​Bridges To Life

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. 

(For information on volunteering for our juvenile program, please contact BTL.)

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 found on the TDCJ website. (In PROGRAM OF INTEREST section, check box for Chaplaincy; at bottom right, check OTHER and enter Bridges To Life.)

• Attend a TDCJ Volunteer training (now online due to COVID-19 restrictions).

• Print out your completed Volunteer Application form and sign. Mail to: 
      Volunteer Services
      2 Financial Plaza, Suite 472
      Hunstville, TX 77340

• Once your application has been received (call 936-437-3026 to confirm), you may sign up online for your training.

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.

• Call or email your Regional Coordinator to arrange a Volunteer Facilitator and/or Crime Victim Speaker training.

• For the training (by Skype or Zoom), you will be mailed a Facilitator Manual, Restoring Peace curriculum book and study guide, and name badge.

• Note: Some alternative facilities may require their own training in addition to BTL Volunteer Training.

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For volunteer requirements in states other than Texas, consult your state's Department of Corrections.