Portage County (Ohio) partners with neighborhood bridges
Portage County Juvenile Court to partner with neighborhood bridges
in advocating for at-risk students
This first-of-a-kind partnership will allow court staff to post needs in the following school districts that are already partnered with neighborhood bridges: Kent City Schools, Field Local Schools, Crestwood Schools, Ravenna Schools, Streetsboro Schools, and Waterloo. Needs will be posted by court staff who are working with at-risk students in the specific school district that they attend.
"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. 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." -Jessica Tamba, Director of Diversion Services, Portage County Juvenile Court
“We are excited to add this layer of advocacy for students in need in Portage County and are grateful to Jessica Tamba, Director of Diversion services, for reaching out and having the vision to reach more at-risk students. We share a mission of seeking to remove those barriers that are preventing students from attending class and/or fully engaging in their schoolwork,” added neighborhood bridges CEO & Founder, Rick Bannister.
neighborhood bridges enables professionals from schools, mental health agencies, churches and other service organizations to advocate for those in need. Advocates post needs — while keeping recipients anonymous — 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.
Common needs include food, clothing, coats, shoes, school supplies, fees, eye exams, household items and financial assistance for basic expenses.
Get Involved
Community members and businesses can follow and meet local needs by subscribing at https://neighborhoodbridges.org, click on “community” and select any of the neighborhood bridges school communities in Portage County, below:
· neighborhood bridges Crestwood
· neighborhood bridges Field Local
· neighborhood bridges Ravenna
· neighborhood bridges Streetsboro
· neighborhood bridges Waterloo
and follow the activities on social media by simply searching for our Portage County neighborhood bridges communities on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information about neighborhood bridges, 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 663,820+ 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.