MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Officials say a women’s rehab center in Bradenton is at risk of being shut down.

The Bradenton Bridge provides life skills and counseling to female inmates before they return to society. But now, lawmakers are stepping in, urging the Department of Corrections to renew its contract with the facility before it expires this summer.

The facility houses 124 women. They live there for around 24-36 months and receive counseling and job skills training. Upon completion of their time here, they also receive help finding a job. And the center changes lives.

In 2012, Misty Miller was in prison for drug trafficking. Before her release, she was transferred to The Bradenton Bridge. “I like to call it reprogramming because they teach you all your skills in life that you will need,” she said. Miller spent 19 months here. Now she’s free, with a job, and a family. “It meant a whole new life for me,” said Miller.

People like Miller might not benefit from the Bradenton Bridge much longer. The facility’s contract with the Department of Corrections expires in July and the DOC has shown no signs of renewing.

Lori Constantino-Brown is the CEO of Bridges of America which runs the facility. “Unless there’s a real change of direction or intervention, I fully believe that this center will in fact go to closing,” she said.

“We don’t need to play games with the lives of these ladies that are being transformed here in this community,” said State Representative Darryl Rouson.

In a statement to News Channel 8, a Department of Corrections spokesman said emphatically, “There are no plans to close The Bradenton Bridge.”

The spokesman explained the DOC is currently involved in litigation over the contract with the center’s operator, Bridges of America. The pending litigation will determine whether Bridges of America will operate this center, or if someone else will. When asked who else would run the facility Rep. Rouson responded, “That’s a good question.”

Officials say no other contractor has placed a bid to run this place. So for the women here, the future is cloudy.

“My heart breaks, my heart breaks, because I realize what the alternatives are for these girls,” said Miller.

Bridges of America also runs another facility in Broward County. Officials say that center is under the threat of closure after its contract expires later this month.WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW: