Augusta, Ga. — A new initiative is taking shape in Augusta, designed to offer young adults aging out of foster care a place to call home and a supportive community to help them transition into adulthood. The project, known as Bridge Builder Communities, will feature a tiny home village with 25 homes and a 4,900-square-foot community center.

The innovative program was founded by Dr. Jackson Drumgoole, a native of Augusta who has a personal connection to the foster care system. Growing up, several of his family members were in foster care, and witnessing their struggles inspired him to create the organization.

“I saw the suffering that my family members went through, both here in Augusta and beyond,” Dr. Drumgoole explained. “That experience led me to start this organization at a very young age.”

The tiny home village aims to address the unique challenges faced by young adults who age out of the foster care system, a time when many find themselves without adequate support. The village will be divided into pods of homes to help build a strong sense of community among the residents. The community center will offer critical resources, including life skills training, mental health counseling, and a place to unwind.

“We’re trying to create a family for young adults who’ve never had a family before,” Dr. Drumgoole said. “The goal is not just housing, but to provide a foundation where they can learn, grow, and heal.”

Statistics underscore the need for such a project. Studies show that approximately 85% of young adults aging out of foster care face some form of mental health challenge, 55% experience homelessness shortly after leaving the system, and 25% encounter legal trouble. These troubling figures highlight the vulnerability of these individuals and the importance of providing them with the tools and resources they need to build a stable future.

The community center will play a key role in offering these young adults the support they need. In addition to life skills training and counseling, it will feature spaces where residents can relax, connect with others, or even engage in activities like video games. The hope is to create a safe, welcoming environment where residents can feel at home.

To help fund the project, Bridge Builder Communities will host its inaugural Bridge Builder’s Gala on May 31, from 6 to 9 p.m., at The Richmond on Greene. The gala will celebrate the organization’s progress, recognize its donors and supporters, and honor a community leader for their contributions. Tickets for the event are priced at $100, with the goal of raising $150,000 to support the building of a stronger future for young adults aging out of foster care.

Penny Wadsen, a founding board member of Bridge Builder Communities, stressed the importance of community involvement in making the project a success. “We have people who give $10 a month because they recognize that this is not just their problem—it’s our problem,” she said.

In addition to fundraising efforts, the organization is inviting community members to nominate outstanding local leaders for recognition at the gala. Nominations will be accepted through April 11, with top nominees receiving tickets to the event and special recognition that evening.

The Bridge Builder Communities project in Augusta is one of the many efforts across the nation aiming to fill the gap for young adults who leave foster care without the support systems that many others take for granted. As the tiny home village nears completion, it stands as a hopeful symbol of what can be achieved when communities come together to support those in need.