Building Bridges Inc

"My son was at Building Bridges for almost two years. He had developed a severe substance abuse problem at age 15, and felt hopeless, believing he could never overcome the crushing weight of addiction. Positive change did not come immediately for my son at Bridges, but it did come. Today he is a confident, strong and happy young man. It is truly an incredible feeling to have him back home, and I feel indebted to Kurt (his therapist), Andy, Tammy, Josh, Chris, Jonah, Missy, Alysha, Debbie and the rest of the team. The program is put together with much thought, care and heart - which becomes apparent during the summer conference. These folks care about the boys in the program, and their jobs are not easy. The summer trips are an incredible experience, and promote resilience and growth for the boys. Kurt is a gifted therapist, and has an excellent team surrounding him. The therapy does not happen only in a conventional setting, but is ubiquitous. The basketball court is as much a setting for therapy as the therapist’s office. The group therapy amd senior peer influence is critical. And so is the family therapy and transition work. Thank you Building Bridges! I highly recommend them."

"My son was in a terrible place. Substance abuser, thief and liar were the adjectives we used to describe him. We sent him to Utah and Alaska to get clean where he told people what they wanted to hear but he did not truly think he had a problem. After 6 months, we sent him to Building Bridges where his life changed forever. Building Bridges is a family run, no nonsense community where boys are held accountable to become better people. From the therapists to the education coordinator to the owners, these young men are held accountable for their actions and are expected to become better men. At Building Bridges, the young men are home schooled where Andy where he makes sure they do their work and are given the chance to go to a public school if they feel the young man is ready for the challenge. My son just barely was allowed to go to public school his Jr year because he wasn't meeting Building Bridges expectations but when given the change he flourished at Thompson Falls HS. He was able to compete in athletics, graduate with his peers while parents watched from the gym floor, go to the prom and meet friends he will have for the rest of his life. His life was his but he was held accountable for how he acted in school, at sporting events, and even on adventures he took with the Building Bridges boys. All these activities were learning moments where he could make mistakes but be held accountable. After 2 years at Building Bridges, my son has become a man I am now very proud to call son. The parent support is great. The therapists are great. The Education is great. The relationships the boys make are great. And the Montana trips are great! Building Bridges is the greatest thing that ever has happened for my family and I would be proud to recommend them."

"Building Bridges saved my son's life! After spending the last 2 years in and out of multiple inpatient and outpatient facilities, we found ourselves with one last Hail Mary. Building Bridges was the answer we were searching for. He went in a lost 16 year old boy with no direction in life just seeking the next high with only 1 high school credit to his name. Thanks to the love, support, patience and compassion of the Building Bridges family, he emerged an 18 year old young man with a high school degree and enrolled to begin his freshman year in college. The whole family is involved in every step of the process and becomes a part of the Bridges family. Thank you Kurt, Andy, Josh, Alysha and the entire Bridges staff!"

"Building Bridges is an exceptional program. I have taught in Thompson Falls, Mt, for the past 10 years and have found many positive examples where the program has supported the students in our high school by promoting participation in athletics, music, and academic programs. If there are any concerns, the staff at Building Bridges have supported the school and the student for the best outcome to any situation that has developed. It is a pleasure getting to know these young men with such diverse backgrounds. It is so enjoyable to watch them transition and grow in our school. This growth and development is all due to the great counseling and positive environment that Building Bridges provides. They push the students out of their comfort zones and begin to build confidence in their lives. It really is amazing to see this transition in a very short time. I am raising three boys myself, two of which have had the opportunity to participate with these young men in sports. They have very positive things to say about the boys and also have had the opportunity to spend time with them in the program house where they have said it feels like a big family. My oldest son has graduated and is now in his first year of college. He continues, to this day, to keep in touch with many of the Building Bridges boys that have attended our high school with him. These will no doubt be life lasting friendships. I have had the great pleasure of getting to know the Fairbank family, who oversees this outstanding program. They take pride in the development of these young individuals and also take pride in the environment to which they live and work. They updated the home for the boys and not only made the home functional for the amount of young men living there, but also put in extra efforts for outside play, like an awesome basketball court, huge yard, and of course summer river play where Kurt teaches all the boys to water ski. Building Bridges is very supportive of our community, as well. Sarah is president of our local Bluehawk Booster Club and does a wonderful job of making fair and equitable decisions involving the support of our athletic and academic programs. Finally, I can say, without a doubt, the family values they teach these young men in their program are reflective in their own children. This year I am very fortunate to teach Kurt and Sarah’s oldest. In having this time to observe their children in a year long classroom setting, I can tell you, this family has sound morals and strong positive integrity. My own boys spend a lot of time with their children and it always is heartwarming and fun. In summary, I am proud to know and work with the amazing leaders and staff of Building Bridges program."

"Building Bridges will always hold a special place in my heart! My son lived there from December 2020 through May 2022. The therapy, staff, community, brotherhood and the house itself all work together to help these boys understand who they are and why they ended up there. My son was given every opportunity to learn how to control his anger, understand his addiction and find himself. He came home as the sweet, thoughtful, kind young man whom I knew was still in there. Bridges, the staff, TFHS and the love and support of the community all saved my son! I am forever grateful for what he learned while living there as well as all of the opportunities he had! God Bless Kurt and Sarah, all of the staff and all the boys who walk through those doors. Sincerely, Aimee"