The Bridging the Gap Program is an addiction recovery program that focuses on recovery and re-entry upon release from incarceration. It is a structured, disciplined program that works with the Piedmont Regional Community Services Board, the Probation and Parole office, Social Services, and local churches. The curriculum includes a weekly schedule for classes in anger management, substance abuse/use, life skills, GED program, grief counseling, and meetings with the local Probation and Parole office for a successful transition upon release from custody.

Faith Based Curriculum – Sheriff Overton desires a program that is faith based to include volunteers from local churches. Bible study and devotional time will be designated daily at various times throughout the day. There are opportunities to attend a local church on Sunday mornings, as well as additional interactions with the church.

Goals of the Program – Every aspect of this program is designed to help the participants (1) gain addiction coping skills, (2) learn life skills to help upon release, (3) attempt to reduce a return to incarceration in the future, and (4) to change the lives of the program participant.

Perks of the Program – (1) Finding healthy, appropriate avenues to cope with addition, (2) build relationships with local churches that can provide support to both the participant and their family during/after incarceration, (3) to best prepare the participant for re-entry into the community with opportunities that might not be available without the program, and (4) assist with gaining employment prior to their release.

Program Expectations – Expectations of the program include full participation in a strict, disciplined environment that includes rigorous classroom and mentor time and heavily faith based in most aspects. The program will require hard work, determination, a desire to better one’s life to have a successful future and become a better person, and the ability to follow extra rules of the program in addition to those of the Franklin County Jail. When released, participants are expected to follow aftercare requirements through the Probation Office and Piedmont CSB.

To Apply – The offender must apply directly; not a family member. Click here for the application. It can be mailed to “Bridging the Gap, Franklin County Jail, 70 East Court Street, Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151”. Additional questions may be submitted in writing to the same address.

To Volunteer – The success of the Bridging the Gap Program relies heavily on its volunteer base. If you are a community member, or member of a local church, and would like to inquire about assisting with the program, please contact Lieutenant Greg Pigg at Greg.Pigg@franklincountyva.gov or by calling the Franklin County Jail at (540) 483-3020.