Prison Outreach

Reentry Resources

For those coming home, for families walking this road, and for anyone who wants to help. These are organizations doing real work on the ground in Texas and beyond.

Please note: I am a private individual and do not operate or endorse any of these organizations. This list is provided as a starting point only. Always verify contact information and program availability directly with the organization before making decisions based on this page.

For Families of the Incarcerated

Incarceration affects the entire family. If your loved one is currently incarcerated — or has recently come home — these resources are for you too.

Angel Tree — Prison Fellowship

Every year, Angel Tree delivers Christmas gifts and the Gospel to children of incarcerated parents on behalf of their mom or dad behind bars. A meaningful way for churches to love the families left at home.

prisonfellowship.org/angel-tree →

Kairos Outside

A Christian weekend retreat program for women who have a loved one in prison. Offers community, healing, and connection with others walking the same road. Organized through Kairos Prison Ministry.

kairostexas.org →

TDCJ Family Guide

The official TDCJ resource covering visitation rules, mail, phone calls, commissary deposits, and how to navigate the system when your loved one is inside.

Download Family Guide (PDF) →

Prison Policy Initiative — Families

Research, guides, and data specifically addressing the impact of incarceration on families — children, spouses, and communities.

prisonpolicy.org →

211 Texas

Connects families to local social services — food, housing, childcare, mental health, and crisis help. Available by phone or online.

📞 Dial 211 211texas.org →

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or a family member is in emotional crisis — call or text 988. Free, confidential, available 24/7. The stress of incarceration on families is real and you do not have to carry it alone.

📞 Call or text 988 988lifeline.org →

Official TDCJ Resources

TDCJ Reentry & Employment Portal

The official TDCJ-linked reentry and employment resource portal for individuals preparing for or navigating release.

reentry.tdcj.texas.gov →

TDCJ Rehabilitation & Reentry Division

Provides three-phase reentry support including ID documents, risk assessment, case management, employment readiness, and post-release services.

📞 (512) 671-2134  |  Toll-free: (877) 887-6151 ✉️ [email protected] 📍 4616 W Howard Lane, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78728 tdcj.texas.gov/divisions/rrd →

TDCJ Volunteer Services

Official volunteer training and approval for those who want to serve inside Texas prisons and state jails.

📞 (936) 437-3026 tdcj.texas.gov →

General Information Guide for Families of Inmates

Official TDCJ guide covering visitation, mail, phone calls, commissary, and how to navigate the system as a family member.

Download Family Guide (PDF) →

Texas State Law Library — Reentry Resource Guide

Statewide reentry resource guide covering housing, employment, identification documents, legal aid, and community programs.

guides.sll.texas.gov →

Faith-Based Reentry & Housing

Christian New Creations, Inc. — Isaiah House

A TDCJ-approved faith-based transitional living program in Houston for men released from incarceration. Offers structured housing, Christian discipleship, accountability, life-skills support, and mentoring. Considered one of the more established Christian transition programs in Texas.

📍 11606 Ashworth St, Houston, TX 77016 📞 (281) 442-7200 ✉️ [email protected]

CrossWalk Center

Houston faith-based reentry organization offering discipleship, transitional housing connections, coaching, employment placement, and volunteer training.

📍 9800 Northwest Freeway, Ste. 514, Houston, TX 77092 📞 (713) 237-0880 ✉️ [email protected] crosswalkcenter.org →

Texas Reach Out Ministries

Christian transitional homes, discipleship, mentoring, employment support, and reentry community based in Austin.

texasreachout.org →

Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (T.O.R.I.)

Faith-based reentry support addressing employment, education, housing, healthcare, spiritual guidance, and family reunification — all six core areas of need after release.

medc-tori.org →

HOPE Prison Ministries

Prison ministry, reentry support, mentoring, and church connection for the incarcerated and those coming home.

📍 3515 Sycamore School Rd, Suite 125-PMB 172, Fort Worth, TX 76133 📞 (419) 777-4673 ✉️ [email protected] hopegivesback.com →

Bridges To Life

Texas prison ministry emphasizing accountability, victim impact, spiritual transformation, and reentry resources.

bridgestolife.org →

Kairos Prison Ministry Texas

Christian prison ministry with inside programs and family support through Kairos Outside — serving both the incarcerated and their loved ones.

kairostexas.org →

Prison Fellowship

National Christian prison ministry with in-prison programs, church resources, Angel Tree (gifts for children of incarcerated parents), and reentry partnerships.

prisonfellowship.org →

Celebrate Recovery

Christ-centered recovery program for hurts, habits, and hang-ups. A strong church partnership option for sobriety, accountability, and community after release.

celebraterecovery.com →

Employment & Reentry Programs

Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)

Pre-release and post-release employment, entrepreneurship training, executive mentoring, and long-term reentry support.

pep.org →

Workforce Solutions / Texas Workforce Commission

Job search assistance, training referrals, resume help, workforce offices statewide, and employer connections for returning citizens.

twc.texas.gov →

Tarrant County Reentry Coalition

Regional coalition connecting returning citizens in the Fort Worth/Tarrant County area with housing, employment, and support services.

tcreentry.org →

Crisis, Mental Health & General Help

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential crisis support for suicidal thoughts, mental health crisis, or emotional distress. Available 24/7.

📞 Call or text 988 988lifeline.org →

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free, confidential treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use disorders. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.

📞 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) samhsa.gov →

211 Texas / United Way Helpline

Connects Texans to local social services including food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and crisis assistance. Available by phone and online.

📞 Dial 211 211texas.org →

Findhelp.org

Search tool for food, housing, transportation, health, legal, and financial assistance by ZIP code. Helps connect individuals to local programs quickly.

findhelp.org →

Know of a resource that should be on this list? I would love to hear about it.

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"I was in prison and you came to visit me... whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

— Matthew 25:36, 40