Timeline

In the wake of the U.S. presidential election and campus unrest over the October 7th attack against Israel, Jake contacts BridgeUSA to establish a high school chapter. 

Jake completes dialogue participation and facilitation training. At this point, the goal is to focus solely on Stapes students.

BridgeUSA discontinues its high school chapters, and Jake pivots by founding BridgeBuilders, focusing on connecting students and seniors.

Jake recruits Tucker Mays, who connects Jake with Jim Marpe, former First Selectman of Westport, to partner with the Y's Men Club.

Jake recruits Sienna, and the first meeting is conducted between Staples students and seniors from the Y's Men at the Westport Library.

Jake and Sienna's petition to formally establish BridgeBuilders as a Staples Club is accepted, 90 students sign up for membership and meetings are held monthly.