FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2009
THE POTTER’S HOUSE HONORS DIGNITARIES FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO REDUCING RECIDIVISM
Dallas, TX--Bishop T.D. Jakes, renowned pastor of The Potter’s House and The Texas Offenders Re-entry Initiative (T.O.R.I), a program that helps former offenders transition back into society, will celebrate National Criminal Justice Month this Sunday, February 22 during the 8 am service, by recognizing and honoring special dignitaries, including Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert; US Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL); Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez; Sen. Royce West (D-TX); US Federal Judge Irma Carillo Ramirez, and many more exceptional individuals who represent all facets of the criminal and juvenile justice community.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, at least 95% of all state prisoners will be released from prison at some point. Statistics show the release of offenders continues to rise on a yearly basis. The question then becomes “where do these former offenders go to avoid reentering the criminal justice system?” Fortunately, there are many individuals and community organizations throughout the world who work tirelessly in the efforts to reduce the re-incarceration rates in their states. However, many times their noble works go unnoticed.
National Criminal Justice Month is a great opportunity for Bishop T.D. Jakes and T.O.R.I, to not only recognize individuals who continue their advocacy in helping reduce the reentry rates, but also stress the importance of interrelationships among the criminal system and community organizations that encourage former offenders to meet their personal goals.
"I am honored to have a chance to acknowledge all the dignitaries and our community partners, who have contributed to our initiative in reducing the reentry rates,” said Tina Naidoo, Director of T.O.R.I. "When we take into account that more than half of all individuals return to prison after they have been released, we see that TORI and its partners our making a noticeable difference in our community.”
About TORI
Established in 2005 by The Potter's House (MEDC), the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I) is a program that guides and empowers ex-offenders to maximize their potential, which increases their opportunities for a successful reintegration into society and encourages them to become productive citizens. The ministry has made available a surplus of resources through a collaborative effort from various service providers. The key services
that T.O.R.I. provides include intensive case management, employment coaching, housing resources, financial literacy, life skills, anger management, substance abuse recovery, individual counseling, computer training, and mentorship to former inmates.
About The Potter's House of Dallas
A globally recognized church of more than 30,000 members located in Dallas, The Potter's House strives to be the voice and the hand that encourages people of all creeds and cultures to change their lives with hope, comfort and peace. The church is led by Bishop T. D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of Time magazine as "America's Best Preacher" and as one of this nation's "25 most influential evangelicals."