Bridges To Life needs volunteers to help make a difference in the lives of both prison inmates and victims of crime. You can help! Find out more about how you can join the Bridges To Life volunteer team.
Sandra Stephenson was the first recipient of the Patricia Stonestreet Victim Volunteer Award, given at the 2009 Bridges To Life Vision Luncheon on December 10, 2009.
Numerous articles have been published about the unique work of Bridges To Life in both local and national publications.
John Sage was honored as the first recipient of the Bert Thompson Pioneer Award for Community and Restorative Justice at the National Conference on Restorative Justice in May 2009.
Jim Buffington and Brandon Willard received 2008 Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Awards
John Sage received the HYLA Liberty Bell Award and was inducted into the St. Thomas Hall of Honor in 2008.
John and Frances Sage received the Samaritan Spirit Award on October 23.
At 18 years old, Brandon Willard got into a car with a friend that had been drinking, believing the friend was only going two (2) blocks to Brandon’s house. The friend went the other direction and at 100 mph, hit a guardrail and plunged 75 feet into a dry lake bed. Brandon was left a quadriplegic for life. Because Brandon felt responsible for his own choices, he asked the court for leniency for his friend. Unfortunately, the friend continued to drink and drive. Having great concern for others on the road with drunk drivers, Brandon began his battle to combat drunk driving. With the help of his mother Annette, Brandon has traveled thousands of miles and donated hundreds of hours speaking in schools, prisons and any group that will listen about the effects of drunk driving and the power of forgiveness.
In the years that followed, Brandon suffered yet another horrific accident involving a drunk driver. While driving home after an evening out with his girlfriend in a van specially outfitted for him, a car with three (3) intoxicated young adults pulled out in front of Brandon’s van. The occupants of the car were killed. Brandon and his girlfriend suffered multiple serious injuries. Brandon was not expected to live.
Brandon did recover and he continues with his mission. His positive testimony and message of forgiveness has a great impact on the men, women and children he comes in contact with. He has participated in many Bridges To Life prison projects as a victim speaker and facilitator. Because of his work, his love for fellow man and dedication to this cause, the Victim Services Division has selected Brandon Willard as the recipient of the “Pathfinder” Award.
The ‘Pathfinder” Award is given to an individual or group that has demonstrated leadership qualities in their volunteer service and made significant contributions to the welfare of victims.
You can read this original article at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice website.