Lincoln organization offers free concert to inmates

LINCON, Neb. (KLKN) – Bridges to Hope, a Lincoln nonprofit, seeks to heal people who have broken the law and help them become constructive citizens.

Friday afternoon, the organization hosted a free concert starring Nashville musician Ben Fuller at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

“This is my first time in Lincoln, Nebraska,” Fuller said. “It’s been very beautiful. I got to say, today was very, very powerful.”

Bridges to Hope helps men and women transition back into the community after being locked up.

“Second chances matter,” said the organization’s executive director, Rhonda Mattingly. “Everybody has a story, and everybody deserves a second chance.”

The organization also held a freewill concert Friday night at Christ Lutheran Church.

The keynote speaker was chef Brandon Chrostowski, who was nominated for an Oscar for his documentary “Knife Skills.”

Chrostowski talked about future opportunities, like bringing a culinary program into Nebraska prisons.

Friday night’s concert donations will help Bridges to Hope build more activities for prison inmates.

The organization’s leaders say they will keep working with the inmates to give them opportunities as they come back to the community.