www.BridgesofAmerica.com

2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Letter fromLori Costantino-BrownEach year tens of thousands of Florida prisoners are released back into society without preparation, without tools, and without direction. They are given $50 and a bus ticket, and are sent on their way.

At Bridges of America, we prepare male and female inmates to transition back into society as more productive, better prepared citizens. We help give them the guidance, the training, and the resources to make better decisions in their lives so they do not fall back on old habits and return to the prison system.

For more than three decades, we have built the Bridges program that boasts a non-recidivism rate of 90%. This means our inmates are far less likely to repeat offend than those who are simply released unprepared. This not only helps create safer communities, but significantly reduces the short and long-term financial burdens on taxpayers.

In 2011, we focused on building and expanding our programs. We strengthened our staff, grew important family and community programs, and continued to serve as a model for transitional and work release programs across the country.

Our successes this year are not ours alone, and are made possible through our strong relationship with the Department of Corrections and countless community, business, and faith-based partners who make this possible. We thank them, our staff, volunteers, and supporters who believe that people can change.

Letter fromLori Costantino-Brown

2011 ANNUAL REPORT

FOUNDER

Frank Costantino1939-2006

-Lori Costantino-Brown, President

The Bridges Program - Value to Our CommunitiesWe believe that a person can change.

Bridges of America is a nonprofit organization founded in 1972 with the mission of changing criminal behavior through a practical, comprehensive approach that includes intensive substance abuse counseling, education and skills training, family reunification classes and work release programs.

Our founder, Frank Costantino, was called to this mission after a spiritual awakening during his 22 ½ year prison term. His vision was to give troubled individuals a bridge from lives of crime and substance abuse to successful lives in the community.

Today, Bridges is recognized as one of the nation’s leading prison diversion programs and is at the forefront of advocating reforms that have and will create stronger, safer communities, save Floridian taxpayers money, and help change the lives of those we serve.

2011 Snapshot:

• $25,000 National Fatherhood Initiative grant • 2nd Place American Chef competition

• $10,000 Quality of Life Grant from Nova Southeastern University

• Department of Children and Families audits averaged 99.38% for all 8 facilities

• More than $600,000 in child support and court ordered payments

• More than $1,646,610.94 in client savings

• 41 GEDs earned

• More than 500 special certifications earned

The Bridges Program

Family & Community Connections We hosted many special events at each of our Bridge facilities to help our men and women build supportive, emotional connections with family, friends, and the community. The Bridges staff and program participants worked hard to ensure that Family Days were especially meaningful. We acknowledged employers, volunteers, and community partners through special appreciation events.

Our Family Days, Alumni Reunions, and Appreciation Events are incredibly important and highly requested. We were proud to continue to grow these programs in 2011.

Family & Community Connections We hosted many special events at each of our Bridge facilities to help our men and women build

Each Bridge hosted family days throughout the year to connect our men and women with their families – their parents, their spouses, and their children.

Family Days

VolunteerismOur men and women gain perspective and give back to our communities by volunteering at civic organizations across Florida:•  Adopt a Highway• Habitat for Humanity• Food Pantry of Broward County• Operation Troop Support• Second Harvest Food Bank• And many more…

Alumni ReunionsAlumni reunions bring past Bridges of America graduates together to celebrate their achievements and share their experiences and advice with our current program participants.

Chaplaincy ProgramChaplaincy and prison ministry was at the heart of our mission when Frank Costantino first started this organization in 1972. He understood that genuine change is most readily accomplished through a profound spiritual experience and a life driven by a strong moral and value system.

As Bridges as a whole has grown and specialized, so too has the Chaplaincy Program, helping thousands of men and women find meaning and purpose in their lives.

