Michael is not the only child whose life was changed after meeting Reigelsperger. After working with Building Bridges for 37 years, Reigelsperger touched many lives. He will continue his work after his retirement this year.
Building Bridges began as a last resort for kids who had failed in the probation system because they were not getting enough intervention, said Denny Sullivan, the organization’s executive director.
The group has two parts: a residential group home and a work therapy program, where youths volunteer their services for the community.
Reigelsperger of Beavercreek supervised the work therapy program and created sports activites for the children.
During her five years at Building Bridges, Michael participated in the work therapy program and played on the softball team with Reigelsperger. She joined the Army National Guard. She has worked with Dayton Power & Light and Vectren for 18 years.
“I’m the kid that made it,” Michael said. “He loved me like I was his kid.”
The organization serves 200 to 250 children annually and 90 percent of the youths in the organization stay out of prison, Sullivan said.
Sullivan attributes the success to people like Reigelsperger, who are dedicated to helping children.
“(Reigelsperger’s) dedication is almost saintly,” he said. “He has great energy, compassion and tough love.”
Reigelsperger, who worked as a child care worker in juvenile court before joining Bridges, said the best part is that they can access resources for kids that can’t be accessed in the regular court system.
Michael Nolden, who owns Mike’s Sewer and Drain Service, was another troubled preteen that Reigelsperger helped.
Nolden said at 11 he was locked up in juvenile detention for burglaries and theft. He said the judge struggled with what to do with him when Reigelsperger stepped in and made him a participant in the organization.
“He really cared,” Nolden said. “I never had that before.”
Reigelsperger has many success stories and tries to keep in contact with many of the youths.
“I try to keep in touch because of pure joy of the job,” he said. “A lot of them call me ‘Dad.’ It just gives me great job satisfaction.”
Reigelsperger retired this year and he has accepted a part-time job with the organization so he can continue to help. “It’ll be a great retirement, “ he said. “I can deal with just helping kids.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2085 or astuckey@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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