Bridges Reentry, Inc.

Our Mission is to create a reentry environment of healing for formally incarcerated women to support them in their journey toward physical wellbeing, emotional and spiritual health, and economic independence. We empower women, through our programs, services, and a supportive community, to realize their full potential.

Why it matters:  
89% of the women coming into the prison have history of substance abuse, yet approximately 10% are involved in recovery programs. Many have been in prison multiple times. Recidivism rates are near 40%.  Bridges Reentry Recidivism Rate is ZERO.

Our programs and resources supports the whole woman to work in five areas critical to a achieve a fulfilling, healthy, and happy life. We support each woman to be the best that she can be.  

Economic Health
Addiction Recovery
Physical Health
Emotional Health & Wellbeing
Spiritual Health

We believe that reentry starts in the prison, so we are there with prison ministry, mentoring, and programs delivered in the Second Chance Center. Upon release, we are there with our Prison Release Day Pick-Up program, Beyond the Gates Mentoring, and our proven 2-Year Magdalene House West residential program. A successful reentry for incarcerated women who have done the work on the inside needs to be met by a community of peers, mentors, expert resources on the outside that will embrace them, nurture them, support them, and empower them.

2.7 million children in the U.S. have a parent in prison.
$30,000 is the annual cost of an inmate at Perryville Prison.
87% of incarcerated women (at intake) have experienced domestic violence, emotional abuse, and trafficking.

Magdalene House West 2-Year Residential Program: Located in the West Valley, Magdalene House West offers its residents safe, long-term transitional housing and a program that addresses the 5 focus areas that allows post-incarcerated women to heal, gain employment, and save for the future. The home provides the residents the ability to assimilate into the community and live as members of the neighborhood, free from stigma or labels.

The Bridges Mentoring Program is in its 6th year, and we are currently mentoring 30 incarcerated women who will be released in the next year. The objective is to prepare incarcerated women for successful re-entry into society, beginning the healing journey within prison walls with small group learning and sharing opportunities for those nearing release date. Bridges Reentry is currently mentoring 30 women who will be released within the next year, preparing women for the challenges associated with transitioning into society and, for the lucky few, to Magdalene House. 60 graduates to date have gone through the program.

The Bridges Release Day Pick-Up Program:
The objective is to provide safety and support for women when they are released from prison. Approximately 3300 women are released from Perryville each year. 50% have no home to return to and no family support. Volunteers arrive at Perryville Prison on release day prepared to provide safe transportation, care packages, and food. Volunteers ensure they arrive at their parole appointment within their 24-hour requirement and provide safe transportation to transitional home or shelter. We want to do more, but are limited by number of volunteers and capacity. If you would like to volunteer to assist with this program, please fill out our volunteer application form at BridgesReentry.org.

Beyond the Gates Mentoring Program - "If She Can See It, She Can Be It!'
We want to help more post incarcerated women regain their dignity through successful reentry.
On an annual basis, we have 30+ graduates of our prison mentoring program that are released with no support on the outside. Continuing their mentoring with a formalized 12-month, post-incarcerated program will greatly improve their reentry success. We offer a comprehensive training and support program for our Mentors, appealing to those with time and wisdom who want to volunteer but need the confidence that comes from training and on-going staff support and expert resources. The Bridges Reentry Beyond the Gates Mentoring program is in it's successful 2nd year. We have trained over 30 Mentors, and the 12-month one-to-one mentoring program has 30+ active Mentor - Mentee relationships.

Prison Ministry:
More than 4,000 women incarcerated at Perryville State Prison
8 years conducting weekly worship services
140-150 women participate in worship services each week
Approximately 65 women baptized each year
Through the ministry we understood the need for the work that Bridges Reentry is doing today.

Testimonials

"Magdalene House is exactly what I needed to rebuild my life. Ongoing support and encouragement through the good times and bad. I am more confident today than any other time in my life. " Melissa - Magdalene House West Graduate.

"Bridges Mentoring has offered me guidance, friendship, love, self-confidence, empowerment, plus so much more….it has been the difference between my success and failure...