A message from our founder.

“I realized more than 10 years ago that my journey to study incarceration crisscrossed layers and layers of disciplines; economic, health care, social, educational, and spiritual. Rarely does one missing piece lead to incarceration. Often missing pieces are compounded exponentially, making the load too complex and too much to carry.

Reentry is equally as complex. Life for a felon is complicated by stigmas and systemic biases and inequities. Landlords refuse to rent to felons. Banning the ‘felon box’ hasn’t ended employers’ prejudices in hiring and providing a living wage. And felons are often denied a vote and cannot be stakeholders in society.

I am convinced that life on the outside for the incarcerated can be successful. I’ve seen the joy and dignity of returning citizens when they feel accepted and not rejected. More than 90% of incarcerated women are released into society with the hope and fear of starting a new life for themselves. They face stigmas, housing restrictions, employment barriers, family alienation, and isolation. They need communities to embrace and empower them to become the people they were meant to be.

We are committed to bring awareness to the community of the need to lift barriers wherever and whenever possible to engender a reentry that fosters healing and support so each woman can realize her full potential.”

Why It Matters

  • 2.7 million children in the U.S. have a parent in prison. (2010 Pew Charitable Trust Report)

  • Annual Costs of an inmate at Perryville Prison - $30,000

  • 87% of incarcerated women at intake have experienced substance abuse, physical abuse, or rape.

  • 90% of incarcerated women will be released.

  • 40% of incarcerated women return to jail.

    About Bridges Reentry Inc.

Founded in 2012 by Deacon Gay Romack, Prison and Outreach Ministries, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Litchfield Park, AZ

• We began with a ministry at the Perryville Women’s Prison. Now more than 150 women participate in worship services every week.

• The Bridges Reentry Incarcerated Mentoring Program has morphed into financial literacy classes. .

• Prison Release Day Pick-Up Program

• Magdalene House West represents the evolution of our work with Incarcerated and Post-Incarcerated women. Our first resident was welcomed into the 24-month program in May 2019.

• The Beyond the Gates Mentoring program started in 2021 allowing us to support more women with their reentry journey.

• We are a sister community of the Thistle Farms National Network.

We focus on the Whole Woman

 

We believe that every woman should have the opportunity to realize her full potential and live her best life. We believe that Reentry begins in Prison and lifelong support of experts, resources, and a lifelong supportive community of peers, resources and experts. Our programs support the Whole Woman; Physical Health, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Addiction Recovery, and Economic Independence.

 
 

A Few of Our Success Stories

 
 
 
 
 

tisha

Tisha Weir's journey is a powerful example of the transformation that is possible through support, perseverance, and opportunity. A graduate of Bridges Reentry's Magdalene House program, Tisha has overcome significant challenges to become a leader, mentor, and advocate for other women rebuilding their lives. Today, Tisha serves as curator of Bridges Reentry's Straight From the Heart program, helping women heal through creativity, self-expression, and connection. She is also pursuing both her bachelor's and accelerated master's degrees as a recipient of the Bridges Reentry Walden University Scholarship. Tisha's story reflects the mission of Bridges Reentry: empowering women to move beyond incarceration, addiction, and trauma to build lives filled with purpose, achievement, and hope.

 

Erin

When Erin arrived at Bridges Reentry, she was searching for a fresh start and a path forward after incarceration. Through mentoring, Transition to Success® coaching, and the support of the Bridges Reentry community, she improved her financial stability, earned a promotion to Operations Supervisor, and is working toward homeownership. Today, Erin serves as a Resident Manager at Magdalene House and facilitates Bridges Reentry's Raising My Voice program inside Arizona prisons, helping other women discover the possibilities that exist beyond incarceration. Her journey reflects the power of transformation, leadership, and community. What began as a second chance has become a life of purpose and service to others.

Samantha

When Samantha first learned about Bridges Reentry while incarcerated, she knew it was the opportunity she needed to build a new future. Through the support of her mentor and participation in the Transition to Success® program, she set goals to rebuild relationships with her children, return to school, secure meaningful employment, and purchase a home. Today, she is a college student with a 4.0 GPA, employed by a second-chance employer, and a proud homeowner. Most importantly, she has restored strong relationships with her family and created a stable future for her children. Samantha credits Bridges Reentry with helping her believe in herself again and giving her the support she needed to achieve dreams she once thought were impossible.

Kathy

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. 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.

Melissa

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. “Magdalene House is exactly what I needed to rebuild my life” says Melissa Widener. “Ongoing support and encouragement through the good times and bad. I am more confident today than any other time in my life,” says the 48-year-old Magdalene House graduate.

 

Heart to Heart Video Series

Real women talking about their personal experience with Bridges Reentry and the impact on their lives, their families lives, and the new community. Alumni, students, and mentors all talking about the real impact of the program.

Our first Heart to Heart Series focuses on three of our Alumni and recent graduates of the Magdalene House residential program. Hear from Kathy, Heather, and Tammy about their personal experiences and the impact of the programs on their lives.

Support us and take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit

This individual income tax credit is available for contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations that provide immediate basic needs to residents of Arizona.

The tax credit is claimed on Form 321. The credit allowed is $938 for married filing joint filers, $470 for single.

bridges reentry’s tax credit code is 22242.

Donate Here

 

Board of Directors

Deacon Gay Romack  - Founder and Executive Director 

Victoria Wallace - President

Deborah Blake – Director, Marketing & Development

Mary Jane Osmick, MD - Board Member

Penelope Gillam - Board Member

Kirstie Myers - Board Member

Opalene Theriot - Board Member

Heather Sims - Board Member

Kimberly Birk - Board Member

Staff

Gay Romack - Founder and Executive Director, (623)-695-3206

Dorothy Stevens - Program Director, (360)-649-9578

Pam Betz - Mentor Director & Community Engagement, BridgesMentorDirector@gmail.com

Dr. Khadijia White-Thomas - New Growth Program Coordinator, (623)-748-7633

 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At Bridges Reentry, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all Bridges Reentry staff to function in their jobs and all women navigating the challenges of reentry after incarceration. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to reclaim their lives, achieve their goals, and contribute to their communities.

Our mission is to support post-incarcerated women from all walks of life, acknowledging the unique barriers they face due to systemic inequalities. We actively strive to create a safe and welcoming space that respects and celebrates diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. By prioritizing the voices of those we serve, we ensure that our programs and services are relevant, accessible, and empowering.

We recognize that equity goes beyond equal treatment; it involves understanding and addressing the specific needs of marginalized groups, including women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities. Our commitment to equity informs our approach to resource allocation, program development, and community engagement.

Inclusion is at the heart of our values. We are dedicated to building a culture where every woman feels valued, heard, and supported. We encourage collaboration and partnerships with community members and organizations that share our vision for social justice and transformation.

Together, we can break the cycles of incarceration and foster a future where all women have the opportunity to thrive. We stand united in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as we work towards creating a more just society for everyone.