bridges to life
Bridges To Life is a volunteer-led restorative justice program conducted in prisons and alternative facilities, utilizing a unique 14-week curriculum focused on victim impact. A "project" is the BTL term for each incidence of our 14-week program in any facility. BTL typically conducts 200+ projects each year in prisons and alternative facilities throughout Texas, as well as 17 other states and 7 countries.
Over the course of each 14-week BTL project, volunteers meet weekly with inmate participants inside the prison unit. Using our Restoring Peace book and study guide, volunteer facilitators guide their groups through the BTL curriculum, which is centered on responsibility, repentance, and restitution.
Mission
"The mission of Bridges To Life is to connect communities to prisons to reduce the recidivism rate (particularly that of 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."
Program Impact
Bridges To Life changes lives. Recidivism studies reveal that over 86% of BTL graduates do not return to prison within 3 years after release! When offenders experience empathy for crime victims through our program, they develop compassion and take responsibility for their own criminal actions. Fewer return to lives of crime after leaving prison, crime rates decrease, and communities are made safer. BTL volunteers report higher levels of fulfillment, forgiveness, and hope in their own lives after participating in the program.