The Way Back

A nonprofit organization

$8,595 raised by 23 donors

86% complete

$10,000 Goal

INCARCERATION DOESN'T DEFINE A LIFE - BUT A SECOND CHANCE CAN. 

Navigating a successful reentry from the criminal justice system, though, is very difficult to do alone. It’s why The Way Back provides unparalleled, transformative reentry support to formerly incarcerated individuals to help them go from crisis to thriving. We meet individuals where they are in their personal journey and help them through the overwhelming physical, economic, social, and emotional barriers to success in a new life.

Since our founding in 1973, we’ve served those affected by the criminal justice system with critical support services to make reentry easier. Now, after nearly 50 years, we’re envisioning a new era for The Way Back. We’re meeting those who deserve a second chance where they are, with flexible, mobile services and support for their basic immediate needs, from food, clothing and a cellphone to housing assistance and referrals. We’re walking the path back step by step with them, with individualized supportive service plans and connections to education, workforce readiness preparation, mentorship, and support. While we provide this, we’re building toward the future with faith-based projects and plans for on-demand workforce programs, an expanded re-entry training center, and transitional housing facilities.  

Through accountable case management and effective support services, The Way Back addresses the overarching effects of criminal justice system involvement to empower our clients, restore their families, and create safer communities.


WHAT WE DO

The Way Back provides unparalleled and transformative reentry support to formerly incarcerated individuals. As a catalyst of change, The Way Back is empowering individuals, restoring families, and creating safer communities. Our approach to case management and to following clients on the journey of transformation sets us apart as a services organization.

Our support transforms lives through:

  • Reducing recidivism and poverty
  • Reducing substance abuse
  • Ending the cycle of generational incarceration
  • Countering the overarching effects of criminal justice system involvement
  • Reunifying families
  • Decreasing poverty and homelessness through self-sufficiency
  • Navigating the barriers to a more stable, successful future
  • Encouraging positive social connections
  • Creating safer communities

The Way Back exists to disrupt the overreaching effects of criminal justice system involvement. Whatever their crisis, struggle, and uncertainty, we meet clients on their journey and show them love through our service, commitment, and actions. By being authentic and intentional in how we serve, connect, we support true transformation that leads to a new, restored life.

Our impact services create economic mobility, reduce poverty, and build resilience to overcome barriers to a second chance.

Mission

The Way Back guides individuals newly released from incarceration to success in a new life with transformational support, services, and accountability. Through our work, we are empowering individuals, restoring families, and creating safer communities.

Needs

Residential Real Estate For Reentry Housing

Second Chance Employers

Operational Support

Welcome Home Kit Sponsors (Hygiene and Personal Items)

DART Day Pass Vouchers Funding

Pro Bono Counselors

Pro Bono Legal Aide to assist clients with child visitation and child custody matters.

Equity Statement

The Way Back is a values and faith driven organization. We are committed to reflecting those values in how we treat one another and how we work collaboratively across our community. We are committed to inclusion and diversity.

We will:

1. Become more diverse increase the diversity of our Board of Directors.

2. Inspire a culture of openness where candid discussion around bias can take place.

3. Support our under resourced clients who include people of color who are disproportionately affected by incarceration.

4. Provide paid time off for employees to vote in elections.

5. Become more diverse, inclusive and equitable as an organization so that we are more credible addressing these same issues in the community.

6. Leverage expertise within and outside our organization to provide the strategies, best practice examples and success measures to help create more equitable communities and close disparities wherever they exist. We will look to partner with organizations and individuals in the community successfully leading efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

7. Deepen business and community leaders' understanding of issues. Provide opportunities for the businesses, funders and the community to strategically invest their resources for a more equitable community.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

The Way Back

Tax id (EIN)

75-1446346

Guidestar

Causes

Justice-involved adults or youth

Operating Budget

$500,000 - $999,999

Counties Served

Collin, Dallas, Fannin, Rockwall

BIPOC Serving

Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American, Other

BIPOC Leadership

Board Chair

Equity Statement

Equity Statement

Address

PO Box 832407
Richardson, TX 75083

Phone

214-352-5674

Social Media