Bradenton Bridge a valuable 'corrections' program for women inmates

Inmates at Bradenton Bridges, a women-only transition facility, sit during a press conference to try to keep the facility's doors open after the state of Florida did not extend the contract with the facility.
TIFFANY TOMPKINS/Bradenton Herald — Inmates at Bradenton Bridges, a women-only transition facility, sit during a press conference to try to keep the facility's doors open after the state of Florida did not extend the contract with the facility. TIFFANY TOMPKINS/Bradenton Herald ttompkins@bradenton.com

I volunteered for 10 years at the Bradenton Bridge facility. When I read that it may close, I cried.

This type of program exemplifies the term "corrections." The women live in a therapeutic community where they receive education, counseling, job training, and effective treatment for their addictions.

They also have creative outlets and learn public speaking.

However, this program is no walk in the park. The women are held to stringent standards and they are held accountable.

I have personally witnessed the miracle of seeing women commence the program and become productive members of society.

Keeping this wonderful program intact will ultimately save tax dollars as the recidivism rate is much lower than it is in regular prisons. Please don't let Bridges close!

Maribeth Ditmars

Sarasota

This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton Bridge a valuable 'corrections' program for women inmates ."

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