Thank You for Making 2023 Our Single Greatest Year of Growth and Impact Yet!

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 overwhelming challenges of reentry.

Melissa is just starting her reentry journey, but we are confident she will be among all the women touched by Bridges Reentry to date who have NOT returned to prison. A 0% recidivism that Bridges Reentry is committed to maintaining!

Focusing on The Whole Woman

This year, the Bridges Reentry Board worked deliberately and intently to adopt a new Whole Woman Wellness strategy to support women in their journey toward physical well-being, emotional and spiritual health, addiction recovery, and economic independence. We believe every woman, like Melissa, should have the opportunity to realize her full potential and live her best life. Melissa will take advantage of new programs developed this year: Raising My Voice, My Financial Academy, and Transition to Success. She will learn to budget, advocate for herself, and be accountable for mapping her own dreams of success.

Bridges Reentry has been able to develop these programs through support from loyal and new donors. New gifts from BHHS Legacy Foundation, Vitalyst Health Foundation, West Valley Mavericks, the Phoenix Thunderbirds, and United Thank Offering have catapulted the organization from the birth phase into the growth phase. Non-profits have life cycles, just like humans.

Please help us continue our growth and double our capacity in our Magdalene House program

Growth for Bridges Reentry in 2024 is going to come in a very big way. We have an opportunity for another Magdalene House that will double our capacity to 12 resident beds. We are in the process of raising $50,000 for Magdalene House II. Please help us reach our goal (we are currently over 50% there!) and impact more women like Melissa to be on a successful path.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in our mission to provide a healing environment for formerly incarcerated women. They all join me in wishing you happiness, joy, and peace during this holiday season.

Warm regards,

Deacon Gay

Founder & Executive Director