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2026| September

 

WHEN VICTIMS SPEAK

 

Greetings!


We are delighted to be mentioned in the Fall 2026 edition of The Victim's Informer, the newsletter of TDCJ's* Victims Services Division. The article, titled "Honoring Victims Through Breaking the Cycle," speaks to the very heart of what we do:


"At the center of the Bridges To Life program are victims who choose to share their stories and who speak honestly about loss, trauma, and the lasting impact of crime. This model allows the focus to shift from those who caused harm to the victims themselves and the enduring impact of what they have carried. It is that impact that creates a deeper level of accountability than punishment alone can achieve."


While we will reach our 100,000th graduate from the BTL program by the end of this year, we must never forget the victims of crime whose healing is our highest goal. It was my own experience as a crime victim that led me to create Bridges To Life; I did not want any family to have to go through what ours did when my beloved sister Marilyn was murdered 33 years ago. Among the 11% of BTL graduates that return to prison, only 2% do so for a violent crime, and that is something about which I am especially pleased.


Please remember all of our courageous crime victim volunteers in your prayers and in your generous support of Bridges To Life.


With gratitude,

John Sage, Founder/CEO

Jim Buffington, COO


*Texas Department of Criminal Justice


 
 

HONORING THEIR MEMORY

 


September 25th is the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. Here at Bridges To Life, we especially take this time to remember those BTL staff members and volunteers who have experienced the pain and devastation of losing a loved one in this way.


As shown here, Crime Stoppers of Houston is hosting a dedicated memorial service and candlelight vigil to remember local victims. We invite you to consider attending a local event or vigil near you.




 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Reserve your table now for our 2026 Vision Events,

and join us as we celebrate 100,000 Graduates!

Waco Vision Dinner

Saturday, October 17th, 6:00-8:00 PM

Windmill Hill Venue

$1,000 per table

Houston Vision Luncheon

Thursday, November 5th, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM

The Junior League of Houston

$1,500 per table

 

Amarillo Vision Dinner

Thursday, November 12th, 6:00-8:00 PM

Trinity Fellowship Church

Tables start at $500


Dallas/Fort Worth Vision Dinner

Saturday, November 14th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Hilton Arlington Hotel

$1,000 per table