T.O.RI. 2018 presented by Founder T.D. Jakes, Executive Director Tina Naidoo and Keynote Speaker Angela Rye at The Potters House in Dallas, Tx.
T.O.R.I was founded in 2005 by T.D. Jakes. The program was put in place to assist former inmates with acclimating to society, their neighborhoods and families. The program is managed by 11 hardworking individuals and supported by over 140 volunteers. The staff assist participants with housing, education, healthcare, employment assistance and mentoring.
Special Community Service Award was awarded to Affordable Dentures who provides FREE dental work to a number of recipients! Our smile and how we feel about it makes all the difference in the world. This team is helping these recipients smile again!!
T.D. Jakes's vision is exactly what our communities need to continue rebuilding, to continue loving each other, to continue breaking down some systematic disparities that have become all to well the forbidden norm.
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Most of us know someone who has gone through the system and tried to come out and rejoin society. Often times we are outsiders looking in. We don't fully understand the mental state or physical state of these former inmates. We don't know what is driving them to get out and do better, We don't know if they have the support to achieve those goals.
We do, however, know most people in every day life do not have the additional negative checkmark from some level of incarceration hanging over their heads and without that, it is still hard for the average working person. So we definitely do not understand the magnitude of the process or roadblocks that await them.
WE do know as they reenter into society it is much better to have citizens who have something to offer, a purpose for living, a purpose for staying in the right lane.. for themselves, their familes or friends. T.O.R.I. gives them that. T.O.R.I. gives them hope! And It Is Working!!
- T.O.R.I. has served 17,000 formerly incarcerated individuals across Texas
- Over 50% of the recipients are employed
- The program costs $4 per person vs. $50 per active inmate per day
- Assisted with enrolling students in GED classes and starting college courses
- 142 Volunteers
The commencement speech given by Angela Rye was nothing short of remarkable. Her words were encouraging, uplifting and words of perseverance. Angela lead us with her mighty wit and offered bountiful inspiration not only to the recipients but to EVERYONE in the building! Philippians Chapter 3 was her playground and she referenced it with narratives we could embrace and understand.
There were a couple of Angela's quotes that just sat on my brain. She hit every nook and cranny of my brain. These should go in a book somewhere... Or So I think....
*"He Who has a WHY to LIVE can bear ANY how".. We are all trying to find our purpose.. this gave me LIFE!!
*"People see the old you... before the reset"
She said sometimes we hit rock bottom so we can hard reset and sometimes that is what it takes to make change.
*"Release from Bondage is not in itself Freedom".. This one right here !!! WE have to consistently work at that change. It's like being Baptized. After the baptism, you are still in the same body... We have to put in work daily to actually see the cleansing take affect in our lives...
Finally, Angela left the T.O.R.I. recipients with 5 Steps to Living in our Purpose and being successful..
1. Embrace Your Why!!
2. Step Into Your Power
3. Accept Your Vulnerability
4. Work from Compassion
5. CHANGE the WORLD!!!
All I can say is WOW!
Angela Rye never fails at giving good word.
The pure energy in the sanctuary during commencement was rewarding. It was awesome to see the proud recipients.
Wonderful job Tina Naidoo, T.D. Jakes, your T.O.R.I Staff and Volunteers!
AND GREAT JOB T.O.R.I. Graduates!!! 2018 is your year!
Get Involved - Volunteer or Donate to the program. LET'S MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN!!
http://medc-tori.org/
#IamMore #RedemptionSunday #TimeToSOAR #IARR #A2C #iamroyaltyradio #AngelaRye #TORI #TDJAKES #DAllas
Ali Carter
I Am Royalty Radio Staff
www.iamroyaltyradio.com
