Building Bridges STL
Building Bridges STL provides shared housing and comprehensive support services
to young women, esp those who have aged out.
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.
Building Bridges Program: Participant Acceptance Process
At Building Bridges, we are dedicated to empowering young women through support, growth, and community. Our acceptance process is designed to ensure that each participant is a good fit for our program and is fully prepared to engage with our services and community. Below is an overview of how young women are accepted into our program:
Referral or Recruitment
- Referral: Young women can be referred to our program by external organizations, community leaders, or personal recommendations.
- Recruitment: We also actively recruit participants through outreach, social media, and community events, welcoming young women who are interested in making positive changes in their lives.
Written Assessment
- After being referred or recruited, each participant must complete a written assessment. This assessment helps us better understand the individual's background, needs, and goals, ensuring that we can provide the appropriate support and resources.
- The written assessment includes questions about personal experiences, aspirations, and any challenges the participant may face.
Admin Review
- Our administrative team carefully reviews each participant’s written assessment to ensure eligibility and compatibility with the program’s goals.
- This review process may also include verifying personal information and previous involvement with similar programs.
Acceptance Notification
- Once the review is complete, an acceptance letter is sent to the participant, notifying them of their acceptance into the program. In cases where additional steps are needed (e.g., further documentation or clarifications), the participant will be contacted directly.
- If accepted, the participant will also be given a clear timeline of next steps, so they know what to expect moving forward.
Contractual Agreement
- Upon acceptance, the program participant is required to sign a contractual agreement. This agreement outlines:
- House Rules: Guidelines that govern behavior, shared spaces, and interactions within the program.
- Orderly Agreement: Expectations for respectful and productive participation in the program, maintaining a positive environment for all participants.
- Program Participation: A commitment to fully engage in the program’s activities and meet any required attendance or participation standards.
- This agreement ensures that the participant is fully informed and committed to the program’s values and structure.
Introduction to the Community
- After signing the agreement, the new participant is introduced to the other women and program staff. This is an important step in fostering a sense of community and support.
- New participants will be introduced in a welcoming environment, where they can learn more about the experiences of other women in the program, share their own story, and begin to form relationships with both their peers and the staff.
Placement
- Finally, the participant is placed within the appropriate part of the program. This may involve being assigned to specific activities, mentorships, or projects based on their individual goals, needs, and preferences.
- Our goal is to place each participant in a role or program component that will best support their personal growth, development, and success.
By following these steps, we ensure that each participant is supported and prepared for their journey with Building Bridges. We are committed to creating a safe and empowering environment where young women can thrive, learn, and build the skills they need to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
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 am excited to invite you on a journey to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young women in St. Louis. My name is Akani, and I am the founder of Building Bridges STL. Our mission is to provide a safety net for young women, ages 17-22, who are transitioning into adulthood—especially those who have aged out of foster care and still need a little extra support, guidance, shelter, and a caring community.
Building Bridges STL is dedicated to uplifting our community and creating a brighter future for motivated young women who are ready to take the next step in life. As a lifelong resident of St. Louis City, I have spent my career serving others, particularly those who are disadvantaged. Over the years, I have worked in various support roles, including positions at BJC Home Care Services, St. Louis Mental Health, BJC Behavioral Health, Annie Malone Children’s Home, Visiting Nurses, and the American Cancer Society. Most recently, I’ve spent 24 years with Elevance BlueCross BlueShield. Throughout my career, my work has always been centered on helping and advocating for those in need.
In addition to my extensive experience in the field, I have spent the last several years managing my own online retail business to fund Building Bridges STL, reflecting my deep commitment to supporting the young women we serve. With the skills and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my career, I am determined to make a lasting impact on the lives of these young women as they transition into independent, successful adults.
While I have personally funded this mission, I am now seeking partners and additional funding to expand our efforts and provide even more support. I am proud to have a dynamic team of support staff, collectively bringing over 50 years of experience in youth services to our work. Together, we are dedicated to making a real difference. I invite you to join me in creating positive, lasting change. Together, we can build bridges to independence, success, and a brighter future for the young women of St. Louis. I welcome your help!
Thank you,
Akani