A sub-fund of the Education Foundation of Ottawa’s Students In Crisis Fund.
The idea for Bridges Over Barriers came from Drs. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng and Michael Hartwick, who were inspired by the desire to commemorate their colleague and friend, Dr. Rick Hodder. Dr. Hodder was a Critical Care Physician at The Ottawa Hospital with a deep commitment to the common good. Bridges Over Barriers recognizes that schools are a hub for young people’s well-being, and that school social workers are in a unique position in their direct work with many of the most vulnerable children and families in our community.
This fund is established based on the values of equity and the need for early intervention, with a commitment to maintaining the dignity of every individual who is a benefactor of this fund. All Canadians deserve equitable opportunities and life outcomes, and the sooner barriers can be overcome and supports can be put into place, the greater the impact will be for the individual, the family, and the overall community.
This fund enables OCDSB school social workers, through their clinical lens, to identify needs and barriers in student’s lives that prevent them from accessing necessary basic necessities, activities, and mental/physical health supports.
The goal is to collaborate with students and/or families in order to immediately access these critical supports.
You can make a difference in the life of an OCDSB child. See the many ways you can help.
Let our students tell you what your help means to them.
We have experienced a consistent annual increase of requests for support by nearly 40% since the 2020/2021 school year.
Your donations, in-kind support, sponsorships and program support provide students with an equity of opportunity for success.