The Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (TORI), affiliated with, the nonprofit organization of The Potter’s House of Dallas, is a 12-month program that addresses the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the state of Texas. It was strategically placed in the Texas five “hot-spots” due to the high number of inmates released in Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin and Houston. According to research studies in 2001, 53,183 (86% male and 14% female) prisoners were released back to Texas communities. According to the study, if this population is not provided the opportunity for employment, secure housing, substance abuse recovery, and other opportunities, they are more likely to re-offend to meet these basic needs. This is a formula for large-scale problems, including conflict, crime, substance abuse, family stress, community deterioration and violence (LaVigne, Solomon, Beckman, & Dedel). Supportive networks and services must be in place to help facilitate the transition for ex-offenders as well as assist them with developing a positive lifestyle.

Through a network of Recovery and Reentry Partnerships (RRP) TORI has assisted ex-offenders with successfully reintegrating back into society while effectively reducing the public health and safety risks inherent in managing issues associated with reentry and reducing the rate of recidivism.

The Potter’s House MEDCwas awarded a Challenge Grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service in December 2004 to support the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (TORI) with the purpose of increasing public health and safety by mobilizing volunteers, especially from faith-based communities to work with 144 ex-offenders. The five-city initiative (Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin and Houston) has been successful in achieving its goals by reducing the rate of relapse from substance and alcohol abuse by 50% and employing 63% of the clients enrolled in the program. The Challenge Grant was also instrumental in assisting TORI with reducing the recidivism rates of our clients. As of September 2005 only 9% of TORI clients re-offended. TORI has also been able to maintain a record number of volunteers who give back to their communities by working with our ex-offenders. The TORI program has recruited over 200 professional volunteers including case managers, legal experts (attorneys and judges), certified educators (teachers), trained life skills group facilitators, trained mentors, and licensed professional counselors.