(Brookville, IN) – Neighborhood Bridges, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports direct local giving in partnership with school leaders, has launched its 67th “Gateway for Kindness” in the Franklin County Community School Corporation (FCCSC).
The decision to bring Neighborhood Bridges to Franklin County emerged from the work of the Franklin County Health and Housing Coalition, which has spent the past few months identifying practical, high‑impact ways to support families.
As needs continued to rise across the county, coalition members sought a solution that could mobilize community generosity quickly, reduce barriers for families, and strengthen collaboration between schools and service providers.
After reviewing several models, the coalition unanimously agreed that Neighborhood Bridges offered the most effective and community‑centered approach. This launch represents a major step forward in the coalition’s commitment to improving student well‑being and family stability.
Franklin County Community Schools, which serves 1,947-plus 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 strengthens the connection between our schools, families, and the community, allowing us to better meet the unique needs of our students. It is our hope that the generosity and compassion of our community will amplify our efforts, providing much-needed support to ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed,” said FCCSC Superintendent Dustin Gehring.
“We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our students and their families and to see how the Franklin County community residents come together to support our neighbors, friends, and fellow community members,” Gehring added.
Neighborhood Bridges enables professionals from schools, 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 Franklin County Community 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 Franklin County Community Schools has the basic resources they need to attend school every day. We celebrate the addition of Neighborhood Bridges Franklin County as the FIRST school community in the great state of Indiana to our Gateway for Kindness which now serves 67 communities in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Indiana is home to the 2026 NCAA Football National Champions, The 2025 Heisman Trophy Winner, and now Neighborhood Bridges,” Bannister added.
Serving as the Area Director will be Bethany Luers, Executive Director of Stayin’ Alive. The organization assumed leadership of the Health and Housing Coalition in June, and Luers immediately recognized Neighborhood Bridges as an opportunity for the coalition to make a meaningful and measurable impact in the community. Under her leadership, the coalition moved swiftly to build a steering committee, coordinate with school partners, and prepare for launch.
The Neighborhood Bridges Franklin County Steering Committee is comprised of:
• Shelly Lunsford, Executive Director, Franklin County Community Foundation.
• Kelly Bulmer, Executive Director, Franklin and Ripley Counties United Way.
• Dustin Gehring, Superintendent, Franklin County Community School Corporation.
• Amy Lindsey, Director, Franklin County Emergency Management.
• Brittani Schwab, Director, Franklin County Health Department.
• Brenda Taylor, SIEOC.
• Stephanie Varble, Team Lead in Resource Housing, Safe Passage.
Get Involved
Community members and businesses can follow and meet local needs by subscribing at https://neighborhoodbridges.org/community/franklincounty-in and follow the activities on social media:
• Facebook: nbFranklinCounty
• Instagram: @nbFranklinCountyIn
For more information about Neighborhood Bridges Franklin County, or to learn about Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities, email franklincounty@neighborhoodbridges.org.
