Statements
Mission
Bridge House's mission is to lead youth out of homelessness and empower them to live a life that will change a life.
At The Bridge House, we envision a future where every youth who has experienced the foster care system in Middle Tennessee is empowered to lead a life of purpose and transformation. By nurturing their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, we guide them to overcome their past and embrace their future with confidence. Our vision is to inspire these young individuals to live out the principle of "one for one," pouring into others just as they have been supported, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond their own lives.
Background
Founded in 2022, Bridge House was established to meet the critical need for safe, stable housing for children & youth in the foster care system and those aging out of it in Tennessee. The Bridge House is dedicated to ensuring that every young person in foster care has a secure place to live while awaiting reunification with their family or placement in a permanent home. The organization provides transitional housing and comprehensive wraparound services designed to empower children, teens, and emerging adults to achieve stability and independence. Through partnerships with Tennessee's Department of Children's Services (DCS), churches, local schools, and other nonprofits, Bridge House identifies and supports youth who are at risk of homelessness, offering not only housing but also mentorship and life skills development.
Bridge House envisions a future where every youth in the foster care system has the opportunity to lead a life of purpose and transformation. By focusing on holistic care-addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the youth it serves-Bridge House equips young people to overcome the challenges of their past and embrace their future. The organization fosters a culture of "paying it forward," inspiring participants to give back to others in the same way they have been supported, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Looking ahead, Bridge House plans to expand its services, including additional transitional housing, to ensure that youth in foster care have a safe and nurturing environment until they find a permanent place to call home.
Impact
Since its founding, The Bridge House has made a transformative impact on the lives of youth impacted by the foster care system in Middle Tennessee. In the past two years, The Bridge House has provided essential support to more than 2,000 youth and foster families, offering transitional housing, food, clothing, and comprehensive wraparound services. The need for transitional housing is particularly crucial because there are more youth in the system than foster care families to care for them. This is especially true for older youth, particularly boys and teenagers, who are often harder to place in foster homes. Without stable housing and support, these youth are at higher risk of experiencing a lack of security and stability in their lives, educational disruptions, attachment disorders and trauma, and social isolation as they have been removed from the familial and social circles as they have been placed in DCS custody. To address these critical gaps, Bridge House has developed a strong network of partnerships with DCS, local nonprofits, schools, and churches, enabling it to identify and support both foster care youth in need of safe, stable housing and those aging out of the system at 18 who are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. These collaborations are crucial in creating a comprehensive approach to addressing the immediate housing needs of youth in foster care, as well as providing long-term support for those transitioning to independence, whether they are awaiting reunification with family, permanent placement, or preparing to live on their own.
Key milestones further demonstrate the growth and impact of Bridge House. These include the recent expansion into a 7,000 square foot facility, which will be dedicated transitional housing for youth aging out of foster care. The need for housing for youth aging out of foster care is particularly urgent, as national statistics indicate that up to 20% of youth who age out of foster care at 18 become homeless on the day they leave the system. Without stable housing and support, many of these young people face significant challenges, including unemployment, lack of education, and poor health outcomes. Bridge House has responded to this need by creating a safe and supportive environment, offering transitional housing and the life skills necessary for these youth to thrive. Additionally, Bridge House was invited to participate in the transitional housing committee through Every Child Tennessee, reflecting its growing influence in the foster care and homeless services landscape. By continuing to foster partnerships with organizations such as Wilson Bank and Trust, Cross Point Church, and other local businesses, Bridge House is steadily growing its impact and working toward long-term sustainability. These milestones demonstrate Bridge House's commitment to, not only meeting the immediate needs of youth, but also empowering them to become leaders and agents of positive change.
Needs
Bridge House is committed to expanding its services to better support youth in foster care who need safe, temporary housing and those aging out of the system in Middle Tennessee. To continue providing comprehensive care, Bridge House requires financial support in several key areas:
Operational Funding for Transitional Housing: As we expand to a new 7,000 square foot facility dedicated to youth aging out of foster care, operational costs, including staffing, utilities, and program supplies, are significant. Bridge House seeks funding to cover these ongoing expenses, ensuring that it can provide safe, stable housing and essential services to the emerging adults this new program will support and service.
Facility Enhancements: Though our current and new additional facilities are operational, additional funding is needed to complete small renovations and furnish the spaces adequately. Creating a welcoming and functional environment is key to helping youth feel safe, supported, and nurtured as they work toward independence.
Program Development and Staffing: To maintain and expand its wraparound services, including life skills training, education support, and mentorship, Bridge House needs additional program staff. Hiring a Director of Development is also critical to overseeing fund
CEO Statement
The Bridge House was born out of a desire to provide hope and stability to youth facing some of the toughest challenges imaginable-those placed in and aging out of the foster care system. When I founded Bridge House, I envisioned a place where young people, who too often fall through the cracks, could find not just a home but a foundation for a brighter future. We are more than just a transitional housing program; we are a community dedicated to equipping our youth with the tools, support, and encouragement they need to thrive.
At The Bridge House, we focus on holistic care-nurturing the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every youth who walks through our doors. Through life skills training, mentorship, and educational support, we empower these young individuals to embrace their futures with confidence and purpose. But we don't stop there. We also instill in them the responsibility to give back-to use their own experiences to inspire and uplift others. This "one for one" approach is at the heart of everything we do.
I am incredibly proud of the growth and impact we've achieved, from expanding into a 7,000 square foot facility to serving over 2,000 families in our first two years. As we continue to expand our reach and strengthen our programs, our commitment remains the same: to lead youth out of homelessness and into a life of independence, empowerment, and purpose. Together, we are building a future where these young people can thrive-and in turn, create positive change for others.
- John Widrick, CEO and Founder of Bridge House
Board Chair Statement
As Board Chair of The Bridge House, I am deeply inspired by the organization's commitment to supporting youth in the foster care system. The Bridge House provides a critical safe haven for these young people, who often have no other options for stable housing or care. Our work not only offers them a secure place to stay but also comprehensive support, including emotional care, education, and life skills training, all designed to help them build a promising future.
In 2025, we are excited to expand our impact by offering transitional housing for youth aging out of the foster care system. This expansion will allow us to continue meeting the evolving needs of these emerging adults. As a lean and resourceful organization, we ensure that the majority of our funding goes directly toward helping these young people. We are committed to laying a strong foundation for their success and to building a future where no child is left without a safe place to call home.
- Brandi Courtwright, Board Chair
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Housing, Shelter - Temporary Housing |
| Secondary Category: | Human Services - Foster Care |
| Tertiary Category: | Human Services - Children's and Youth Services |
Areas Served
Bridge House serves Middle Tennessee's youth who are in and emerging from the foster care system.
| TN - Wilson |
