The BRIDGE:
Community Re-entry for Ex-offenders
Locations | Experts | How You Can Help This Program

Many men leave prison with little more than the clothes on their back, a box full of legal papers, and $100 in cash to begin a new life. For those with no family or social supports, these limited resources are not enough to provide for basic needs.

The BRIDGE Provides:

• Food
• Temporary housing
• Health screenings & treatments (Provided through existing community based services)
• Appropriate seasonal & work clothing
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Employment readiness training *
• A personal success plan developed by the individual & qualified staff
• Case management / ongoing support

Help at a Critical Time

The BRIDGE was born out of a desire to see men make a successful transition from life in the Nebraska corrections system to an active and healthy life in the community. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2/3 of former inmates from state prisons are arrested within three years. Success rates dramatically increase for former inmates who have positive support systems outside of prison.

Healthier, More Fulfilling Lives

Individuals who are taught how to achieve goals and define success in a healthy way are more likely to find satisfying jobs, access resources, rebuild healthy relationships with their families, and fully participate in community life. The BRIDGE life-skills curriculum includes personal success strategies, money management, understanding & accessing community resources, and mentoring by a strong role model for emotional, spiritual and social support.

Safer Communities

Our neighborhoods and communities become safer places with reduced rates of crime when former offenders become successful citizens. The impact is even greater when they are willing to share their stories and become mentors and role models to others.

Your support to the BRIDGE is needed now. Together we can make a difference in the lives of men re-entering society. Together we can make a difference in the safety and well-being of our neighborhoods and communities.

How Can You Help?

• Donate household items, furniture, men's clothing, hygiene products, new socks & underwear
• Invite staff to your church & civic organizations for a presentation on The BRIDGE
• Volunteer to organize a collection drive or sort & deliver donated items
• Volunteer to serve as a mentor & participate in the necessary training
• Become a monthly financial partner through direct deposit or by mail
• Attend the Freed for Life Benefit Dinner for Prison Ministry.

Donations

Financial contributions to The BRIDGE can be sent to:

Donations of clothing, furnishings & household items can be made by calling Nancy Sutton at (402) 489-2989.

Volunteer

For The BRIDGE program, contact Eugene Wyman at (402) 978-5664 or ewyman@lfsneb.org, or Annie Elliott, LFS Volunteer Coordinator, at (402) 661-3126 or aelliott@lfsneb.org.

For The BRIDGE Warehouse, contact Roy Mehmken at (402) 802-8082 or the LFS Lincoln office at (402) 435-2910

Invite a speaker

Invite a speaker by calling (402) 342-7038 in Omaha or emailing Gale Jungemann-Schulz.