Imagine being 17 and suddenly alone—no family to call, no home to return to, and no clue what comes next. For hundreds of youth in Tennessee’s foster care system, this is reality. But at The Bridge House here in Wilson County, a new chapter begins—one filled with hope, healing, and the support every young person deserves.
Nestled in the Mt. Juliet, The Bridge House stands as a lighthouse of hope for some of the most vulnerable youth in Middle Tennessee. This nonprofit leads young people away from homelessness and into lives of stability, purpose, and transformation. With a mission centered on radical hospitality, The Bridge House offers transitional housing, mentorship, and life-skills training to youth impacted by the foster care system.
"Every youth who walks through our doors deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported," says John Widrick, Executive Director of The Bridge House. With over 8,000 children in Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services custody and nearly 900 aging out annually, the need is urgent. "We don’t receive state funding. Everything we provide comes from the generosity of our community."
The organization runs three key programs:
- Children 18 and under transitioning into foster care receive immediate support during a critical moment known as "removal day." Staff provide transitional housing, meals, clothing, hygiene items, and emotional care to ease the trauma.
- Young adults aged 18 to 20 aging out of the system receive transitional housing, mentorship, and life planning services to support independence.
- Wraparound Secure support helps foster and adoptive families thrive by equipping them with resources, emotional support, and a strong community network.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the mission. All mentors undergo extensive training, background checks, and trauma-informed care education. They walk alongside youth, helping them navigate school transitions, job applications, and health care access. Support includes retrieving vital documents, teaching financial literacy, and coaching for workforce readiness.
"What the kids say they love most is the relationships," says Widrick. "That’s what sets us apart."
Jennifer Gallahar, Director of Operations, adds, "We’re not just giving them shelter. We’re nurturing their emotional and spiritual well-being to spark long-term growth. We envision a future where every youth impacted by foster care in Middle Tennessee is equipped to lead a life of transformation."
The mentorship program is built on four core goals:
- A comprehensive intake process to understand each youth’s unique needs.
- Daily, consistent mentorship from trained, compassionate adults.
- Academic support to ensure youth stay on track.
- A structured transition plan for long-term placement or independent living.
Youth in foster care often experience instability, educational disruptions, and difficulty forming trusting relationships. The Bridge House combats these challenges by offering not just services, but a sense of belonging. The safe, supportive environment allows youth to build confidence, resilience, and purpose.
There are many ways the community can invest in this mission:
- Join a Crew – Get involved in ongoing volunteer opportunities.
- Become a Sponsor – Help fund housing, meals, and support services.
- Volunteer at Serve Days – Participate in one-day events that make a big impact.
- Partner with The Bridge House – Collaborate through business, church, or civic partnerships to extend reach and resources.
The Bridge House is more than a shelter—it’s a launching pad for the next generation. To learn how you can make a difference, visit thebridgehousetn.org.
“We’re not just giving them shelter—we’re nurturing emotional and spiritual well-being to spark lifelong transformation.”