Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Melton Crain.
As Founder and President/CEO of Unlocking DOORS™, Christina has dedicated her career to improving all aspects of the criminal justice system. She is the former Chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice – the oversight board for the incarceration, parole and probation of Texas adult felons; being the first and only woman ever to lead the nine-member board, with a Texas state prison named in her honor: The Christina Melton Crain Unit in Gatesville, Texas.
Christina’s unique experience allowed her the opportunity to see first-hand the gap which has existed far too long in the system – the absence of a seamless, cohesive and coordinated transition track for individuals reentering free society after involvement with the criminal justice system; as well as the lack of raw on-the-ground data to factually demonstrate true recidivism analytics and predictive trends for use in building a smarter, more effective system of reentry. Unlocking DOORS™ was created to close these gaps. And, in the short seven years since the organization’s founding, Christina has witnessed the transformative effect Unlocking DOORS™ has had on former offenders when they are connected to the services they desperately need in a comprehensive and collaborative manner, as well as the communities in which they reside. Recognizing the interlinking relationships among the various parts of the criminal justice system, through Unlocking DOORS’™ nationally-unique model, Christina has spearheaded a paradigm shift in the delivery of reentry services by fostering a “community-based” cooperative/collaborative effort to address this historically complex problem. This model embraces a systematic approach to a compendium of ideas, practices and programs that improve response time. Through its nationally-unique model, Unlocking DOORS™ is revolutionizing the delivery of reentry services to former offenders through community empowerment, education and engagement. Unlocking DOORS’™ model uniquely focuses on the client’s “individual” needs through an innovative, highly-coordinated continuum of care approach that fully engages the client and the community. By empowering the client to take an active role in mapping his/her future, the client’s outlook changes: he/she begins to appreciate the Model’s comprehensive and collaborative approach; becomes personally aware of the resources (and, agencies) available and willing to assist him/her; thereby, making him/her more committed to his/her role in achieving success. He/she feels hopeful, secure, confident, happier and healthier; increasing the likelihood that he/she will find a future of self-sufficiency that is crime-free. This innovative delivery method ultimately eases the burden, both financially and physically, on the criminal justice system, empowering societies to flourish by solving issues locally in a comprehensive manner. By giving individuals a second chance, Unlocking DOORS™ is improving lives, cutting crime rates, saving tax payer dollars, and strengthening communities. The benefits to our communities are endless.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The founding and development of Unlocking DOORS™ has been a fairly smooth road given that our model is nationally-unique and addresses a long-existing issue – a paradigm shift in the delivery of reentry services to individuals with criminal backgrounds through an innovative collaborative method that ultimately eases the burden, both financially and physically, on the criminal justice system, empowering societies to flourish.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Unlocking DOORS™ – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Local governments are faced with escalating costs for maintaining public safety and a host of other serious problems such as homelessness, drug addiction, mental health, disability, veteran issues, chronic illness and emergency medical care. Texas is the largest criminal justice system in the United States, with 85,000+ individuals returning from prison/state/county jails to our Texas communities annually. Historically, the community-based offender programs throughout the State are limited to those offenders on probation or parole supervision. And despite the existence of some well-established programs to help meet certain reintegration needs, these programs have not coordinated their services to avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts; nor have the individuals themselves had one place to go to help access these services as part of a comprehensive reentry plan. It was to meet this need, first in Dallas County, but now statewide, that Unlocking DOORS™ was formed.
Recognizing the interlinking relationships among the various parts of the criminal justice system, Unlocking DOORS’™ nationally-unique model spearheads a paradigm shift in the delivery of reentry services by fostering a “community-based” cooperative/collaborative effort to address this historically complex problem. This model embraces a systematic approach to a compendium of ideas, practices and programs that improve response time.
Unlocking DOORS™ seeks to create and promote a safer more productive society by revolutionizing reentry service delivery to former offenders through individual and community empowerment, education and engagement.
