This page is for the promotion of the Bridges Over Barriers (BOB) fund, established based on the values of equity and the need for early interventions for families in need. The idea for Bridges Over Barriers was inspired by the desire to commemorate the late Dr. Rick Hodder, a Critical Care Physician at The Ottawa Hospital with a deep commitment to the common good. Bridges Over Barriers recognizes that schools are a hub for young people’s well-being, and that school social workers are in a unique position in their direct work with many of the most vulnerable children and families in our community. This fund is established based on the values of equity and the need for early intervention, with a commitment to maintaining the dignity of every individual who is a benefactor of this fund. It enables OCDSB school social workers, through their clinical lens, to identify needs and barriers in student’s lives that prevent them from accessing basic necessities, activities, and mental/physical wellness. The goal is to collaborate with students and/or families in order to immediately access these critical supports.
