Our Founder's Mission
The mission of the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative is to guide and empower returning citizens to maximize their potential, increasing their opportunities for successful reintegration into society and to become productive citizens of their communities.
Meet our Executive Director
Tina Naidoo, MSSW, LCSW, is the Executive Director of the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.), a prisoner reentry program of The Potter’s House Church in Dallas, Texas founded by Bishop TD Jakes. Since 2005, T.O.R.I. has served over 30,000 returning citizens and their families by providing holistic, wrap-around services that foster positive lifestyle changes in ex-offenders. With a focus on bridging gaps in six core components (Employment, Education, Housing, Healthcare, Family Reunification, and Spiritual Guidance), this twelve-month intensive case management program affords returning citizens a second chance at life and provides solutions to the many barriers faced upon release. These efforts have resulted in a low 11% recidivism rate among T.O.R.I. clients.
Tina’s expertise in criminal justice reform has earned her numerous awards and speaking invitations to present innovative models, ideas, and policies both nationally and Internationally. In 2016, she was a recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award by the National Alliance of Faith and Justice. Prestigiously, she was also awarded as a 2016 White House Champion of Change for her role in expanding Fair Chance Opportunities.
T.O.R.I. has become a trusted knowledge partner with a proven model of rehabilitative and restorative justice that is teaching others how to do the same as it expands its influence beyond America, now most recently to Canada. In February, Tina was asked to present as a witness highlighting T.O.R.I.’s successes by addressing The House of Commons of Canada’s Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. T.O.R.I. has inspired a federal bill C-228, which would establish a federal framework to reduce recidivism. The bill would effectively give every province in Canada allocation to create comprehensive reentry programs like T.O.R.I. To date, the bill has been through the first, second, and third reading and now awaits Royal Assent.
Under her astute leadership, T.O.R.I. has received Federal, State, City, and Community Awards that facilitate reentry services, leading to reduced rates of recidivism and safer
communities. Namely, T.O.R.I. has received Second Chance Act awards through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) respectively, to provide mentoring and other pre and post-release supportive services for young and adult justice-involved individuals. In addition, the State of Texas, through the Office of the Governor, awarded T.O.R.I. to continue reentry efforts in the State’s major metropolitan centers. Further, the City of Dallas selected T.O.R.I. to implement its reentry services pilot program that increases employment opportunities and decreases recidivism for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Ms. Naidoo, who has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit, business, federal, state, and local sectors, holds a Clinical License from the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners, with a Master of Science in Social Work. Overall, her most valued treasures are those found in her role as a loving wife to attorney Shaun Naidoo and proud mom to three beautiful children.
WE ARE T.O.R.I.
Through a continuum of care, the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.) helps individuals who are returning home from incarceration to achieve stability and start over again by assisting with:
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Education
- Employment
- Spiritual Guidance
- Family Reunification
POPULAR QUESTIONS
No, the T.O.R.I. program does not provide immediate housing and is not an inpatient facility. However, through partnerships with local agencies and individuals, skilled case managers can assist in creating housing opportunities.
No. The Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative does not discriminate against an individual in the provision of services on the grounds of race, ethnicity, sex, education level, ability, literacy, lifestyle or religion.
Yes. Our case management services and training classes are offered virtually. Please contact our intake coordinator at 214-941-1325 ext. 101 for more information.
No. Any individual with a criminal background other than a sexual offense (prostitution not included) and over the age of 18, can join the T.O.R.I. program.
The T.O.R.I. Program is a 12-month rehabilitative program that focuses on empowering participants to achieve their maximum potential. The program culminates to a graduation ceremony at The Potter’s House of Dallas.
No. However, through partnerships with local agencies and organizations, skilled case managers can connect you with the assistance you need.
If you wish to participate in the T.O.R.I. program, call our intake coordinator at 214-941-1325 ext. 101.