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2014 TORI Graduation Ceremony
On Sunday March 30th in Dallas,Texas the Potter's House and Bishop TD Jakes celebrated it's 2013-2014 graduating class of the TORI program. The Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative exists to reduce recidivism, making former inmates productive contributors to society.
TORI success stories come from all backgrounds and times served. Working in tandem with the Potter's House, many law enforcement officials nationwide share the commitment to make the future better for former offenders ad they make conscious efforts to move forward with their lives.
2014 TORI Valedictorian Laheather Wilson shared her heartbreaking story of losing her child and being charged with the death. Still reeling from the long term affects of the tragic loss, Laheather was comforted as the video played during the ceremony.
TORI is the second chance many people who serve jail time never receive. Though the program graduates a class each year, not all participants complete the program. There's little need for large scale advertising, the success of the program is shared via word of mouth. People are excited about the program and what it is doing around the country. Visitors hailed from Seattle, Washington to Washington D.C., attending to celebrate the program's accomplishments and find out how to get more involved across the country.
TORI success stories come from all backgrounds and times served. Working in tandem with the Potter's House, many law enforcement officials nationwide share the commitment to make the future better for former offenders ad they make conscious efforts to move forward with their lives.
2014 TORI Valedictorian Laheather Wilson shared her heartbreaking story of losing her child and being charged with the death. Still reeling from the long term affects of the tragic loss, Laheather was comforted as the video played during the ceremony.
TORI is the second chance many people who serve jail time never receive. Though the program graduates a class each year, not all participants complete the program. There's little need for large scale advertising, the success of the program is shared via word of mouth. People are excited about the program and what it is doing around the country. Visitors hailed from Seattle, Washington to Washington D.C., attending to celebrate the program's accomplishments and find out how to get more involved across the country.
Personal Testimonies
The TORI program is a forward moving program in all aspects. Many TORI alumni return to contribute to the program and its growing classes each year. When asked about her future plans, Stephanie Clewis said that she would use her new lease on life to educate the next generation using her computer savvy.
Already formally eduacated, misusing it placed her in jail for a number of years. Excited about completing the program, she shared that she couldn't wait to help those that need her expertise. She currently serves as a head cook at one local restaurant and line cook at another. |
Another graduate, Marcus Molden-Bey used his time in the TORI program to look soberly into the future. Saddled by labels following child support arrearage, he proved ready to own his past mistakes and live in the present. Molden-Bey received Honorable Mention for his time in the TORI program and was anxious to walk across the stage and into his new life, footsteps undoubtedly ordered by the Lord.
Molden-Bey is mentally strong and refused to consider himself in need of the TORI program. The program helped him acknowledge his most vital need, to reconcile his past with the man he wants to be. |
Law Enforcement and Elected Officials
Working in tandem with the Potter's House, many law enforcement officials nationwide share the commitment to make the future better for former offenders and make conscious efforts to move forward with their lives.
TORI Expansion
When asked about national/global expansion, Bishop Jakes replied: "...look at my face...!" He is all too happy that the program is expanding and that many are coming were on hand to learn more about the program at the 2014 Graduation.
Executive Director Tina Naidoo shared with the Blogger Press Corps that TORI Graduates have also been a part of an international community service project and helped secure passports for the graduates.
Executive Director Tina Naidoo shared with the Blogger Press Corps that TORI Graduates have also been a part of an international community service project and helped secure passports for the graduates.
