Bridges Reentry is partnering with Walden University providing unique access to online college degree education, career building micro-courses, and career counseling. Learn more about Walden University and the partnership by visiting Adtalem’s website here ..read more

Dear Friends and Family, The newest resident at Magdalene House West (MHW), Melissa, recently told a group of Christmas card signing volunteers from Pebble Creek, that she had never experienced anything that came close to the guidance, warmth, and acceptance that she had been shown in her 40 days after release from Perryville Prison. She spoke her truth. Melissa had been in and out of prison more times than she cared to admit. This time was different. This time she wasn’t on her own. This time she had support from Bridges Reentry staff, other residents, and a mentor to help her navigate the ov ..read more

After a lengthy search, we are excited to announce that Dr. Khadijia White-Thomas has joined the Bridges Reentry organization as New Growth Program Coordinator. In her new role, she will lead the development and sustainability of Raising My Voice, My Financial Academy, and Transition to Success programs.  Dr. Khadijia White-Thomas earned her doctorate in education with an emphasis on organizational change and behavior at the University of Southern California. She is the Founder and CEO of Decree Consulting and Publishing, LLC, and the Envision, Design, and Develop Leadership program whic ..read more

United Thank Offering announced the grant recipients for the 2023 granting cycle, and we are excited to share that Bridges Reentry will receive funding to fully implement and manage the Raising My Voice, My Financial Academy, and Transition to Success programs. The focus of the granting process this year was “those who society has left out and left behind. In the spirit of Matthew 25:36, the UTO grant focus for 2023 will be on innovative mission and ministry projects addressing all aspects regarding the worldwide incarceration crisis, specifically: preventative programs, intervention; prisone ..read more

Hear from Heather and her three children of reuniting since her release from Perryville prison.  The welcoming and warm environment of Magdalene House has provided Heather and her children a safe place to reconnect.    ..read more

Bridges Reentry is honored to announce the organization has received a $25,000 one-year grant to support the Bridges Reentry project called “Equity for Recently Incarcerated Women.” The grant provides funding to plan and coordinate a care system for formerly incarcerated women reentering society and fill the gaps of inequitable health care with partners and resources, focusing on mental health and trauma, addiction relapse protocols, and steps to family reunification. The target population is women released from Perryville State Prison in Goodyear, AZ. A systemic change will make health care ..read more

As part of our Whole Woman approach to reentry, two of our women will tell their inspiring stories that they have been developing as part of the Raising My Voice Program offered to our Magdalene House West residents and Beyond the Gates Mentees.   Raising My Voice is a leadership training program for formerly incarcerated individuals that helps participants develop public speaking skills, prepares them to serve as advocates for effective, humane reentry policies and practices, and fosters civic engagement.  With CirclesofSupport.org, we are training our staff and residents to facilit ..read more

For the past fifteen years, Susan has worked as a capital mitigation specialist, initially employed by the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender and then by the State of Arizona Office of Post-Conviction Relief. For the past ten years, Susan has been operating as an independent contractor and is appointed by the Superior Court to join defense teams representing individuals charged with murder and facing the death penalty. As a mitigation specialist, Susan is responsible to piece together the various aspects of the defendant/inmate’s life, focusing on the trauma, the effects of poverty ..read more

Watch the video below to hear about Kathy's journey; a new job, a new apartment, a car, reuniting with her family, much needed healthcare, and now her passion to help new Moms with a non-profit she is building with the help of the AZ Small Business Association's Growing Opportunities program.  Bridges Reentry has been there from the moment Kathy was released from prison, the two-year Magdalene House program, and all along her journey.  Helping Kathy create a strong foundation for a bright future.  Kathy is making the most of her second chance.  ..read more

Magdalene House resident Melissa W. has successfully completed the 2-year residential program. Melissa is gainfully employed, sober, has an impressive savings account for the first time, and the confidence and tools to continue her courageous and hopeful journey. Melissa’s story is not uncommon.  Various trauma related events lead to her arrest and 2 and ½ year incarceration.  About 6 months prior to her release she met Gay Romack, founder of Bridges Reentry and Deacon at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. As part of the Bridges Reentry Impact Model, Deacon Gay leads a prison ministr ..read more