Who We Are
The mission of Bridges To Life (BTL) is to connect communities to prisons in an effort to reduce the recidivism rate (particularly that resulting from violent crimes), reduce the number of crime victims, and enhance public safety. The spiritual mission of Bridges To Life is to minister to victims and offenders in an effort to show them the transforming power of God’s love and forgiveness.
Our Vision
The Bridges To Life program has two main goals: (1) To reduce recidivism (re-offending) rates of program graduates; and (2) To facilitate the healing process for victims and offenders. Our goal is to graduate 2,700 offenders from Bridges To Life programs with the help of approximately 350 volunteers. Since its inception, more than 15,000 offenders have graduated from the BTL program!
Types Of Activity
The Bridges To Life intervention is based on a Restorative Justice model that emphasizes the involvement of victims, offenders, and the community in the criminal justice system. The unique BTL process is based on a fourteen-week curriculum that utilizes a study guide, the Restoring Peace book, victim speakers, and a volunteer instruction manual. Victim volunteers and facilitators work with offenders in confidential small groups.
Location
We currently work in most parts of Texas and are always looking for more volunteers in our expanding program.
Our magazine (newsletter)
The Bridges To Life electronic newsletter is sent out to more than 3,200 subscribers 10 times a year. There is no cost to receive this newsletter, and it can be found on our website.Books we have published
Restoring Peace: Using Lessons From Prison to Mend Broken Relationships, written by Kirk Blackard, a Bridges To Life volunteer and board member, is the book used in our 14 week curriculum. The book and our study guide can be ordered on our website.Support In
God's continued grace on our ministry
Sufficient resources to be able to continue this ministry (volunteers and financial)
God's continued hand in the ministry and the healing it brings to victims and offenders
Contact PrisonMinistry.net regarding this listing