Our Founder

As Frank began to share his story in the prisons in his spare time and listen to their concerns and fears of returning and going back, he quickly recognized that the number one problem is twofold: not only do they need gainful employment, but they also need a place to stay with an address and telephone number in order to seek it. Frank determined something was needed in between prison and society to bridge the gap.

During the early 80’s, the drug culture changed and crack cocaine became the drug of choice which created a crime epidemic. The increase of crime eventually resulted in overcrowded prisons. He determined that a diversion program was needed before they even reached the penal system. Another program would treat inmates before returning to the community and deal with community reentry, assisting them in making the essential connection within the community. 

 

Frank said, “Releasing a person back into society without treating the problem is just plain wrong.” In 1980, Frank opened up the first “After-care” resident program in Orlando, Florida to provide a bridge long enough to get them to the other side. The Bridges International contract with The Florida Department of Corrections for The Orlando Bridge began a partnership that provided a work-release program with a substance abuse overlay to address drug and alcohol problems.

Frank realized that if the inmates did not deal with the underlying problems which contributed to their incarceration that they would return and leave “a hole in time.” He said, “While I was in prison vague concepts began to come into focus. It seemed as though everyone was, to some extent, a prisoner of their own personality, motivated by forces beyond their control. One thing seemed apparent through it all. Takers are losers and people who don’t care leave holes in time. ”What started as a local ministry has now parlayed into a worldwide vision that serves over 10,000 inmates and offenders daily.

Bishop Frank Costantino passed away in April of 2006, however his vision and legacy lives. Lori Costantino-Brown, Frank’s daughter, was appointed by the Board of Directors to continue the vision and leadership of Bridges International. Lori has further enhanced the programs and continued Frank’s bequest to meet the needs of evidence-based treatment in the 21st century. The Bridge program is an International presence with programs and outreach ministries in countries on four continents. The program was founded on the basis of the “Holistic approach to recovery” predicated on the 12-Step model. We have followed the same basis for 30 years while increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the program and increasing the quality of care for the person served.