Doors of Hope event features top chefs

Tuesday, September 20, 2016 12:58 pm

Offenders can amass thousands of dollars in debt for probation, fines, fees, and court costs, and they are charged for each day they are incarcerated. The mountain of accrued debt discourages any attempt to work a minimum wage job, pay rent, and support a family. Statistics show that 67% of those released will be re-incarcerated within 3 years.

"Those statistics are cut in half for those who choose the support and accountability of a structured re-entry program like Doors of Hope," reports Williams. "We work with inmates while they are incarcerated and help newly-released individuals in their efforts to be successful after incarceration. We provide for their basic needs, including food, shelter, and clothing as well as mental health counseling, job search assistance, and transportation. No one who has stayed with the program for a year or more has been re-incarcerated," says Williams.

Doors of Hope will soon be launching The Red Door, a social entrepreneurship venture, to provide jobs for their clients. The catering company will offer a viable and safe work environment while teaching skills that will greatly increase their value in the work force. In addition to catering events, The Red Door plans to offer specialty baked goods, jams, and weekly meal specials available for pick up.

To learn more about Doors of Hope, including ways to support this important work, please make plans to attend the Firefly Supper on October 20. A limited number of tickets are still available. Please contact Doors of Hope at (615) 900-0634 or by emailing Stephanie Kinard at stephdrk@gmail.com.

DOORS OF HOPE, founded in 2011 by Maridel Williams, provides mentoring, training, and basic needs to women and men who are nearing release from incarceration. They work with non-violent offenders to help them succeed in building a better life for themselves and the next generation.