By Karla McArthur, Education Correspondent
Editor’s Note: The name of the organization known as “neighborhood bridges” is purposefully left uncapitalized when written in line with the organization’s commitment to humility in service. We have chosen to honor the organization’s wishes and depart from our usual style for this article except for when the name of the organization begins a sentence.
The organization known as neighborhood bridges is a 501 C3 charitable organization that services 63 school communities in Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Launched in 2017 by founder and CEO Rick Bannister, the organization responds to the growing rate of poverty by partnering with schools and communities in order to meet the needs of families and students in crisis.
Bannister, a 7-time school levy chairman and elected member of the Westerville City Schools Board of Education, saw the needs of many students in his Ohio community and chose to take action.
“People want to help,” said Bannister, “but they don’t know how or where the needs are.”
Neighborhood bridges serves as an avenue by which communities and schools can connect and fulfill these needs, which range from hygiene products to washers and dryers. Bannister understood that “whenever children are involved, people respond.”
Before assuming the role as Area Director for neighborhood bridges in 2023, Jennifer McGriff, recognized these same issues among many of the students in her classes. “I’m incredibly grateful to Dena Cook for introducing neighborhood bridges to our school system,” said McGriff. Cook, the Director of Student Services for the Etowah County School System, brought the charity to the district in 2019.
McGriff proudly serves as the Special Programs and Family Support Liaison for Etowah County Schools. Deeply committed to public service, McGriff has long been active in various community initiatives across the county.
With the support of Dr. Alan Cosby, Superintendent of Etowah County Schools, and the school board, McGriff works with social workers, counselors and faculty from local schools to identify students and families in need. Through neighborhood bridges, McGriff has been able to bring awareness to the surrounding community and local businesses, who have responded generously with donations totaling $263,000 in money and items, impacting 3966 students.
The charity’s kindness council members have been instrumental in the creation of Student Success Centers on all 23 of Etowah County’s school campuses that are stocked with food and hygiene items for students. The centers are discreetly accessible to students during the school day and contain items that can also be taken home for the weekend.
“We are so grateful for our kindness council members,” McGriff said. “They are the driving force behind what we do for students and their families. Their annual donations make it possible for us to meet time-sensitive needs immediately when they arise.”
Both Bannister and McGriff noted that the charity goes beyond accommodating immediate needs by maintaining continued relationships with the students and families.
McGriff said neighborhood bridges is a walk of faith for her. “I have seen such an incredible response from our community,” she said. “When I receive some of the larger needs, naturally I hesitate to post them, but God continues to encourage me to step out of the boat and to continue stepping out of the boat; it’s not about us.”
Every dollar donated through the charity goes directly to the students and families within Etowah County Schools. McGriff pointed out that donating is the easiest thing someone can do—”Click a link and you can help.”
Bannister expressed his gratitude to the Etowah County School System and residents for supporting the charity and allowing him the opportunity to “serve more holistically.”
Neighborhood bridges has consistently received the Gold Seal of Approval from national charity watchdog, GuideStar, because of its continued transparency. “I placed a bet on humanity,” Bannister said, “and people have proven me right.”
To donate through neighborhood bridges or get involved as a kindness council member, contact Jeniffer McGriff at jennifer_mcgriff@ecboe.org