Through its nationally-unique model, Unlocking DOORS™ is revolutionizing the delivery of reentry services to former offenders through community empowerment, education and engagement. This innovative delivery method ultimately eases the burden, both financially and physically, on the criminal justice system, empowering societies to flourish by solving issues locally in a comprehensive manner. Unlocking DOORS™ accomplishes its mission through the following three (3) primary areas:
1. COMPREHENSIVE PRE/POST-RELEASE CLIENT REENTRY BROKERAGE™ – EMPOWERING, EDUCATING AND ENGAGING CLIENTS
(For individuals 18 years of age or older with a criminal background (incarceration) not required; only a criminal record)
Provides former offenders wishing to successfully reintegrate into free society “reentry navigation services” that include client and local community empowerment and engagement in the delivery of reentry services. By empowering, educating and engaging the client to take an active role in mapping his future, the client’s outlook changes: he/she begins to appreciate the benefits of the Model’s comprehensive and collaborative approach; he/she becomes personally aware of the resources (and, individuals) available and willing to assist him/her; thereby, making him/her more committed to his/her role in achieving success. He/she feels hopeful, secure, confident, happier and healthier; increasing the likelihood that he/she will find a future of self-sufficiency that is crime-free. And, uniquely, once an Unlocking DOORS’™ client, always an Unlocking DOORS’™ client – he will have a familiar, open and friendly place to when the going gets tough. Through systematic and carefully coordinated collaboration and partnership with a “brokered” Community Network of 223 (and counting) statewide agencies, organizations and providers, Unlocking DOORS’™ model allows individuals with criminal backgrounds to transition back into the community in a positive, steady, yet comprehensive format that increases their motivation and their chances for a future of self-sufficiency that is crime free. This model consists of the following:
• Comprehensive risk/needs assessment (four (4) separate assessment tools are used to determine the client’s risk for reoffending, specific needs, achieved training and work history, education level, eligible benefits, etc.) – Texas Risk Assessment Tool – Reentry Tool (TRAS); Behaviors and Experiences Inventory; Benefits Calculator; and, Career Key;
• Individualized Reentry Brokerage™ Plan compiled by the client’s dedicated Unlocking DOORS’™ Reentry Broker™ from all information gained during the client’s assessment; the plan is “individualized” to the client’s specific needs;
• Referrals to one or more of Unlocking DOORS’™ Community Network Partners/Providers and other service providers/resources (the experts in specific services and resources) to assist the client in working through the specific items addressed in his/her Individualized Reentry Brokerage™ Plan; and
• Ongoing Monitoring and Assistance Going Forward of the client’s progress as he/she works through his/her Individualized Reentry Brokerage™ Plan via the Unlocking DOORS’™ Texas Reentry Analytic Client Evaluator (TRACE) Client Database, with re-brokerage and future assistance always just a phone call away. ONCE AN UNLOCKING DOORS’™ CLIENT, ALWAYS AN UNLOCKING DOORS’™ CLIENT!!!!!
2. COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING – EMPOWERING, EDUCATING AND ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
Believing that “local knowledge” is the most valuable tool when it comes to solving issues impacting society, Unlocking DOORS’™ unique model relies heavily on community engagement (individuals, organizations, businesses) in effectively mapping a reentry system that will ensure reintegration success for former offenders wishing to make a fresh start with no future entanglement with the law. To that end, Unlocking DOORS’™ scalable model educates, trains, and collaborates with all “local” stakeholders (government, corrections, law enforcement, service providers, the public, etc.) to empower the community in the delivery of reentry services to those former offenders reentering their specific community. Known as the “Unlocking DOORS™ Community Network”, this group, comprised of “brokered” partnerships with 223 (and counting) community stakeholders, works directly with Unlocking DOORS™ to provide clients the “expert local field” services and resources required to lead them to a future of success. These services include, but are not limited to:
• Annual Texas Reentry Symposium – where in-depth audience discussion and engagement lead to the creation of an annual “Call-To-Action” which is implemented going forward
• Public Awareness Events – i.e., “Evening with Piper Kerman, Author of Orange is the New Black
• Community Speaking Requests for all organizations interested in criminal justice and reentry
• Unlocking DOORS’™ Community Network Partner/Provider meetings, coordinated calls, etc. to collaborate, network, train and determine best-practices and next steps in moving forward
3. ANALYTIC REPORTING OF EVIDENCE-BASED ANALYTICS AND PREDICTIVE TRENDS – EMPOWERING, EDUCATING AND ENGAGING POLICY MAKERS AND FUNDERS
Unlocking DOORS™ collects, analyzes and reports its high value sets of evidence-based client data “to stakeholders to illustrate and note predictive trends in the criminal justice arena. Although a broad spectrum of data is reported, Unlocking DOORS™ gives primary focus to four key services without which an individual is most assuredly set to re-offend – Housing, Employment, Transportation, and Medical/Mental Health. This allows funders and policy makers to better determine areas of cost savings across the board and allows for smart and effective funding, policy and legislative decisions when it comes to improving public safety. Unlocking DOORS™ has partnered with Pieces Technologies, a Dallas-based 501(c) (3) health information company with a goal of connecting social services and healthcare systems to advance health at every decision point. Unlocking DOORS™ is using the PCCI/Pieces’ Iris™ software – a configurable, client-centered case management (in this case, Reentry Brokerage™) tool designed specifically for non-profit and social service agencies. Pieces Technologies’ Iris™ software tool enables Unlocking DOORS™ to safely share data and seamlessly refer ex-offenders across its growing Network. The Pieces Iris™ software has already helped transform healthcare; but this is the first time it has been used to improve the criminal justice system.
