Bridges from Borders Inc.

What Bridges from Borders Inc. does

Bridges from Borders Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded approximately in 2020 and headquartered in Buffalo, NY, serving immigrant and refugee communities in Western New York. Its mission is to help immigrants bridge the gap between their native culture and American culture, with focus areas spanning mental health support, youth empowerment, and community empowerment. The organization operates a portfolio of roughly a dozen interconnected programs organized into four pillars: Mental Health Ambassador (Youth Voices and Together We Heal), Youth Empowerment (#MyStory, #Hidden716, #OneWorld Choir/Soccer/Chess), Community Empowerment (Starry Bridge for families of children with autism or developmental delays, #OneWorld Coalition), and AI for Good (AI for Good Lab and AI For Good Youth Camp). All programs are delivered free of charge to participants.

The technology layer is built around the BFB AI for Good Lab, which develops an Interactive Mental Health Support Platform (AI-powered, language-friendly interface for culturally appropriate mental health education) and AI-Powered Language Solutions for multilingual human service settings, supplemented by a Youth AI Technology Experimental-Based Education Program that teaches AI literacy through hands-on experiences such as 3D printing design. These capabilities were developed in collaboration with the University at Buffalo Health AI Center and were formally launched as a Youth Camp in 2025. The AI stack relies on generative AI and knowledge retrieval modalities, with no disclosed proprietary models, patents, or third-party benchmarks.

The business model is non-commercial: revenue comes from individual donations (credit card, debit card, PayPal, Zelle, check), foundation grants (notably Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation and Riley's Way Foundation, which provided $24k+ to #MyStory), volunteer labor, and select corporate financial partnerships. The go-to-market motion is community-led: outreach through school partnerships, the Student Advisory Committee, Mental Health Ambassador programs, newsletters, Instagram, and earned local media coverage. Customer segments include immigrants and new Americans (primary), youth from middle school through college (primary), parents/caregivers of children with autism or developmental delays (secondary), and multicultural community organizations (secondary). The organization is governed by an independent board and is led by Founder/Executive Director Yan Liu, supported by a small team of approximately 9 employees.

Name

Bridges from Borders Inc.

Legal name

Bridges From Borders, Inc.

Website

https://bridgesfromborders.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Bridges from Borders Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Buffalo, NY that delivers free mental health, youth empowerment, and community integration programs to immigrant and refugee communities across Western New York, supported by donations, grants, and a small AI-powered mental health and language accessibility platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mental Health and Youth Empowerment Services

NAICS

Social Assistance (624), Child and Youth Services (624110), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Integration & Inclusion Services (Housing, Education, Employment) (BPADAHAI), Refugee & Migrant Integration Enterprises (Livelihoods, Services) (BPAGALAN), Refugee & Humanitarian Newcomer Orientation (Resettlement Support) (EDAAADAI), Family & School System Navigation (Parent Engagement, Youth Services) (EDAAADAH), Cultural Adjustment & Integration Services (intercultural programs, community connection) (EDALANAD)

Keywords

• Community mental health services
• Youth empowerment programs
• Immigrant integration support
• Culturally responsive education
• Nonprofit community outreach

Headquarters

HQ city

Getzville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Direct donations from individuals via credit card, debit card, PayPal, Zelle, or check. Funds subsidize mental health services for low-income families, fund workshops, and support major events for immigrant communities.
2. Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations such as Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation to support specific programs like the #OneWorld Choir and general operations.
3. Volunteer Services: Uncompensated volunteer time from community members supporting programs and operations.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Bridges from Borders Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that delivers free community programs to immigrant and refugee populations in Western New York for the purpose of bridging cultural gaps and supporting mental wellbeing. The core offerings are the Mental Health Ambassador Program (Youth Voices and Together We Heal tracks), Youth Empowerment Programs (#MyStory storytelling, #Hidden716 marketing, #OneWorld Choir, Soccer, and Chess), and the AI for Good Lab developing culturally appropriate AI tools for mental health, language support, and youth AI education.

Product overview

Bridges from Borders Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected community programs and services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include the Mental Health Ambassador Program (with Youth Voices and Together We Heal tracks) that trains youth and caregivers as mental health advocates; Youth Empowerment Programs including #MyStory (storytelling through oral history and narrative therapy), #Hidden716 (marketing for immigrant small businesses), #OneWorld programs (Choir/Singing-Dancing-Healing, Soccer, and Chess); and the AI for Good Lab with associated Youth Camp that develops AI-powered tools for culturally appropriate mental health support. Supporting services include the Starry Bridge family empowerment program for neurodiversity, #OneWorld Coalition for community partnership, #StopHunger food security initiative, Meditation & Healing Workshops, Advocacy Services, and Education Workshops. These programs work together to bridge cultural gaps, promote mental wellness, and empower immigrant communities in Western New York.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AI for Good Lab: Collaborative initiative dedicated to harnessing AI technology to address pressing community challenges, focusing on human services, culturally appropriate mental health support, and community empowerment.
• Interactive Mental Health Support Platform
• Starry Bridge
• Youth AI Technology Experimental-Based Education Program
• Mental Health Ambassador Program
• #MyStory
• #Hidden716
• #OneWorld
• #OneWorld Choir
• #OneWorld Soccer
• #OneWorld Chess
• #OneWorld Coalition

Products and services

• Mental Health Ambassador Program - Youth Voices Youth-led Mental Health Ambassador program equipping young people with knowledge, confidence, and tools to become mental health advocates and changemakers in their schools and communities. Open to all youth, especially those with lived experience within immigrant and refugee communities.
• Mental Health Ambassador Program - Together We Heal Community-based Mental Health Ambassador program empowering parents, guardians, teachers, social workers, and community advocates with tools to foster healing, build resilience, and support emotional well-being through five culturally grounded training sessions.
• #MyStory Student empowerment program developing immigrant narratives through oral history, narrative therapy, and portrait exhibit to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. Provides professional skills training to young volunteers who work with storytellers.
• #Hidden716 Student-run marketing project raising cultural awareness and inclusion by highlighting economic empowerment of small business owners in the Greater Buffalo area. Teens develop marketing, photography, videography, and design skills while promoting minority and immigrant-run small businesses.
• #OneWorld Singing, Dancing, & Healing (Choir) Youth Empowerment Program promoting diversity, inclusion, and friendships among children, youth, and parents through collaboration with immigrant communities, parent groups, and schools, including advocacy for individuals with disabilities.
• #OneWorld Soccer Youth Empowerment Program uniting immigrant and refugee communities through soccer while providing mental health support to youth participants and their families, including annual tournaments.
• #OneWorld Chess Youth Empowerment Program promoting diversity, inclusion, and friendships among people of different ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities through the game of chess in a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Starry Bridge Family empowerment program supporting immigrant parents raising children on the autism spectrum or developmental delays through culturally sensitive resources, neurodiversity advocacy, community-building, and an online platform with workshops and self-care tools.
• #OneWorld Coalition Multilateral community partnership framework bringing together leaders from partnered communities to co-create, guide, and sustain #OneWorld programs and events through shared leadership and decision-making.
• BFB AI for Good Lab Collaborative initiative harnessing AI technology to address community challenges through Interactive Mental Health Support Platform, AI-Powered Language Solutions, Youth AI Technology Education, and Community-Driven AI Innovation.
• AI For Good Youth Camp Youth-centered learning initiative co-created with University at Buffalo Health AI Center, combining workshops and hands-on experiences for middle and high school students to explore how artificial intelligence and technology can be used for positive social impact in health and well-being.
• #StopHunger Youth Empowerment Program combatting childhood malnutrition in WNY communities through the 'All Children Deserve Healthy Food' Campaign, sharing healthy meal ideas and recipes, and delivering food donations to pantries.
• Meditation & Healing Workshops Contemplative and holistic workshops utilizing science-based, heart-centered approaches to promote healing and wellbeing, exploring quantum physics, epigenetics, neuroplasticity, and meditation techniques for navigating stress.
• Advocacy Services Advocacy services for immigrants focusing on mental well-being through community events, raising awareness among immigrant parents about mental health importance, and working with youth through the Mental Health Ambassador Program.
• Education Workshops Education workshops aiding parents in navigating raising children in a different culture, covering mental health awareness, wellness, mindfulness, and coping skills, with openness to partnering with researchers for immigrant mental health.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200+ youth and families served in 2023-2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• #OneWorld CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Multilateral community partnership framework bringing together leaders from partnered communities to co-create, guide, and sustain #OneWorld programs. Official launch in 2026.
• University at BuffalocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on AI For Good Youth Camp (UB Health AI Center), professional support for Together We Heal program, and general academic partnerships.
• Fredonia State University of New YorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional collaboration on Together We Heal Mental Health Ambassador program development.
• Buffalo Maendeleo Soccer ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organized #OneWorld Soccer Program and Annual #OneWorld Soccer Tournament of WNY to unite immigrant and refugee communities.
• Erie County, New YorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner supporting community programs and initiatives.
• Coalition for Asian American Children+Families (CACF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Healing Yourself, Healing the Community youth workshop series and mental health initiatives.
• Asian American FederationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting Asian American community engagement and advocacy.
• China-US Women's FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner focused on S.A.G.E initiatives (Social Medicine, Arts, Gender equality and Education) and youth mental health advocacy.
• Columbia School of Social WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner supporting social work and mental health programming.
• Buffalo & Erie County Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing resources and programming support.
• National Federation for Just Communities of Western New YorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting social justice and youth empowerment initiatives.
• Fisher Price Creative StudiosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner providing creative and educational resources.
• Harper InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner supporting organizational initiatives.
• Buffalo Jewish Community Relations CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting cultural exchange and interfaith dialogue.
• Alliance of Youth Leaders in the U.S. (AYLUS) Greater BuffalocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth volunteer organization with 60+ members, led by Peer Mentors, organizing 200+ volunteer activities and collaborating with 20+ nonprofits.
• North Presbyterian ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Starry Bridge Summer Sunday Flea Market and program activities.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF): Existing BFB partner; NYC-based coalition focused on AAPI youth and immigrant mental health advocacy - comparable mission and overlapping programmatic approach.
• Journey's End Refugee Services: Buffalo-based refugee resettlement agency serving newly arrived refugees with case management, employment, and youth services - the closest direct peer in geography and mission.
• International Institute of Buffalo: Long-established Buffalo-based refugee resettlement and integration agency; directly comparable in target population (immigrants/refugees in WNY), mission, and service portfolio (case management, education, cultural orientation).
• Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY: Awarding body that previously recognized BFB; WNY-based cultural advocacy and education organization serving the Hispanic/Latino immigrant community with comparable outreach mission.
• AYLUS (Alliance of Youth Leaders in the U.S.): Existing core BFB partner (Greater Buffalo chapter with 60+ members); youth-led volunteer organization with comparable mission of youth empowerment and community service.

Broad incumbents

• Asian American Federation: Regional umbrella organization supporting Asian American community organizations with capacity-building, advocacy, and grantmaking - overlapping constituency and mission alignment.
• Catholic Charities of Buffalo: Large regional social services provider offering refugee resettlement, mental health, and youth programs; broader portfolio and larger scale, but overlapping immigrant-services footprint in WNY.
• Jewish Family Service of Buffalo & Erie County: Regional social services agency offering case management, refugee/immigrant support, mental health counseling, and youth programs to a diverse client base including immigrants in WNY.

Others

• Riley's Way Foundation: Existing BFB funder ($24k+ grants to #MyStory); comparable peer as a youth-empowerment grantmaker focused on leadership, kindness, and storytelling programming for young people.
• University at Buffalo - Community Health Equity Research Institute: Academic partner to BFB on AI For Good Youth Camp; comparable in research focus on immigrant mental health and community-based interventions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/bfb.hidden716
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bridges-from-borders-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bridges from Borders Inc.