Bridges Reentry & Transition to Success®: Year One Results Show Transformational Impact

The first-year evaluation of the Transition to Success® (TTS) program, a partnership between Bridges Reentry and the Televerde Foundation, offers compelling evidence of the positive impact holistic reentry support can have on justice-involved women. Here are the most important highlights and findings from the study.

Program Overview

Transition to Success® (TTS): An evidence-based program that helps women reintegrate into the community by addressing poverty, building life and work skills, and supporting economic self-sufficiency.Assessment Tool: The Life Area Survey (LAS) tracks progress across 21 life domains, including basic needs, health, education, family, finances, and equity.

Participants:

41 women (20 from Bridges Reentry, 21 from Televerde) completed the LAS at intake and at follow-up intervals (3, 6, and 12 months).

Key Outcomes: 

Significant Improvement in Well-Being.  Bridges Reentry clients’ average LAS score increased from 77 at intake to 87.7 at 3–6 months, and 98 at 6 months—a gain of 21 points.  Televerde clients’ average LAS score rose from 66.2 at intake to 81.6 at 6 months—a gain of 15.4 points. These improvements reflect greater stability in basic needs, employment readiness, social support, and financial/legal stability. 

Housing: 75% of Bridges clients had safe, affordable housing at intake; Televerde clients saw housing stability rise from 3.8 to 4.8 (on a 5-point scale) over six months. 

Food Security: Both groups saw major gains in food access, with Bridges improving from 3.2 to 4.8 and Televerde from 2.6 to 4.6.  Financial Stability: Bridges clients’ money management scores rose from 2.8 to 4.5; Televerde from 2.0 to 4.4.

Health and Wellness:  Over 90% of clients reported no substance abuse in the previous six months. 

Mental health scores improved, with most clients learning to manage stress and seek help when needed. Health insurance coverage increased, with the majority enrolled in Medicaid/Medicare. 

Education and Employment:  50% of Bridges and 57% of Televerde clients had completed training or education at intake.  Bridges Reentry clients saw work scores rise from 3.1 to 4.8, reflecting increased job security and satisfaction.

Notable achievements include two Bridges Reentry clients becoming homeowners and two earning full college scholarships. 

Family, Social Support, and Community:   Most clients reported strong support from family and friends, and high levels of community involvement.  Spirituality, tracked by Bridges Reentry, was a source of resilience and motivation for many participants.

Zero Recidivism:   No participants returned to prison during the study period, underscoring the effectiveness of sustained, holistic support.

Insights and Conclusion: 

Holistic, Individualized Support Works:  Improvements were strongest in areas where clients received coordinated, trauma-informed support. 

Community and Spiritual Engagement:  Active participation in community and spiritual activities supports recovery and personal growth.

Voices from the Program  “Watching my life-skills survey numbers improve over time makes my progress visible and motivating.” – Bridges Reentry Client“  The LAS and Map of My Dreams have helped me to prepare my goals in a visual way to see how to achieve them… Small steps seem doable, whereas a big goal can seem overwhelming.” – Televerde Client

Conclusion:  The first-year results of the TTS program show that with the right support, justice-involved women can achieve meaningful, measurable progress across all areas of life. Bridges Reentry remains committed to providing the holistic, individualized care that makes these transformations possible.