Inspiring Conversations with Daniel Craig of Bridge Builders Program

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Craig.

Hi Daniel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was a Special Education teacher for Metro schools for twenty years. and couldn’t help but notice a major need in the Nashville community schools. Many of our students didn’t have school supplies or food. I and Quinton Robinson, my friend, started a school supply closet for our students and teachers.

The school supply closet assured teachers wouldn’t have to incur the unwanted expense for their student’s backpacks, paper, and pens. Thus the teachers and parents could afford groceries. Bridge Builder Program Inc recognizes that every little help can change a life. Since our humble beginnings five years ago, we’ve fed 300 people on Thanksgiving, Quintin Robinson is currently working on his Ph.D. in agriculture and I have received my nonprofit management certificate this past summer and currently working on my master’s degree in public administration.

Bridge Builders Program Inc won the Hands-on Nashville Stroble Award for best volunteer group 2021.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road for us because of a few struggles with finding funding for all of our programs. Also finding volunteers.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bridge Builders Program Inc. is a local non-profit that is committed to providing leadership, mentoring, academic support, and networking opportunities for children and families in the Nashville area. Bridge Builder participants and programs tirelessly throughout Nashville and surrounding communities to uphold and emulate its guiding principles.

What sets us apart is that we are always in contact with parents, students, school teachers, school counselors. We understand what our major needs and we make sure we follow up and help each need. We are super proud of winning the Hands-on Nashville Strobel Award for best” Group Volunteer Service” For us winning the award brings awareness to the families and teachers, students, that we are currently helping in the Nashville community.

We would like people to know that they can help us help others that are in need by our Kroger Rewards program, Amazonsmile, donate, volunteer, purchase a Bridge Builders t-shirt, donate school supplies from our Amazonsmile wishlist for teachers and students, and sign up for our monthly newsletters. Go to www.thebridgebuilder1911.com.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
We see the Bridge Builders Program Inc having more schools we service, more mentoring programs, and becoming one of Nashville top nonprofits such as Hands on Nashville, RMDH- Nashville Ronald McDonald house, and Nashville Rescue Mission,

Pricing:

• Hoodies: $40.00
• Mask: $16.00
• T-Shirts $25.00

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: http://thebridgebuilder1911.com/
• Instagram: BridgeBuildertn
• Facebook: Bridge Builder

Image Credits
Brandon Vanleer of Vanleer Studios Videos and Darryl Golden of Dallas News