Fair Chance Champions is an Honest Jobs series highlighting organizations and employers across the U.S. that are creating opportunities for justice-involved individuals. By embracing fair chance hiring and reentry support, these changemakers are breaking down barriers and proving that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed.
For justice-involved individuals, the path to stability and success is often filled with barriers. Access to employment, housing, and supportive services can make all the difference in reducing recidivism and rebuilding lives. That’s where the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.) comes in. As a program of The Potter’s House and supported by the T.D. Jakes Foundation, T.O.R.I. provides comprehensive reentry services that empower individuals to turn their lives around and successfully reintegrate into society.
Comprehensive Support for Returning Citizens
T.O.R.I. is dedicated to equipping justice-involved individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. By offering a holistic approach to reentry, the program addresses critical areas that contribute to long-term success. Their services include:
Employment Assistance – Helping participants gain job readiness skills, secure stable employment, and connect with fair chance employers.
Housing Support – Providing guidance on securing stable housing to prevent homelessness post-release.
Education & Training – Offering access to educational programs, vocational training, and skill-building workshops.
Family Reunification – Supporting individuals as they reconnect with loved ones and strengthen their family bonds.
Health & Wellness – Ensuring access to mental health services, counseling, and healthcare resources.
Spiritual Guidance – Providing faith-based support and mentorship for personal growth and motivation.
By addressing these critical needs, T.O.R.I. helps individuals not just survive but thrive after incarceration.
A Story of Transformation
"Whenever I think of giving up, my case manager and TORI family keep me going. I’ve come far from that jail cell and have much to go. I’ve found my purpose, though. For once, I can say that I am truly happy—beyond happy, in fact. I’ve finally received my chance to give back to the world, and I will never let this opportunity go to waste again, especially with the support and guidance of my new TORI family." - Vera, a T.O.R.I. participant who overcame 20 years of incarceration to become a college graduate
T.D. Jakes Foundation: A Legacy of Empowerment
T.O.R.I. is backed by the T.D. Jakes Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing economic empowerment, workforce readiness, and skills development for underserved communities. The foundation’s mission aligns closely with T.O.R.I.’s efforts to create pathways to opportunity for justice-involved individuals, reinforcing the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed.
Why Honest Jobs Supports T.O.R.I.
At Honest Jobs, we believe in the power of second chances and the importance of removing barriers to employment. T.O.R.I.’s commitment to holistic reentry support is exactly the kind of work that transforms lives and strengthens communities.
To learn more about T.O.R.I., get involved, or support their mission, visit medc-tori.org.