Meet Tisha – Bridges Reentry Magdalene House Graduate and Leader In The Making.

“I was so tired. When I was arrested over 7 years ago, I wanted to go back to prison the 3rd time to work on myself. I was still addicted to drugs. I had no higher education, no career, and no idea what to do.”

Today, Tisha has completed the 2-year Magdalene House program. She is gainfully employed in software sales and completing a 4-year degree in Human Services with a scholarship through a Bridges Reentry partnership with Walden University. And while she has moved out of Magdalene House and into her new apartment, she will continue to direct the Raising My Voice program and the successful Art With A Heart program for Bridges Reentry.

“I know this is second chance month, but I have been given more than two chances. Bridges Reentry isn’t the first justice involved program in which I have participated. Because of Bridges Reentry, it’s programs, staff, and community, my life, period, would not be what it is today. The foundation and the community that wraps its arms around you. For the first time in my life, I have passion, purpose, and meaning.” Say Tisha, recent Magdalene House graduate.

“Bridges Reentry offered financial stability coming out of prison. A no-cost program and a roof over my head was appealing. I was 41 years old, and I needed the free program. I met Deacon Gay in prison. She is my person. My life coach. I was never taught about the importance of education, having a career, even basic financial concepts like banking and credit. I learned all of this over the last two years thanks to Bridges Reentry.” Through the Transitions to Success program, I worked on the ‘map of my dreams.’ I learned the difference between dreams and goals. I love art. I always wanted to purchase art but it’s expensive. Now I am running the Art With A Heart program with my daughter. Another goal was to live alone, which I had never done in my entire life. I qualified for a 2 bedroom apartment which I now live in alone. I applied for the Bridges Reentry scholarship for 4-year degree program with Walden University and I got it. I have completed my first year on my way to receiving a degree in social services, I learned I want to serve versus the selfish expectations I’ve always had of being served. I want to touch lives and grow programs. I learned I am a natural leader but didn’t have the confidence that comes from education and the Bridges Reentry programs like Raising My Voice which I begrudgingly participated in. However, every week, writing my story was so freeing and healing and sharing my story with strangers after public speaking coaching was so impactful to me that I asked to run the program so I could come aside another woman and lift her up. You have a voice, use it, change the way people think of us, remove the stigma. Raising My Voice helped me with public speaking and helped me in the job interview process.”

“I was opinionated, outspoken, and passive aggressive. I learned life is not black and white. Show up with love, grace, patience, and no judgement. Bridges Reentry Magdalene House is like coming home for me. Peace, comfort, and security. Never once did I think of it as a program. It is my home. It is where I found myself. Where I became the best version of myself. Two years is tough, but it was so worth it.”

Congratulations Tisha! You are an inspiration!