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Reading Community City Schools to launch neighborhood bridges

WESTERVILLE, Ohio, (November 5, 2025) – Neighborhood Bridges, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports direct local giving in partnership with school leaders, today announced the launch of its 65th “Gateway for Kindness” in the Reading Community School District.

 

The Reading Community School District, which serves 1,400+ students, will work with Neighborhood Bridges to help counselors, teachers, and administrators across the entire district meet essential needs for under-resourced students and their families.

 

"We are excited to partner with neighborhood bridges.  This collaboration strengthens the connection between our schools, families, and the community, allowing us to better meet the unique needs of our students. It is our hope that the generosity and compassion of our community will amplify our efforts, providing much-needed support to ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed. We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on our students and their families and to see how Reading Community residents come together to support our neighbors, friends, and fellow community members." Dr. Damon Davis, Superintendent of the Reading Community School District

 

Neighborhood Bridges enables professionals from schools, mental health agencies, churches and other service organizations to advocate for those in need. Advocates post needs — while keeping recipients anonymous — through a secure website. The organization then shares these needs with community members via daily email alerts and social media, encouraging direct support.

 

Common needs include food, clothing, coats, shoes, school supplies, fees, eye exams, household items and financial assistance for basic expenses.

 

“Within the communities we serve, our ‘Gateway for Kindness’ connects those in need with those who can help. We are excited to add the Reading Community School District to our service area,” said Rick Bannister, CEO, neighborhood bridges. “In preparing for this launch, the efforts of local school and community leaders demonstrate that kindness has momentum. Our partnership will provide direct impact to students and families in need in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.  Simply put, our goal is to make sure that every student in the Reading Community School District has the basic resources they need to attend school every day.  We celebrate the addition of Neighborhood Bridges Reading to our Gateway for Kindness which now serves 35 communities in Ohio and 13 school communities in the Greater Cincinnati Area, including: Lakota, Lebanon, Sycamore, Finneytown, Harrison, Fairfield, New Miami, Monroe Local, Kings Local, Carlisle, Lockland, and Glendale.  Southwest Ohio is our largest corridor of kindness!

 

Serving as the Area Director will be long-time Reading resident and alumnus Krystal Mee. Dr. Mee is an entrepreneur in the Reading community. She is the owner of The Garden of Drip, specializing in enhancing well-being and providing personalized care for each client, promoting health and rejuvenation. Dr. Mee is also a licensed registered pharmacist.  

 

"As the Area Director for Neighborhood Bridges here in the Reading community, I am incredibly proud and grateful that our local program is officially launching and making a real difference for students and families in need. As both a proud alum of the Reading School District and a local business owner, this initiative holds special significance for me. Through the platform, we can efficiently connect a vetted need with a willing donor, maintaining dignity and confidentiality throughout the process. This program is a testament to the compassionate spirit of Reading, and I am excited to see our collective impact grow as we continue to work together.”

Dr. Krystal Mee – Neighborhood Bridges – Reading Area Director



 

Our Neighborhood Bridges Steering (Kindness Council) Committee includes:

Mr. Tim Cox – The Six Realty

Chief Bryan Edens – Reading Police Department

Chief Todd Owens – Reading Fire Department

Assistant Chief Ryan Androne – Reading Fire Department

Mr. Toddy Pflug – Landmark Church

Dr. Krystal Mee – The Garden of Drip

Mrs. Jessica Wiggins – Jessica Wiggins Photography

Counselor Mrs. Sarah Blair – Reading Community City Schools

Counselor Emily Sewall - Reading Community City Schools

Counselor Amber Stinson - Reading Community City Schools

Principal Gina Sansone - Reading Community City Schools

Principal Michael Howton – Reading Community City Schools

Assistant Superintendent Mark Edwards – Reading Community City Schools

Superintendent Dr. Damon Davis – Reading Community City Schools

Treasurer Jennifer Burke - Reading Community City Schools

 

Get Involved

Community members and businesses can follow and meet local needs by subscribing at https://neighborhoodbridges.org/community/reading-oh and following the Reading Community chapter on social media:

For more information about Neighborhood Bridges Reading, or to learn about Kindness Council sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected]

 

About neighborhood bridges

A 501(c)(3) organization, Neighborhood Bridges’ mission is to bridge communities with schools in providing basic needs, removing barriers, and seeking equity for students so they can engage and succeed in school and life. The organization has driven direct support and care to more than 595,300+ students and families through over $12.5 million in giving since its founding in 2017. 

Neighborhood Bridges is headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, and operates its “Gateway for Kindness” in 65 communities throughout Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. 

 

For more information, visit neighborhoodbridges.org.