The Texas Bar Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to Unlocking Doors® to expand its peer mentoring program for individuals reentering their communities after involvement with the criminal justice system. Through its innovative Reentry Brokerage® model, Unlocking Doors® serves as a central navigation hub, connecting clients with essential resources such as employment, housing, transportation, food assistance, and behavioral health services.

            Unlocking Doors mentoring session

A key component of the program is peer mentoring by individuals with lived experience who have successfully rebuilt their lives after incarceration. These mentors provide practical guidance, encouragement, and support to clients navigating the challenges of reentry, helping them avoid common pitfalls, build confidence, and remain committed to positive life goals.

The grant will support the expansion of peer mentoring services by increasing mentoring opportunities and strengthening client engagement. Unlocking Doors® currently works with a successful former offender who now owns a trucking company, employs formerly incarcerated individuals, and provides both in-person and virtual mentoring to clients. His experience serves as a powerful example that successful reentry is possible with determination, support, and access to resources.

By supporting the expansion of peer mentoring services, the Texas Bar Foundation’s $10,000 investment will help Unlocking Doors® strengthen outcomes for returning citizens, reduce recidivism, increase employment opportunities, and promote safer, stronger communities throughout North Texas.

“We sincerely appreciate the Texas Bar Foundation’s substantial contribution, which will support the expansion of our Peer Mentoring initiative. These funds will enable more clients to benefit from mentorship provided by individuals with lived experience, who are uniquely equipped to understand the challenges associated with reentry into society. Unlocking Doors® will be able to broaden the reach of the Peer Mentoring model by increasing the number of available mentoring days, offering additional engagement opportunities for clients, and training more individuals to participate as mentors.”

– Founder and President/CEO, Christina Melton Crain