December 2025

Volunteering with Bridges to Life is as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

By Joel Lightfoot, Program Director, Bridges to Life

John Sage founded Bridges to Life (BTL) in 1998, a few years after his sister was murdered. This 14-week restorative justice program takes incarcerated offenders through a journey that explores concepts from confession to restitution. Offenders hear firsthand from victims and come face-to-face with the true impact of crime on others. Since its inception, more than 90,000 men and women have graduated from the BTL program with the help of over 3,700 volunteers. With active programs in 85 of 101 Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TCDJ) units, we invite you to participate in a unit near you. BTL is drastically reducing the recidivism rate and has proven to be transformative for those on both sides of crime. If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, please connect with Bridges to Life to learn more.

How to get involved with Bridges to Life:

1. Express Interest – Let our staff know you would like to volunteer.
   
   
2. Complete Training:
   
   
   • Online TDCJ Volunteer Application and Training.
     
     
   • Attend a Bridges to Life Facilitator Training.
     
     
3. Choose Your Schedule – Pick a nearby facility and a convenient day.
   
   
• Meetings: 2 hours per week for 14 weeks.
  
  
• Lesson Prep: About 1 hour per week.
  
  

Ways to Volunteer:

• Victim Speakers are victims of crime who are willing to share how crime has affected their lives to promote offender accountability and empathy.
  
  
• Discussion Facilitators lead small groups of inmates through the BTL program. No experience needed, just a compassionate heart and a willingness to be present and listen.

Join us for the next project or simply be our guest at one of our graduations before committing to this life-changing program.