Neighborhood Bridges, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports direct local giving in partnership with school leaders, today announced the launch of its 72nd “Gateway for Kindness”, Ravenna City Schools in Ravenna, Ohio.
Ravenna City Schools, which serves 1,874+ students, will work with neighborhood bridges to help counselors, teachers, social workers and administrators across all five schools meet essential needs for under-resourced students and their families.
“We are excited to partner with Neighborhood Bridges. This collaboration helps unify the amazing existing community resources into a streamlined system of support. This program will strengthen the connection among our schools, families, and the community, enabling us to better meet our students’ needs. We hope that Ravenna’s generosity and compassion, combined with Neighborhood Bridges’ proven model of success, will help to remove non-cognitive barriers for families and result in increased access, student outcomes, and overall success. We are excited to get started and thank our community for continuing to support our students and the Ravenna community at large. Ravenna is a village, and Neighborhood Bridges is a great example of neighbors helping neighbors.”
- Ben Ribelin, Superintendent of Ravenna City Schools
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.
“Within the communities we serve, our ‘Gateway for Kindness’ connects those in need with those who can help. We are excited to add Ravenna 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 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 student in Ravenna City Schools has the basic resources they need to attend school every day. We celebrate the addition of Neighborhood Bridges Ravenna as we continue to expand our work in serving students of Portage County, including: Kent City Schools Streetsboro, Field Local, Crestwood, and Waterloo school communities.
Serving as the volunteer Area Directors will be Sarah Knapp and Andrea Morgan.
Our neighborhood bridges Ravenna Steering Committee includes:
Jessica Tamba, Director of Diversion – Portage County Juvenile Courts
Ryann Cline, Director – Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce
Kaylyn Kane, Child & Adult Protective Services Administrator – Job & Family Services
John Kennedy, Executive Director – Community Action Council
Heather Kelly & Laura Wunderle, Directors – Raven Packs
Brian Pavelko, Executive Director of Care Management – Ohio RISE Portage County
Sarah Pastor, Branch Manager/Assistant VP – Hometown Bank
Connie Bennett, Chief Executive Officer – Portage Community Bank
Diane Buller, Educator and Club Member – Kiwanis Club of Ravenna
Rebecca Miller, Marketing Coordinator – Reed Memorial Library
Sarah Knapp, Attendance Secretary – Willyard Elementary School
Arasin Hughes, School Counselor – Ravenna Junior Senior High School
Renee Donofrio, School Counselor – Ravenna Junior Senior High School
Andrea Morgan, School Counselor – Ravenna Junior Senior High School
Kara Pumper, School Counselor – Brown Intermediate School
Kaylee Lohr, School Counselor – Willyard Elementary School
Officer Chase Fife, School Resource Officer / RPD -Ravenna Junior Senior High School
Officer Steven Lincoln, School Resource Officer / RPD – Brown Intermediate School
Get Involved
Community members and businesses can follow and meet local needs by subscribing at https://neighborhoodbridges.org/community/Ravenna-oh and follow the activities on social media:
• Facebook: nbRavenna
• Instagram: @nbRavenna
For more information about Neighborhood Bridges Ravenna, or to learn about Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities, email ravenna@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 672,705+ students and families through over $7.5 million in giving since its founding in 2017.
Neighborhood Bridges is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, and operates its “Gateway for Kindness” in 72 communities throughout Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.
For more information, visit neighborhoodbridges.org.