Unlocking DOORS™ serves all adults, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, who have a criminal background (regardless of history of incarceration) who have a criminal background/record AND are interested in successfully reintegrating into society. Clients span all populations, including (but not limited to) veterans, disabled, homeless, HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, and those with mental illness. Following is the demographic breakdown of current Unlocking DOORS™ clients: 55% Male; 45% Female; 31% Anglo; 61% African American; 1% American Indian/Alaska Native; 0.14% Multi-Race; 0.26% Asian; and 6.6% Other.
Community as a Key to Successful Reentry
Believing that “local knowledge” is the most valuable tool when it comes to solving issues impacting society, Unlocking DOORS’™ unique model relies heavily on community engagement (individuals, organizations, businesses) in effectively mapping a reentry system that will ensure reintegration success for former offenders wishing to make a fresh start with no future entanglement with the law. To that end, Unlocking DOORS’™ scalable model embodies the inclusion and insights of all “local” stakeholders (government, corrections, law enforcement, service providers, the public, etc.) to ensure that the community is truly invested in the delivery of reentry services to those former offenders reentering their specific community. Known as the “Unlocking DOORS™ Community Network”, this group, comprised of “brokered” partnerships with 223 (and counting) community stakeholders, works directly with Unlocking DOORS™ to provide clients the “expert local field” services and resources required to lead them to a future of success. A complete listing of the Community Network partners/providers can be viewed at http://unlockingdoors.org/partners-providers.html.
To date, Unlocking DOORS™ has served over 3,000 individuals with criminal backgrounds; only being aware of 52 who have been re-arrested.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Unlocking DOORS™ is in the business of human restoration; thereby, requiring that the workplace environment and culture be one that promotes human sensibilities for all involved (staff, clients) – trust, forgiveness, understanding, respect, motivation, learning, and hope. Believing that great success occurs through authenticity rather than perfection, Christina Melton Crain has created a workplace culture at Unlocking DOORS™ that embodies the “servant leadership” model – “desire to serve first”.
As with any business, there is a leader, guidelines and rules; but, not in the historic sense – the leader is not self-serving or domineering; but, rather, focused on how to respect, value and motivate the team (employees). Through this model, the exemplary treatment of employees leads to an excellent treatment of customers (clients) by employees of the company and a high loyalty of the customers.
To Unlocking DOORS™, success is witnessed when a client:
• Finds sustainable employment, housing, medical/mental health treatment and transportation;
• Makes all court-ordered and Unlocking DOORS’™-generated appointments; and
• Does not have further entanglement with the law
Pricing:
- Client Intake Fee: $5.00 (paid at intake by all individuals with criminal backgrounds wishing to receive Reentry Brokerage™ services
Contact Info:
- Address: State Headquarters
12225 Greenville Avenue
Suite 850
Dallas, Texas 75243Tarrant County Office
3500 Noble Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76111 - Website: http://www.unlockingdoors.org
- Phone: Main Number: (214) 296-9258
- Email: info@unlockingdoors.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnlockingDoorsTM/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/prisondoors
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
