According to Episcopal Diocese of Dallas Director of Communications Kimberly Durnan,
One Man’s Treasure clothes men coming out of the prison system, in an effort to set them for a successful transition to become productive members of society. The clothes men are given upon release from prison is not suitable to wear to church or a job interview. We give them gently-used but still fashionable clothing so they can look and feel their best for their new life. We also raise money to purchase underwear and specialty items, such as steel-toe work boots, if that is what they need to accept a job.
The main problem with prison-release clothing is that it doesn’t fit the men. One such example is Bobby, who was released from prison after 11 years. One Man’s Treasure procured clothing for him which he can wear proudly at his new job and for church functions. He said he was particularly happy to get the clothing since he struggled to get clothes and shoes to fit his tall frame. “Everything fit perfectly,” he said. “I’m wearing the shoes they gave me, a size 15. I can’t even go to Walmart and get my size.”
Since his release, Bobby has a new world view and knows his life’s purpose is meant to serve his fellow man. He is happily employed, and spends free-time at one of two churches where he graces the doors almost anytime they are open. He attends worship, events and participates in small group where he shares the joys and challenges of life with like-minded Christians. “We talk about things that are going on in our lives, or maybe we are having problems and we can talk them out,” he said. “I love staying busy in the church because I know I am doing something positive.”
He likes fishing and working on cars, but his passion project is to create a non-profit to support those recently released from prison by developing relationships with them as they navigate transitions. “I would like to take them out for a meal and talk to them about how they deal with adversity in their lives and how to overcome it so they don’t go back to prison,” Bobby said. “I want to blog about it and empower others to know that whatever is going on in their life, it is not that bad.”
His new lease on life has been positive and he wants to help others reach a place of joy and happiness, too. “I’m so grateful for many things in my life right now and I want to give back.”
* Photo credit: Bemax Strategic Marketing **Graphic/photo provided by One Man’s Treasure
In ten years, Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $240 million into the North Texas community. In 2018, more than $48 million was raised through more than 157,000 gifts benefiting over 2,700 area nonprofits.
On Thursday, September 19, support One Man’s Treasure by linking here and spreading the word. #NTxGivingDay
