Building Bridges Across the River is the 501-c-3 nonprofit organization that built and now runs THEARC.  The mission of Building Bridges Across the River is to improve the quality of life for children and adults who reside east of the Anacostia River by providing leadership, management and financial oversight of the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC).  Through a collaboration of partner organizations, THEARC provides access to high quality educational, health, cultural, recreation, and social service programs.  By providing these programs, BBAR and its partners aim to contribute to the revitalization of the community in southeastern Washington.

Building Bridges Across the River was incorporated as a (501-c-3) nonprofit organization in 1997 by WC Smith.  In its role as the leader of THEARC, BBAR is responsible for the collaboration of the nonprofit partner organizations at THEARC, as well as the management of THEARC Theater, and the maintenance and upkeep of THEARC facility and grounds.