Bridging The Gap

What is Bridging The Gap?

Bridging the Gap supports that very important first step for anyone who has just been released from a hospital, treatment center or correctional facility by providing temporary contacts who help the newcomer make the transition to Alcoholics Anonymous in his or her home community. Patients and inmates are often introduced to AA while in treatment or correctional facilities; however, they may not know how to proceed upon release, and sometimes find it difficult to reach out to AA on their own. Statistics show, however, that people just exiting an institution have significantly higher chance of staying sober if they get to a meeting immediately following their release. 

Requesting a Bridging The Gap Contact

Having a temporary contact eases the transition of recovering alcoholics being released from treatment facilities and other places of confinement into the A.A. Community.  This involves meeting newcomers at an A.A. meeting after their release, and introducing them to members of the group. 

You you are interested in a temporary contact fill out the Request Contact Form

Becoming a Bridging The Gap Volunteer

Bridging the Gap volunteers act as liaisons, working in pairs to take the individual to his or her first AA meeting outside the institution. People who are about to be released from an institution can complete a card requesting a temporary contact of the same gender and age group who can take the newcomer to a meeting. Temporary contacts can also answer any questions that the newcomer has about AA and share information about the importance of home groups, sponsors, and going to meetings. 

If you would like to sign-up to be a BTG 12th Step Volunteer please fill out the Volunteer Contact Form.

Bridging The Gap Committee

Bridging the Gap committees exist at both Area and District levels.  CNCA Bridging the Gap committee invites anyone who is interested in BTG — either participating or just learning more about it — to attend the monthly committee meeting in Petaluma. 

The meeting is held every fourth Saturday at 11:00am, at the following address: 

Petaluma Community Center

320 N. McDowell Blvd. 

Petaluma, CA 

You can write to the Area BTG Chair at the following address: 

Bridging the Gap 

P.O. Box 750623 

Petaluma, CA 94975-0623