What We Do


Work Therapy Groups...
Since its founding in 1974, Building Bridges has grown into a multi-faceted program, working annually with 300 at-risk youth. Work Therapy is the foundation of the program, with young people involved in more than 25 groups each week. Types of work vary from preparing and serving meals
at the homeless shelter, training and walking dogs at the animal shelter, befriending institutionalized veterans, visiting the infirmed, elderly and mentally challenged and delivering medical equipment and furniture to those in need.

One of the most innovative aspects of Building Bridges’ Work Therapy Groups is the number of community partnerships and collaborations.

George Foster Home for Boys...
The George Foster Home (GFH), named after the 16-year Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets baseball icon, opened in 1979 to teenage boys the system had labeled “unworkable.” The group home is a place where the boys, 16-18, are safe to ask for help and take the fist steps towards a new start in life. Residents work with an around-the-clock staff and volunteers who want nothing more than to see them succeed. The group home is
a cost-efficient alternative to Ohio Department of Youth Services facilities.
It costs $95 per day to house and feed one youth at GFH, compared to more than $140 a day at ODYS.

Bread Breaking Guests...
On Sunday, the boys and staff at George Foster Home invite guests into the group home for lunch. There’s one catch --- you get to bring the food and cook! Everyone knows the way to a boy’s heart is through his stomach. Breaking bread together provides a delicious opportunity for the boys to practice life skills like interacting with adults, basic table manners and the art of dinner table conversation. This program is ideal for a church or civic group, a family or group of friends.