History of Bridges of Iowa

Bridges of Iowa, Inc is a 501c(3) faith-based organization. It was incorporated on August 30, 1999. 501c(3) status was granted on December 13, 2000. The initial funding for Bridges was the result of $2.1 million dollar gift from Donald and Charlene Lamberti. Today, funding is provided through a donor advised fund at the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation named the Anthony Lamberti Fund for Prison After Care.

The beginning

The genesis of Bridges of Iowa was loosely based on the Bridges of America program that still exists today in Florida. Anthony Lamberti had discovered a book; "Holes In Time" authored by Father Frank Constantino and shared it with his father, Don Lamberti. It was Don & Charlene’s feeling that this story could be replicated in Iowa and would create sobriety & reentry success for anyone who walked through the doors. Don shared the story with several friends and a couple Mr. Larry James and Mr. Tom Jackowski accompanied him to Florida to visit the program. As a result of that visit, they determined that indeed, the program could be replicated and Iowa was the place to do it. At a press conference held on April 5, 2000 the State of Iowa was introduced to the Bridges of Iowa Board of Directors. Bishop Frank Costantino and two leading advocates of the Bridges of America along with the Board of Directors met with correctional officials, judges, parole board members, legislators, news media and others to learn about the plan to bring faith-based privately funded long-term treatment to Iowa. Governor Vilsack and Lt. Governor Sally Pedersen were in attendance. The event was a huge success. Initially 10 inmates from Iowa were granted special parole to attend Bridges of America Treatment Program. These 10 inmates and their journey of success led to the establishment of Bridges of Iowa at Fort Des Moines. In November 2002 Bridges of Iowa accepted its first clients. Subsequently, BOI was granted full licensure by the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Growing the organization

The program has shown remarkable growth throughout the years. As numbers began to expand program services did as well. An employment/education piece was added and a financial literacy program was added in partnership with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Iowa Institute for Social and Economic Development and the Urban Institute. Bridges of Iowa purchased 1211 Vine Street and invested substantially in improvements with the intent of providing treatment at this location. Unfortunately, that was unsuccessful. However, the building was renovated as a non-profit campus to allow non-profits to deliver their services to the Greater Des Moines area at a reduced rental rate and serves as such today. Throughout the years, BOI has partnered with numerous community agencies, whose mission compliments that of Bridges in the Vine Street office building.

In April of 2009 BOI expanded the size of its physical location at the Fort Des Moines Complex and entered into a long-term lease with the 5th Judicial District. This allowed Bridges to double the size of its program and create an in-house independent living program. (Phase III). Bridges currently treats approximately 45-60 men at one-time and 8-12 live in the In-house phase III community. This allows clients who have completed the residential component to stay connected to the therapeutic community while living independently. Later Bridges opened up the Apartment Units at Vine Street for eligible phase III clients. This allows men, who have completed the in-house component of treatment a transitional living environment that is affordable and supportive, before making their final step back into the community. An alumni group and elder board were established. Two Bridges graduates are employed, one as a program technician and the other as a maintenance person. Both live in the Phase III community and are House Managers.

Responding to today’s needs

Bridges of Iowa has been successful in meeting the need for prison aftercare and reentry programs for men leaving Iowa’s custodial institutions. Diversionary needs have been met and have shown great promise and success due in part to cultivation of its relationship with the Drug Court of Polk County. Bridges graduates leave the program strong in their faith and recovery skills, well connected to the treatment community, employed and financially secure. Bridges enjoys a positive reputation in the community and continues to work to cultivate those important relationships both internally and externally.

The future

What is needed is an emphasis on long-term community based treatment programming for men and women that provides opportunities for integration of community support mechanisms. Attention to the needs of children and family members of those in recovery is central to this equation. Bridges, as a privately funded entity, is well positioned to meet these community needs. By establishing an effective financial support system and integrating its core business strategies and methodologies, Bridges of Iowa, will enhance and add value to existing services, while creating resources for the development and implementation of new programming responsive to these community needs.