TORI has provided services for over 5,000 formerly incarcerated individuals who have returned home to Texas since December 2004. TORI has been successful in creating collaborative programs and providing supportive services to local, city, state and federal institutions. TORI has also built superior relationships with faith-based and community organizations to help provide wraparound services to clients who would otherwise have very limited resources. Through these partnerships, TORI has been able to effectively and efficiently impact prisoner reentry in the state of Texas for those returning back home to their communities.

TORI’s Programs:

The mission of TORI is to guide and empower ex-offenders to maximize their potential and increase their opportunities for successful reintegration into society therefore, decreasing recidivism and assisting clients to become productive citizens within their communities. TORI’s mission encompasses a holistic approach to comprehensive treatment and services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Today TORI’s services include:

• Intensive Case Management
• Employment Coaching and Placement
• Mentoring
• Transitional Housing and Independent Living Assistance
• GED and Educational classes
• Substance abuse & HIV/AIDS/STD prevention & treatment
• Family Reunification Counseling
• Financial Literacy
• Anger Management
• Life Skills and peer support groups
• Licensed professional counseling services
• Chaplaincy Services

TORI has also established relationships with the University of Texas at Arlington to provide undergraduate and graduate social work students with field practice opportunities in order to complete their practicum requirements. Through this partnership TORI offers students skills development and hands-on application to enhance their learning experiences.

TORI has also developed a great relationship with the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program. This program provides employment opportunities for TORI graduates to work full-time as VISTA members for nonprofit, faith-based entities, community organizations and public agencies. The purpose of this unique opportunity is to create and expand programs that ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. Additionally, it provides an avenue for clients to give back to their communities, and serve as productive citizens of their country.

TORI has also established a relationship with the Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) to provide housing to formerly incarcerated individuals through the use of a project-based Section 8 voucher. Clients have the ability to independently apply for a voucher as long as they actively participate in TORI’s 12-month program. TORI has also established relationships with four private property owners who have set aside 204 units consisting of one bedroom, two bedroom, and three bedroom units for clients who have been awarded the Section 8 vouchers. Upon successful completion of the one-year program, clients’ vouchers are freestanding, allowing them the option to move forward to any other property that accepts their vouchers. This program has achieved an overwhelming response from clients in excess of 500 referrals in three months. It also provides an ex-offender the opportunity to live independently regardless of his criminal background as long as he is compliant with the program. In addition, TORI clients are empowered to become self-sufficient and productive citizens of their communities. Today, this program has served over 150 families by providing stable, healthy home environments for TORI clients.