DALLAS — Sunday was graduation day for about 150 former inmates.
They received their diplomas during a ceremony at The Potter's House in Dallas as part of the Texas Offenders Re-entry Initiative.
The 12-month program TORI helps with job searches, housing, financial literacy and substance abuse counseling.
The participants appreciated the help, and the ceremony that commemorated their achievement.
Oh, this was something real special," said Benita Nelson, one of the TORI graduates. "I didn't graduate from high school. I got my G.E.D., but this was something real special."
The program has helped 1,000 men and women since it began in 2005. State figures show nearly one-third of Texas inmates return to prison within three years.
