Application Information

Students at The Bridge come from a variety of backgrounds—some from the streets, some from incarceration, and some from families experiencing life-controlling issues. Once here, they quickly realize that those differences are small compared to their common need to deal openly and honestly with 

their issues.  

Acceptable candidates for The Bridge Ministry are men eighteen years or older who are struggling with life-controlling issues and are seeking answers to help them live a productive life. They must understand they are coming into a Christian faith-based program, agree to abide by our rules and policies as expressed in the Student Handbook, and be willing to commit to an eighteen-month program.   

• Completed and signed application
• Two copies of current identification - birth certificate, driver's license, social security card, or identification card
• A complete criminal history
• Certified medical test results for HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis A, B, and C
• Funds to cover the price of a bus ticket from Buckingham, Virginia to the student’s place of origin if the student is not entering as an alternative to incarceration
• All pending legal issues must be settled before acceptance is granted.   

The Bridge Ministry does not charge any fees to students.  The Bridge is a community service ministry that works with troubled, incarcerated, and newly released men by helping them back into their community to live productive lives.  Our work is supported by a combination of donations from individuals and churches, as well as grants from community and private foundations. Since we are a 501(c)(3) organization, all contributions to The Bridge Ministry are tax deductible. 

The Bridge Ministry will not accept anyone convicted of a violent charge such as murder, repeated malicious wounding, armed robbery, etc. or any pending sexual charges.  

We also cannot accept applicants with an illness or disability that requires continuous medication, medical supervision, or which prevents them from full participation in the program.