teachers, social workers and administrators in meeting the essential needs of at-risk and
underprivileged students and families throughout the 2,900-student district.
We are incredibly excited to partner with neighborhood bridges to bring the ‘Gateway for Kindness’ to
Monroe Local Schools,” said Superintendent J. Robert Buskirk. “This partnership will provide much-
needed support for our students and families, ensuring they have the resources they need to
succeed. We are grateful for this opportunity to connect our compassionate community with
meaningful ways to help our students thrive.”
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.
“Within the communities we serve, our ‘Gateway for Kindness’ connects those in need with those who
can help. We are excited to add Monroe Local Schools to our service area,” said Rick Bannister,
neighborhood bridges CEO. “In preparing for this launch, the efforts of local school and community
leaders demonstrate that kindness has momentum. Our partnership will provide 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 Monroe student has the basic resources they need to attend school every day.
We celebrate the addition of neighborhood bridges Monroe Local Schools to our Gateway for
Kindness which now serves 30 communities throughout Ohio including Lakota, Fairfield, Harrison,
New Miami, Lebanon, Kings Local and Sycamore Community Schools here in the region. Southwest
Ohio has most definitely become a “corridor for kindness!”
Serving as Monroe’s area directors are Christine Uhl and Lindsay Henrriquez.
Christine Uhl resides in Hamilton, Ohio and holds a bachelor’s degree in family studies from Miami
University. Christine is deeply rooted in her community and is dedicated to supporting people in need.
Her strong social services background and passion for helping others through her professional role as
a success liaison at Monroe Local Schools will have a significant impact as she helps bring
neighborhood bridges to her school community.
Lindsay Henrriquez lives in Deer Park, Ohio, with her husband, Antonio, and their three wonderful
sons—Meicol, Naun, and Bradley. Lindsay earned a degree in early childhood education from
Cincinnati Bible College and has spent the last 12 years serving Monroe Local Schools as a success
liaison. Her role allows her to connect the school with the community, a mission she loves and is
eager to continue expanding. Lindsay finds great joy in serving others and supporting students and
families.
Our neighborhood bridges Steering Committee includes:
● J. Robert Buskirk, superintendent
● Jesse Catanzaro, director of personnel and business operations
● Rick Duff, career and counseling success liaison
● Sue Guttag, director of missions, Cornerstone Church
● Adam Marcum, public relations and communications coordinator
● Nancy Stratton, director of pupil personnel
Community members and businesses can follow needs in the community by subscribing to
neighborhood bridges Monroe Local at neighborhoodbridges.org/community/monroelocal-oh and
following on social media channels:
Facebook: neighborhood bridges Monroe Local
Instagram: @nbmonroelocal
For more information about neighborhood bridges Monroe Local Schools, or information on Kindness
Council sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected].
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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
502,000+ students and families through over $10 million in giving since its founding in 2017.
Neighborhood bridges is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, and operates its “Gateway for Kindness”
in 56 communities throughout Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee and