Supporting Youth Leaving Child Welfare Facilities to Live Independently! Launching a Crowdfunding Campaign to Provide Essential Living Items for Young People Who Can't Rely on Family▮Bridge for Smile, Certified NPO Corporation

Bridge for Smile (B4S), a certified NPO, has been running the 'Nest-Leaving Project' since its founding 21 years ago. This project offers a six-month, monthly seminar for high school seniors living in child welfare facilities. Students from multiple facilities gather together, supported by an equal number of adult volunteers, to learn essential knowledge and skills for independent living—such as moving procedures, financial management, and personal safety.

Participants earn points for attending the nest-leaving seminars, which they can use through 'Todokun,' B4S’s unique donation intermediary system, to exchange for essential living items.

Can you send your encouragement to these young people starting their lives on their own?

'Todokun' is a system that registers and intermediates donated goods from companies or individuals. However, household appliances and popular digital devices—essential for independent living—are particularly difficult to collect.

Therefore, for the second consecutive year, we are launching a crowdfunding campaign dedicated specifically to the 'Nest-Leaving Project':

[Supporting Youth Leaving Child Welfare Facilities to Live Independently! 2026]

[Supporting Youth Leaving Child Welfare Facilities to Live Independently! 2026]

https://readyfor.jp/projects/b4s2026sudachi/

Period: July 15 (Wed) – September 30 (Wed)

First Goal “Pre-Departure”: 3 million JPY / Second Goal “Post-Departure”: 6 million JPY

This year, 216 high school students will participate in the Nest-Leaving Project!

This year’s 'Nest-Leaving Seminar,' starting August 16, will include 216 high school seniors and 163 adult volunteers. For the first time in the Kansai region, a new office has been established in Kobe, where the seminar will also be held. From Hokkaido to Saga, including online groups, 15 groups will meet monthly for six months with the same members to learn together.

How Your Support Will Be Used

To continue supporting youth even after they leave child welfare facilities...

The second goal will use your donations to ensure that young people are not left alone after their 'departure.' B4S runs many bridge-building projects that support youth from before to after their transition—something only we can do.

This year, we are highlighting two initiatives: the 'Atomo Project' and the 'Safe Space Program.'

▮ This Year’s Atomo Project Focuses on Programs That Enhance Self-Expression!

DIY (Paper Craft) Atomo

We invite certified architects to lead a workshop where participants create miniature 'ideal spaces' using paper crafts. The designs made by participants will be further developed into pop-up stands used at events.

DJ Atomo

A four-session series where participants create original music. Professional, active DJs will serve as instructors. For youth who may not need a physical space but find solace and support in music, this program responds to that need by helping them create music that becomes their personal anchor.

Other activities include DIY (bookshelf building) Atomo and Aromatherapy Candle & Bath Bomb Making Atomo. At the end of the fiscal year, we plan to hold the 'Atomo Fest,' showcasing all the creations made throughout the year!

▮ Support the Launch of Kobe’s New 'Safe Space'—the First in Kansai!

B4S operates 'safe spaces'—places youth can visit casually, knowing that 'if I go there, I’ll find trusted adults and friends' during lonely or anxious times.

This year, we have been entrusted by Kobe City with the 'Operation of the Social Care Independence Support Hub,' marking the first Bridge for Smile hub in the Kansai region.

Finding suitable properties for these safe spaces is always challenging.

We search tirelessly for locations that are accessible, spacious enough for about 10 people to relax, equipped with a kitchen for 10, include private consultation rooms, are eligible for business leasing, have sustainable rent, and meet seismic safety standards.

In Kobe, we searched for a month and a half but ultimately couldn’t find a property that met all criteria. As a result, we decided to undertake large-scale renovations on an office property to realize our ideal safe space. Here’s what it looked like before renovation!

We kindly ask that your donations be used for the preparation costs of this new safe space in Kobe.

All B4S safe spaces are beautifully maintained. This is our way of saying, 'We truly care about you!'

We also offer a reward that allows donors to visit the Kobe space and have their name displayed on a plaque.

Your support is deeply appreciated.

[Supporting Youth Leaving Child Welfare Facilities to Live Independently!]

https://readyfor.jp/projects/b4s2026sudachi/

Period: July 15 (Wed) – September 30 (Wed)

First Goal “Pre-Departure”: 3 million JPY / Second Goal “Post-Departure”: 6 million JPY