T.D. Jakes’ Texas Reentry Program Draws Interest from Canadian Parliament
Appearing Before the House of Commons, Tina Naidoo Discusses Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism
Emmy® award-winning Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.) continues to expand its influence beyond America, now most recently to Canada. Founded by global leader Bishop T.D. Jakes, T.O.R.I. has become a trusted knowledge partner with a proven model of rehabilitative and recuperative justice and is teaching others how to do the same.
On Monday, T.O.R.I. Executive Director Tina Naidoo addressed The House of Commons of Canada’s Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU).
T.O.R.I. has inspired Canada's 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. Naidoo was asked to present as a witness, highlighting T.O.R.I.’s successes in Texas and how a similar program could impact Canada.
As the United States makes preparations to observe Criminal Justice Awareness Month in March, Naidoo’s participation with the parliamentary hearings signals hope for U.S. advocates advancing criminal justice reform and successful pathways for returning citizens.
“I am honored to have appeared before the Canadian House of Commons and thank them for the opportunity,” said Naidoo. “We believe that providing stability and security for returning citizens—whether that be through housing, employment or spiritual needs—is an extremely effective method for true restoration and rehabilitation, and ultimately safer communities. We have seen firsthand the lives that have changed and hope Canada can create a bridge with a similar path for successful reentry.”
Media Opportunities:
Interview opportunities with Naidoo and b-roll are available upon request.
About Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative
Launched in January 2005, the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative’s (T.O.R.I.) goal is to provide stability and security for returning citizens. Through assistance in employment, education, housing, healthcare, spiritual guidance and family unification, T.O.R.I. addresses the individual needs and helps former inmates acclimate back into society. To date, T.O.R.I. has served over 33,000 formerly incarcerated adults across the state of Texas.
About The Potter's House
Located in Dallas, The Potter’s House is a 30,000-member nondenominational, multicultural church and humanitarian organization led by Bishop T. D. Jakes, twice featured on the cover of Time magazine as America’s Best Preacher and as one of the nation’s 25 Most Influential Evangelicals. The Potter’s House has five locations: The Potter’s House of Dallas, The Potter’s House of Fort Worth, The Potter’s House of North Dallas, The Potter’s House of Denver and The Potter’s House OneLA.
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