Tarrant City Schools launches neighborhood bridges
WESTERVILLE, Ohio, (April 17, 2025) – neighborhood bridges, a 501(c)(3) charity that champions direct local giving in partnering with school district leaders to serve our most at-risk students, today announced the launch of its 60th “Gateway for Kindness” to serve the community of Tarrant City Schools.
Tarrant City Schools serves approximately 1,259 students. As a community resource, neighborhood bridges Tarrant City Schools will aid school counselors, teachers, social workers and administrators from all 3 schools in meeting essential needs for at-risk and underprivileged students, and their families.
"We are proud to announce our partnership with neighborhood bridges to introduce the Gateway for Kindness initiative in Tarrant City Schools. This collaboration will strengthen the connection between our schools, families, and the broader community, enabling us to address the unique needs of our students more effectively. Through the generosity and compassion of our community, we aim to enhance our efforts in providing critical support, ensuring that every student has access to the resources necessary for their success. We are confident that this partnership will have a profound and positive impact on our students and their families, fostering a spirit of collaboration and care among Tarrant City residents as we work together to support our neighbors and build a stronger community." Dr. Sherlene McDonald, Superintendent of Tarrant City 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.
“Within the communities we serve, our ‘Gateway for Kindness’ connects those in need with those who can help. We are excited to add Tarrant City 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 Tarrant City School District has the basic resources they need to attend school every day. We celebrate the addition of neighborhood bridges Tarrant City Schools to our Gateway for Kindness which now serves 60 communities in Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. This includes 12 school communities we are serving in the greater Birmingham metro area!”
Serving as our Area Director will be Brittney Gressman.
Brittney Gressman is a proud Tarrant native who attended Tarrant City Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and returned to invest in the community that inspired her. She has served as a teacher, instructional coach, school administrator, and currently works as the Technology Specialist and Public Relations Coordinator.
Brittney is pursuing her Education Specialist degree at the University of Montevallo and is dedicated to continually improving the educational experience and futures of Tarrant’s students. She firmly believes all students deserve access to essential resources, opportunities, and educational experiences that prepare them for a successful future-regardless of their background, circumstances, or zip code.
Our neighborhood bridges Steering Committee includes:
Dr. Sherlene McDonald, Tarrant City Schools, Superintendent
Brittney Gressman, Tarrant City Schools, Technology Specialist and Public Relations Coordinator
Kristi Ware, Tarrant City Schools, Student Services
Ev Gunn, Tarrant City Schools, Mental Health Coordinator
Tora Crenshaw, Tarrant High Schools, Job Coach
Miranda Little, Tarrant High School, Counselor
Emma Reliford, Tarrant High School, Career Coach
Randall McFarland, Tarrant High School, Attendance Coach
Yolanda Lawson, Tarrant Intermediate School, Counselor
Dr. Briauna Scott, Tarrant Intermediate Schoo, Attendance Coach
Hayle Mitchell, Tarrant Elementary School, Counselor
Community members and businesses can follow needs in the community by subscribing to neighborhood bridges Tarrant at:
https://neighborhoodbridges.org/community/Tarrant City Schools-oh and following on social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodbridgesTarrant City Schools/
Instagram: @nb.Tarrant
For more information about neighborhood bridges Tarrant, or information on Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities, email us at Tarrant@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 551,551+ students and families through over $11.5 million in giving since its founding in 2017.
Neighborhood bridges is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, and operates its “Gateway for Kindness” in 60 communities throughout Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.
For more information, visit neighborhoodbridges.org.