We are on a mission to empower vulnerable young adults aging out of an imperfect foster care system with the critical life skills needed to turn hardships into opportunities and become stable, contributing members of our community.
Who We Are
Watch this video to learn more about Bridge Builder Communities, who we serve and answers to some frequently asked questions.
Our Story
WE BELIEVE…
in empowering young adults aging out of the Foster Care System to take control of their lives and futures through education, support, and opportunity.
Empowerment
Mission
Passion
Outreach
Wellness
Education
Resilience
Compassion: We approach our work with empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges and experiences of each individual we serve.
Community: We foster a sense of belonging and support by building strong connections within our organization and with the broader community, creating a network of resources and relationships.
Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our operations and interactions.
Innovation: We continuously seek creative solutions and opportunities for improvement to better serve the evolving needs of our beneficiaries and maximize our impact.
Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration, working together with other organizations, stakeholders, and supporters to amplify our collective efforts and achieve shared goals.
Resilience: We demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, adapting and persevering with determination and optimism to fulfill our mission and support the young adults we serve on their journey to success.
Dr. Jackson Drumgoole
FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BRIDGE BUILDER COMMUNITIES INTL INC.
Dr. Jackson Drumgoole, Army veteran, university professor, and executive life coach. Jackson has over 20 years of experience in organizational change, leadership, and development. As a strategic change manager, he has been recognized at the highest levels in the Department of the Army for implementing vision and building successful organizational growth, defining strategic direction, and generating solutions to complex problems. In 2023 Jackson received his doctorate of education from the University of Southern California and became the founder of Drumgoole Family Initiatives to fulfill his desire to see at-risk youth and families thrive.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Joe Gambill
CHAIR / BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Gambill was the founder and president of Virgo Gambill Architects from 1984 to 2022. In 2023, Virgo Gambill Architects merged with McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, where Joe continues to serve as the Project Development Coordinator for the Augusta Office. He also serves as Board Chairman of Drumgoole Family Initiatives, is Vice-Chairman of the Augusta Technical College Foundation Board, and is a 20-year member of the Institutional Review Board at Piedmont Augusta. Throughout his professional career, Joe has served the CSRA in multiple leadership roles in the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, the North Augusta Rotary Club, the Tree of Love for University Hospital, Leadership Augusta, and Boy Scouts of America. Joe joined Drumgoole Family Initiatives to continue to serve his community and this underserved population.
Penny Wasden
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Penny Wasden is a lifelong resident of the CSRA and a business banker with First Citizens Bank. She is passionate about helping people... providing resources and solutions to help them be successful — either in banking or navigating life. She provides financial literacy courses, coaches small businesses and entrepreneurs in starting businesses, and serves on the board of the Community Advisory Council for The HUB at the Laney Walker and Harrisburg Communities. She also serves the Board of Women in Philanthropy as a member at large and on the Grants Committee as a section leader. Penny recently supported the Alzheimer’s Association annual fundraiser, Dancing with the Stars Augusta, and was able to rally her personal fundraising efforts to over $70,000 in ten weeks.
Vikki Pruitt
Social Services Liaison + Coordinator / BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vikki Pruitt is the Deputy Director for the Augusta Partnership for Children, a non-profit organization that works with the Richmond County community to address issues that impact children and families. In addition, she oversees the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program. In these roles, Vikki works with and provides support to many community agencies, organizations, and individuals particularly those providing direct services to children and families. Before moving to Augusta, she served in the U.S. Air Force. Vikki has been associated with the Augusta Partnership for 26 years, 24 of those years in her current position.
Judge Chanette Lewis
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Judge Chanette Lewis is an Augusta Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court Judge. She received her Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA after completing her undergraduate degree in Political Science at Augusta State University. She provides relevant support, information and direction related to juveniles who are accused of crimes, structuring code of conduct and disciplinary action plans, recognizing juvenile abuse or neglect and access to government and non-municipal resources related to same. She is actively involved in the foster care system and is concerned about housing for that demographic and brings a unique judicial perspective to the board.
Luke Niday
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Luke Niday is the Outreach Pastor at First Presbyterian Church. He oversees all outreach and mercy ministry. He is the Chairman of the Board of City Hope Alliance and a board member of Campus Outreach. He is active with Augusta Partnership for Children, Augusta Homeless Taskforce, Augusta Child Alliance of Greater Augusta Council. His desire is to bring his experience with non-profit leadership, financial management and capital campaign fundraising to the BBC to help create a successful launchpad for youth aging out of foster care to have a greater chance to succeed in life.
J.R. Richards
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JR Richards is the current CEO of Medical Associates Plus, a federally qualified health center in the greater Augusta area. His experience in results-driven healthcare administration specifically in policy and program development, program evaluation, government relations, federal grant writing, and strategic planning, are priceless to the BBC board. While his experience and affiliations are numerous, notable is his receipt of the 100 Black Men of Augusta’s Leadership Award, NAACP’s Georgia W Conoly Community Service Award, and he is listed as a United Who’s Who of Healthcare Executives.
Our Strategic Partners
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Help Young Adults Aging Out of the Foster Care System Transition Successfully into Adulthood
It takes a village to build a Bridge Builder Community, and there are many ways to support our mission. Whether it’s through your time, talents, or treasures we want to say “thank you” for helping us meet the extraordinary needs of today’s young adults.
Donate Your Time
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Donate Your Services
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Donate Your Money
Become a Bridge Builder Financial Partner by contributing a one-time or recurring donation.