Existing to reduce structural barriers to social and economic mobility to build a more equitable city.
Who We Are
Building Bridges is a non-profit with five signature projects designed to provide equitable access to health, arts and economic opportunity.
Our work bridges communities and creates intentional and sustainable pathways to equitable opportunities.
We build, convene, and innovate in partnership with communities East of the Anacostia River.
Building opportunities.
Bridging communities.
Centered Around 3 Core Program Areas
Building Bridges does not act for the community; we act with the community.
Arts & culture
Economic opportunity
Health & well-being
We’re creating metaphorical and physical bridges to allow our communities to have pathways for success, confidence, and empowerment.
Our Five Signature Projects
11th Street Bridge Park
Washington D.C.’s first elevated park will span the Anacostia River and serve as a new venue for healthy recreation, environmental education, and the arts.
Building Bridges Farms
Providing Southeast communities with greater access to healthy, affordable food, urban agriculture education, and career opportunities.
THEARC
Comprised of four buildings, farm, and playground that sits on 16.5 acres, this humanitarian mall provides world-class services to the east of the Anacostia River community in Washington, DC.
THEARC Theater
Created to provide DC residents living east of the Anacostia River entertaining and enlightening experiences that can impact their lives and brighten their futures.
Skyland Workforce Center
Provides high-quality workforce development programs in one location, leading to work-ready candidates, career-focused job placement, economic self-sufficiency, and improved quality of life.
The Power Of Connectivity
We achieve lasting change with our team of incredible professionals built ‘In and Of’ the community
$30 million
Towards Human Service for Ward 8 Community Annually
700 Partner Organization Employees on Campus
THEARC Theater I-CAN Program
Entertaining and enlightening experiences that can impact their lives and brighten their futures
“When I was introduced to THEARC theater and I-CAN I didn’t know I was a part of a thriving program and organization that would expose me to a career path in technical theatre, higher education, professional development and more. After college I was able to return home with skills to work with not just the THEARC but other audio technical companies around the area”
Skyland Workforce Center
1,074 people
have been placed in jobs
“I always knew I was going to be able to find a job, it just so happened that the program was here for me, and that was a blessing.”
Get Involved
Volunteer
Volunteers are key to our success. See what opportunities we offer for you to get involved.
Events & Programs
From theatrical performances to hiring fairs, Building Bridges Across the River offers a full slate of activities that will enrich, empower and entertain members of our community.
Donate
Building Bridges Across the River relies on charitable gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies to make our work possible.