The Texas Department of Criminal Justice is taking steps to implement programs aimed at preparing inmates for successful re-entry into society after release. At the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit in Gatesville, TX, female inmates have the opportunity to participate in STRIVE, a program designed to help them develop essential life and job skills. At the Bartlett Innovation Unit, the focus has shifted from punishment to rehabilitation. Male inmates at this facility can enroll in classes that equip them with skills necessary for securing employment upon release. Additionally, some inmates are trained as peer educators, providing valuable support and guidance to their peers.
Shot on assignment for The Texas Tribune.
STRIVE graduates during their ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduates cheer during their ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
An inmate, who goes by Wilson, gives a speech during the STRIVE graduation ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025. Wilson was chosen as STRIVE Cohort 31’s class speaker for the ceremony.
STRIVE graduate Olandera Langston prays ahead of the graduation ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
Inmate Olandera Langston receives her certificate of completion during the STRIVE graduation ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
Inmate Natalie Duralia receives her certificate of completion during the STRIVE graduation ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduate Marissa Briones greets her family after the graduation ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE mentors hang graduation gowns and stoles after the graduation ceremony inside the chapel at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduates prepare to be released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduates are walked out of the facility to be released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduates are walked out of the facility to be released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
From left, Wilson, Priscilla Rosales, Amanda Morgan and Aubrey Nothaft are walked out of the facility to be released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
From left, Amanda Morgan, Aubrey Nothaft and Priscilla Rosales are walked out of the facility to be released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduates are walked out of the facility to be released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduate Priscilla Rosales shows her TDCJ inmate ID before being released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduate Aubrey Nothaft, Wilson and Priscilla Rosales are walked out of the facility to be released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduate and former inmate Amanda Morgan is released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
Inmate Dominique Morris tends to her unit in the STRIVE dormitory-style room at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
STRIVE graduate and former inmate Wilson is released from the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025. Wilson was reunited with their wife and plans to go back home to Dallas.
STRIVE graduates celebrate in their dormitory-style room at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
Inmate Amanda Aaron stands in front of a STRIVE congratulatory sign in the dormitory-style room at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
Graduates celebrate in their STRIVE dormitory-style room at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025.
24-year old STRIVE graduate Quintagia Scott poses for a photo in the dormitory-style room at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025. She will be released in early February and plans to work for the Houston Rodeo.
An inmate transcribes a math textbook into braille in the Billman Braille Center at the Patrick O'Daniel Unit in Gatesville, Texas on January 28, 2025. Some inmates are given the opportunity to learn and transcribe textbooks into braille.
A sign with the name of the first man released from the Bartlett Innovation Unit in Bartlett, TX, on Nov. 21, 2024. The sign sits below a freedom bell that the men can ring upon their release.
A classroom at the Bartlett Innovation Unit in Bartlett, TX, on Nov. 21, 2024. In the classrooms, the inmates can learn money management, communication skills and help them get jobs upon release.
(From left) Michael Thorne, Richard Hernandez, Arnulfo Ayala and William Baucum speak in the Bartlett Innovation Unit in Bartlett, TX, on Nov. 21, 2024. Ayala said he flinched when an officer reached out to shake his hand, as he hadn't received that kind of respect in a prison unit before.
A dormitory-style room in the Bartlett Innovation Unit in Bartlett, TX, on Nov. 21, 2024. The dorm-style room has bright walls and is painted with murals and is designed to be more comfortable for the inmates; more comfortable dorms have been proven to decrease violence.
Inmates wait in a line at the Bartlett Innovation Unit in Bartlett, TX, on Nov. 21, 2024.
An inmate works on the art inside the cafeteria at the Bartlett Innovation Unit in Bartlett, TX, on Nov. 21, 2024. Inmates are able to help around the unit in ways that they are passionate about doing -- like painting murals in communal areas.
William Baucum speaks to a worker at the Bartlett Innovation Unit in Bartlett, TX, on Nov. 21, 2024.