Healing crime victims. Rehabilitating offenders.
Making our communities safer.
Become A BTL Volunteer
The only qualifications necessary to become a volunteer for Bridges To Life are a willing heart, listening ear, and desire to help others! Volunteers need not be of a particular religious background or possess counseling-related credentials or experience. Volunteers may participate as a crime victim speaker, as a small group facilitator, or in both roles.
(If you would like to be contacted by the Regional Coordinator in your area to learn more about volunteering, let us know!)
STEP 1: Get TDCJ Volunteer Approval
To be a volunteer in a Texas prison, you must be approved by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ):
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Complete a TDCJ Volunteer Application form, either online OR using the downloadable form (English or Spanish). (In Program of Interest section, check box for Chaplaincy; then check box for OTHER and enter Bridges To Life.)
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Submit the completed online application, OR print out the downloaded form, sign, and mail to:
Volunteer Services
2 Financial Plaza, Suite 472
Hunstville, TX 77340 -
Once your application has been received (call 936-437-3026 to confirm), sign up online to attend an
in-person TDCJ training. Trainings are held at prisons throughout the state and last 4 hours.
STEP 2: Get BTL Volunteer Training
After becoming an approved TDCJ volunteer, you must attend a Bridges To Life Volunteer Training. (If you are interested in volunteering only in non-prison facilities, TDCJ approval is not necessary.)
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Consult the Our Staff page to find the BTL Regional Coordinator in your area.
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Call or email your Regional Coordinator to arrange a Volunteer Facilitator and/or Crime Victim Speaker training.
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For the training (in person or by Zoom), you will be receive a Facilitator Manual, Restoring Peace curriculum book and study guide, and name badge.
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Note: Some alternative facilities may require their own training in addition to BTL Volunteer Training.
________________________________________________For volunteer requirements in states other than Texas, consult your state's Department of Corrections.