THE BRIDGE MINISTRY INC

The Bridge Ministry has a two-phase program which 1) receives men into an eighteen-month residential program in Buckingham County; and 2) allows certain men the opportunity to complete the last six months of the program in a transitional house in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The Bridge Ministry provides job readiness and employment services to clients. The Bridge partners with Piedmont Virginia Community College to provide professional certification courses to every client. These courses are in heating and air conditioning repair, electrical work, small engine repair, diesel engine repair, welding, plumbing, construction, and others. Clients also participate in vocational training in auto mechanic work, body shop work, manufacturing and assembly, landscaping, gardening, onsite construction, heating and air conditioning, electrical work, and heavy machinery operation. Each student earns three to six certifications in their first year in the program. They use these certifications and hands-on experience to gain employment in the final six months of the program where they live in a transitional home. Clients enter a job based on the certifications he earned where he can earn a living wage ($18.00 to $24.00/hour) and there is room for advancement.

Students also participate in classes five days per week where they learn how to communicate in a positive way, work with others, lead their families, manage their finances, and become a productive member of their communities. The Bridge is a certified GED testing location, so students are also able to earn their GED while in the program.