Greetings!
We often say that the Bridges To Life program helps offenders change their perspective, change their thinking, and ultimately change their lives. What is said less often is that BTL also impacts the lives of our volunteers. Over the years, volunteers have said, "BTL changed my life" and even, "BTL saved my life." A 70-year-old once told us, "I learned more about myself in the first two years of volunteering for BTL than I learned in the first 68!"
Just last month, a BTL volunteer emailed us to express his gratitude for the program, and the ripple effect it has had on his service to others:
xxxxx"I recently received my 5-year Bridges To Life Volunteer badge, for which I thank you. Your profound commitment to BTL has delivered grace to my other ministries, as I am sure it has done for many others. In teaching a class at my church, I constantly use examples culled from my BTL experience.
xxxxxI can only conclude that my success stems in large part from BTL's program of counseling, hearing the victims of crime speak their pain, and working with the many different volunteers. I am sure this is what the Bible means when it says 'good fruit from a good tree'."
The good work accomplished by BTL volunteers bears the fruit of hope and healing, both for themselves and the men and women they serve, and for that we can all be truly thankful.
John Sage, Founder & CEO
Jim Buffington, COO