The Bridges Chaplaincy Program is voluntary and is designed to support Bridges’ holistic treatment model. Chaplaincy services include:

• Church Services • Bridge Builders (12 Step Program) • Pastoral Visits • Guest Speakers • Volunteer Programs

Chaplaincy ProgramChaplaincy and prison ministry was at the heart of our mission when

k fi d h d d

This year we were pleased to welcome Dr. W. Thomas Beckner to our chaplaincy team. Dr. Beckner has been involved in correctional ministry for more than 30 years as a prison chaplain, leader of non-profit prison ministries and as professor of Criminal Justice and Psychology.

Beckner founded the American Chaplaincy Training School (ACTS) and now joins our Bridges team to help grow our chaplaincy program and create new, innovative training tools for our chaplains and prison ministries everywhere.

Welcome Dr. Beckner.

As of 2011, every Bridge has a full or part-time chaplain on staff. This accomplishment provides spiritual guidance and personal strength to our men and women.

Introducing Dr. Thomas Beckner

• Counseling • Meditation • Family Reunification • Re-Entry Services • Crisis Intervention

Chaplain Burke's services and

outreach are key elements to the

program and she an agent of

social change for our entire

Bridge. Her champion approach

helps offenders have a solid

second chance at returning to society as a productive

citizen and as a responsible mother, wife, sister,

daughter and co-worker.

Raul S. Banasco, Facility Director- The Bradenton Bridge

“

”

Employment Skills DevelopmentBridges of America places great importance on employability skills and the placement of inmates in high-paying jobs. Through partnerships with public and private employers, trade and vocational schools, and employment referral services in the community, we facilitate meaningful opportunities for employment and training.

After helping our inmates complete job applications, the Employment Specialists prepare the participants for the interview process through workshops on appropriate interviewing techniques, realistic expectations about salary, hours, and benefits, and the importance of acceptable grooming, demeanor, and attitude. Job retention is improved through skills development courses on how to follow rules and regulations, the importance of communication skills with supervisors and coworkers, and the necessity of desirable work habits and attributes.

Our Men and Women are highly sought throughout Florida businesses because of their work ethic, dependability, punctuality, enthusiasm, and guarantee to be drug-free.

Employment Skills DevelopmentBridges of America places great importance on employability skills and the placement of inmates in

Matthew M.“Mayor” and peer-leaderThe Orlando Bridge

I can easily state that The Bridge has changed my life. I have gotten more out of the Bridge that I can ever repay. It gave me back my confidence, it gave me back my sense of self, and it gave me the skills I need to move on and have a better future.

What The Bridge Has Given Me…

“”

Supporting themselves,Supporting their families

Gaining employment and learning marketable skills is an integral part of the inmates’ successful transition back to society. Substance abuse treatment, education, and spiritual guidance give our men and women the strength to change their lives. The opportunity to work gives them the confidence and resources to succeed. Individuals pay restitution, support their families, and help reduce costs to taxpayers through subsistence.

Supporting themselves,Supporting their families

2011 Earnings & Support$9.19/hour

$9,092,191.93

$467,727.94

$123,822.62

$91,013.70

$1,646,610.94

$1,926.60

Average Wage

Gross Earnings

Court Ordered Payments

Child Support

Family Financial Support

Participant Savings

Average Success Discharge Check

Education, Preparation & Graduation Bridges of America provides education and vocational programs that will enable participants to secure high-paying jobs while in work release and upon re-entry. We have partnered with technical schools and local school districts throughout Florida to provide a variety of programs that include classroom time, lab hours, and on-the-job training. Individuals at our transition centers are better prepared to succeed with real-world skills, training, and education they will keep for the rest of their lives.

Our Community Partners and Volunteers provide additional opportunities to earn certificates in a variety of courses:

• Basic Electrical Training • Health & HIV Education • Computer Basics • Parenting • Finance and Budgeting • Toastmasters

In 2011, Bridges of America celebrated the accomplishments of individuals who completed skills training and educational programs.

