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BTL VOLUNTEER AND STAFF MEMBER RECEIVE GOVERNOR'S AWARD
 

We are always proud of the work our volunteers and staff do for Bridges To Lilfe, and especially pleased when they are recognized by entities outside of BTL. Join us in congratulating BTL volunteer  Jennifer Gilbert and Regional Coordinator  Deborah Hartman , recipients of the 2016 Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award on April 15th. Well done, ladies!


Jennifer Gilbert, center row, 2nd from left; 
Deborah Hartman, center row, 1st from right;
John Sage, back row, center
WORDS FROM A JUVENILE OFFENDER

Did you know that Bridges To Life also reaches juvenile offenders? BTL has implemented  20 projects in 4 facilities in Harris and Ft. Bend counties since 2009, graduating nearly 400 youth,  and we recently completed our first juvenile project in Indianapolis. Keeping young offenders from becoming adult offenders is another way that the Bridges To Life program helps to make our communities safer. The quote below from a recent juvenile graduate hits home the power of the program on these young lives:

"In the beginning of this group I didn't care if I lived or died. This group taught me to forgive people for what they have done to me. Plus it showed me I need to take responsibility for my wrong doings. I truly think this group is a good help to change how you live your life. It's opened my eyes so I want to be alive [and] inspired me to be a lot better person in life."

--Robert, a 2016 Juvenile BTL Graduate
 
MEET OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS!

Linda Windham, Houston Area Regional Coordinator
Linda is a seasoned BTL volunteer, giving us 10 years of service as a small group facilitator and victim speaker before joining our staff as a Regional Coordinator. She coordinates projects in Richmond and Dickinson facilities and considers her work for BTL among the most transforming experiences of her life.

Belinda Hester, Waco Area Regional Coordinator
Belinda not only volunteered for BTL before becoming a Regional Coordinator, she also met her husband as a fellow BTL volunteer! She calls BTL "the bridge that made my life complete." Belinda coordinates projects in Teague, Gatesville, and Marlin, where she also serves as a Faith Dorm Coordinator.

Val Padley, Administrative Coordinator
Val is a native Houstonian who spent the last five years working in the nonprofit sector of western North Carolina. Her desire to return to her roots in 2016 coincided with BTL's need for a new Administrative Coordinator in our Houston office. Welcome home, Val - we're glad you're back!


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