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TDCJ highlights reentry partnerships, Workday platform and Bartlett Innovation Unit during Second Chance Month
Summary
Rehabilitation and reentry director April Zamora showcased employer partnerships, the Workday workforce platform for incarcerated users and Bartlett unit programs. The board noted Second Chance Month activities and that a gubernatorial proclamation was available.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice used its board meeting to highlight reentry programs, employer partnerships and a new workforce development platform that agency leaders said will provide incarcerated people marketable job skills and a verified employment record upon release.
April Zamora, director of the Rehabilitation and Reentry Division, described partnerships with industry and nonprofit organizations. She said the agency is working with the Texas Association of Business and the Texas Restaurant Association Foundation on programs to train incarcerated persons in restaurant and hospitality skills and to connect graduates to employers.
Workday platform: Zamora described a digital workforce and learning platform (WebsiteForWork/Workday) launched on secure tablets as a pilot in 2024 and then expanded system‑wide. She reported that the platform had about 103,981 users at the time of the briefing and emphasized that learning, resume building and employer connections remain accessible for two years after release. "The platform emphasizes employer engagement, job matching, connecting inmates with fair‑chance employers," Zamora said.
Bartlett and community partners: Zamora and board members highlighted the Bartlett Innovation Unit and the Veteran X peer recovery program. The Bartlett unit also operates a dog‑handler program in partnership with a county animal shelter and uses volunteer and faith‑based partnerships to support reintegration.
Forgiven Felons and community reentry providers: Representatives from the nonprofit Forgiven Felons described a planned Forgiven Ranch transitional community and said they face a regulatory barrier: an existing rule that prevents transitional homes from operating within 1,000 feet of another approved site. Forgiven Felons said the donor offered to redraw property lines but the request was denied; board members agreed to follow up with the appropriate agencies to clarify the regulatory pathway.
Why it matters: Workforce training, employer engagement and residential reentry options are central to lowering recidivism and improving public safety. Zamora noted that employment events and employer engagement during Second Chance Month resulted in immediate job offers to some participants.
What’s next: Workday and employer pipelines will expand; staff expect additional procurement and partnership work and will report back to the board on progress. The board also held a Second Chance Month proclamation signed by the governor and first lady (to be displayed subsequently).