Education, Preparation & Graduation Bridges of America provides education and vocational programs that will enable participants to

Celebrating 2011’s Graduates  GED Completion

Culinary Arts Program

Florida Ready to Work

OSHA Certifications

Computer Certifications

ESOL Certificates

Electrical Certificates

Toastmasters Completions

 41

 82

 123

 99

 22

 121

 22

 43

Community PartnershipsBridges of America offers additional support programs and opportunities for our men and women to better themselves. We have staff devoted to networking and securing support and re-entry resources to meet the mental, physical, and spiritual needs of our program participants. Over our 31 years of service, we have established long-standing relationships with community partners throughout the state, including:

Community PartnershipsBridges of America offers additional support programs and opportunities for our men and women to

Adopt-A-HighwayAl-Anon RecoveryAlcoholics AnonymousAmerican Culinary FederationAuburndale Chamber of CommerceBranch Banking and TrustBroward County Institutions CommitteeBroward County Sheriff’s OfficeBroward Outreach CenterBroward Re-Entry CoalitionCelebrate RecoveryCenter for ChangeCenter for Drug-Free LivingCentral Economic Development CenterCentral Florida Compassion CenterCentral Florida WorkforceChambers of CommerceCharles Drew Family Resource CenterCity of Jacksonville Re-Entry PortalCommunity Center for Deaf and Hard of HearingCommunity Coalition for the HomelessConnect Your CommunityDave Thomas Education CenterFaith-Based Partners (hundreds)Family Central, Inc.Feeding South FloridaFlorida Atlantic University

Florida Clinical Research CenterFlorida Department of Children and FamiliesFlorida Department of CorrectionsFlorida Department of EducationFlorida Department of HealthFlorida Department of Motor VehiclesFlorida Integrity TrainingFlorida State UniversityFood Pantry of BrowardGateway Community ServicesGoodwill IndustriesGreater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of CommerceGrief Share RecoveryHabitat for HumanityHenderson Mental Health CenterHope and Health CenterHope Family ServicesJacksonville Transportation AuthorityLakeside Alternatives Mental HealthMalachi Dads Manatee Chamber of CommerceManatee County School BoardManatee County Transportation AuthorityManatee Education FoundationManatee Glens Mental Health Services

Manatee Technical InstituteMcFatter Technical InstituteMen’s WearhouseMount Olive Development Corporation Organization MentoringNarcotics AnonymousNational Career Readiness Program (Florida Ready-to-Work)National Fatherhood InitiativeNationwide HealthNova Southeastern UniversityOpportunity Industrialization Center of Broward CountyOrange County Public SchoolsPlanned ParenthoodRollins CollegeSalvation ArmySarasota Center for ChangeSecond Harvest Food BankSun Coast Work ForceTexas Christian UniversityToastmastersTroy UniversityUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of FloridaUniversity of South FloridaWebster UniversityWork Force One

Valedictorian Changes Her Life

I’m 33 years old and a mother of three children; I just received my GED, and

graduated as the Valedictorian of my class. I can’t tell you how that one piece

of paper changed my life. I’m happy with myself today, not only because of

my GED, but because of all I have accomplished at Bridges of America. This is

the first stepping stone in my walk of success. Thank you!

“Amber Heiland, Valedictorian, Fall 2011Bradenton Bridge

”

Marvel Quevedo

Board of Directors

Lori Costantino-Brown,President

Samuel R. Pennington,Treasurer

Dr. Grady S. McMurty,Secretary

Father Charles Brown Thomas Gaines Gerald Holdsworth

Ted Poitras Michael I. Smith

The Turning PointBridge Work ReleaseWilliam Evans

Bridges Locations & Bridge Directors

The Auburndale BridgeAlice Powell

The Orlando BridgeThomas Ritter

The Orlando BridgeTC/WRRaul S. Banasco

The Bradenton BridgeFelishia Dexter

The Broward CountyBridge Iana A. Patterson

The JacksonvilleBridgeJeffrey D. Wainwright