Building Bridges STL
BBSTL provides shared housing & support services to young women, with a focus on those who have aged out of foster care.
About Us!
Building Bridges STL provides housing and vital support services to young women aged 17-22 years old who face housing hardships, particularly those who have aged out of the foster care system. Our mission is to empower these young women by offering a safe and stable environment that fosters growth and development. Through compassionate guidance, we help them transition smoothly into adulthood and achieve lasting independence. At Building Bridges STL, we are dedicated to being a bridge to a brighter future.
Building Bridges STL was born from a deep commitment to uplifting young women facing uncertain futures. Our founder, Akani KZA, envisioned a space where these women could find not only transitional housing but also a sense of belonging and purpose.
Whether through a monetary donation, volunteering your time, and/or committing to our mission your unique skills and service, every bit of support brings us closer to our goals. Together, we can make a lasting change!
If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved, please sign up for more information. We’d love to have you as part of our community of changemakers. Thank you for considering supporting us in any way you can. From the bottom of my heart...
Thank you so much!
Akani
Founder
Our Aproach!
At Building Bridges STL, we embrace a holistic, family-centered approach to support our program participants. By creating a warm and inclusive environment, young women reside in shared living quarters alongside a live-in monitor who fosters a sense of community and security. Our approach includes:
- Empowerment through shared living quarters with peers : We cultivate a supportive network where participants can share experiences, build friendships, and learn from one another, enhancing their sense of belonging.
- Life Skills Development: We provide tailored workshops and training sessions focused on essential life skills, including financial literacy, job readiness, and health management, ensuring participants are equipped for independence.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Each participant is paired with a mentor who offers personalized support, encouragement, and guidance, helping them navigate challenges and set achievable goals.
- Access to Resources: We connect participants with educational opportunities, vocational training, and mental health services, addressing their diverse needs to promote holistic well-being.
- Building Resilience: Through regular group activities and open discussions, we foster resilience and coping strategies, empowering participants to face challenges with confidence and strength.
By integrating these elements, Building Bridges STL strives to create a nurturing environment that promotes growth, independence, and lasting success for young women as they transition into adulthood.
Our Mission
At Building Bridges STL, our vision is to empower young women transitioning from foster care or other disadvantaged living situations to independence by providing a nurturing community and the resources needed to thrive, fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, and a brighter future.
We envision a world where every young girl has a safe and productive home environment that allows them an opportunity to focus on the necessary path to thrive and allows them to become stable and independent adults. Building Bridges STL works tirelessly to create opportunities for education, employment, and stable housing for our young ladies / program participants.
Our Program
We offer a variety of programs aimed at empowering our young ladies through education, mentorship, and shared space structured engagement. Our programs are designed to address specific challenges faced by adulthood, ensuring that we make a meaningful impact.
A Home for New Beginnings..... Building Bridges!
Our Current Renovation Project.
At Building Bridges STL, we’re excited to announce two new transformative residential renovation projects that will provide safe, supportive housing for young women in need (8 women). This initiative is designed to create a welcoming and stable environment where young women, especially those transitioning out of foster care or facing housing insecurity, can feel at home.
Through these renovations, we’re building more than just houses—we’re creating a space of hope, healing, and opportunity. Each room will be thoughtfully designed to foster comfort and independence, complete with essential amenities, personal spaces, and communal areas that encourage connection and community.
With the help of generous donors, volunteers, and skilled professionals, we are making this dream a reality. These homes will be a vital stepping stone for these young women, helping them build a foundation for a stable future and empowering them to pursue their personal and professional goals.
Join us in our mission to make this project a success, and help us create a place where young women can thrive!
The Bolga (Farmer's Market) Basket Bazaar
Feel free to click link above or below to shop baskets!
$70.00
($13.00 shipping)
Welcome to our Market Basket Fundraiser! We're thrilled to bring this exciting event to you in support of Building Bridges Stl and our mission to empower young women in need.
A Message From The Founder
Thank you for visiting. I'm excited to invite you on a journey with me to make a meaningful difference. My name is Akani. I am the founder of Building Bridges STL. I'm committed to providing a safety net for young women in STL who just need a bit more support....guidance, shelter, safe & caring arms. Building Bridges STL's mission is to uplift our community and foster a brighter future for all motivated women. Please consider a donation - financial or otherwise. By joining us, you’re not only supporting an organization—you’re actively contributing to the well-being and resilience of our community. Let's build a better tomorrow, together.