Transformative Project Aims to Aid Foster Care Alumni in Augusta

Augusta, the city nestled on the South-eastern border of Georgia, has welcomed an innovative project that aims to bridge the gap between homelessness and stable housing for the region’s young adults. The initiative, developed by Bridge Builder Communities (BBC), specifically focuses on the particularly vulnerable demographic of individuals who have aged out of the foster care system.

An Enlightening Endeavour

The founder and CEO of Bridge Builder Communities, Dr. Jackson Drumgoole II, is driven by a profound understanding of the tragic plight faced by these young adults. Rather than treating homelessness as an abstract social problem, Drumgoole brings a human-centered approach to the issue, aimed at providing tangible support and guidance. His initiative is already receiving widespread attention and rapidly growing support from a diverse range of sectors including education, hospitality, and healthcare.

A Simple Plan, A Broad Impact

The project’s blueprint involves transforming a three-acre parcel in Harrisburg neighbourhood into a gated village of 25 compact homes. The homes will provide suitable accommodation for individuals aged between 18 and 25 transitioning out from the foster care system. Aside from the safe and stable housing, the project’s ultimate goal is to connect these young adults with resources typically provided in a family environment. The homes are designed as part of small communities of five, each surrounding a central community building equipped to offer life-skills classes, clothing, and food resources.

A Model for Achievable Success

The crucial operational aspects of the project are carefully calibrated to ensure the long-term success of the initiative. Selective onboarding processes are in place to identify those most likely to benefit from the programme, aided by existing data from the Department of Family and Child Services (DFACS). The residents, once they move into the BBC village, will work with a care manager to establish an Individual Success Plan and a resource manager will help them get the materials necessary for their plan to work.

Creating a Safety Net for Success

Drumgoole outlines clear terms of stay to facilitate the stability and progress of the youths: mandatory employment or schooling, regular meetings with care managers, and strict rules regarding substance use and guest visitation. With the project expected to break ground by the end of the summer, residents of Augusta look forward to welcoming the first 10 residents by this time next year.

The Visionary Behind the Vision

Drumgoole is driven by his personal experiences witnessing the struggles of family members in the foster care system. Anchored to the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed despite their past, he carries a hopeful vision for how augmented support can alter the course of a young adult’s life. He states, “I firmly believe that with the right support and guidance, foster youth can overcome adversity and thrive.” His project reflects this conviction and stands as a beacon of hope for all young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.