Second Chance Resources

2nd Chance Resources

Tools. Support.
Opportunities. Hope.

Free resources to help with employment, legal assistance, technology, training, recovery, and reentry support across the DFW area.

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211 — All Services 988 — Mental Health 1-800-624-9561 — Substance Abuse

No judgment. No shame. Just resources, support, and opportunities to help you move forward.

▶ Start Here — Not Sure Where to Go?

Choose the area where you need support.

Need to Find Work Just Released Learn a Trade Computer Access Need Housing Clear My Record Need Support Call 211 — Find Local Help

About these resources: All resources have been researched and verified. Hours, eligibility, and availability may change — always call ahead. Updated regularly.

Featured On-Site — CMBC Success Store

Dress for Success Closet

Free professional interview attire for job seekers attending the fair. Walk in, find your size, and leave looking interview-ready at no cost. Open before and during the event.

Preview: Mon–Wed · 2:00–4:00 PM Event Day: July 23 · 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Visit the Store

Jobs & Employment

Background-friendly employers, job boards, and workforce programs

Free Fidelity Bonding — Texas Workforce Commission

Some employers may qualify for free fidelity bonding coverage when hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds — helping reduce hiring concerns and increase employment opportunities. Initial coverage is provided at no cost for the first six months.

This is one of several programs designed to help individuals rebuild employment opportunities after incarceration.

Learn More at twc.texas.gov
Texas Second Chance Employers Coalition
A growing network of Texas employers committed to fair-chance hiring. Browse member companies actively seeking candidates with criminal records across DFW and statewide.
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Honest Jobs
America's largest job platform built specifically for people with criminal records. Over 1,600 employers ready to hire you. Reduces average time to find a job from 200+ days to 28 days.
Visit Website
CareerOneStop — American Job Centers
Federal network of job centers in every state. Returning citizens receive priority service under federal law. Free job search help, training, and coaching.
Find a Center
Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas
Free resume help, job placement, career coaching, and hiring events throughout Dallas County. Walk-in and virtual services available.
Visit WebsiteCall
WorkInTexas.com
Texas statewide job board run by the Texas Workforce Commission. Post your resume and search thousands of open positions across Texas.
Visit Website
Cornbread Hustle — Dallas
Dallas staffing agency founded to place returning citizens in real jobs. 70% of their own staff have felony convictions. Also offers free CDL truck driving training.
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T.O.R.I. — Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative
Founded by Pastor T.D. Jakes. Provides employment support, mentoring, and transitional help across all six reentry needs.
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Hiring decisions vary by employer, offense type, and time since conviction. Consistent applications and workforce support programs can improve opportunities over time.

Transportation Assistance

Getting to work shouldn't be a barrier

DART Reduced Fare Program
Dallas Area Rapid Transit offers reduced fare passes for low-income riders. Covers bus and light rail across Dallas County. Apply at any DART customer service location.
Learn More
Redbird Workforce Center — Transportation Assistance
Located at 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Road in Dallas, the Redbird Workforce Center can help with transportation by providing bus passes, gas cards, or connections to the Southern Dallas Link — which offers direct routes to jobs from Redbird Mall and DART Ledbetter Station. Call (972) 709-5377 to speak with a representative about your eligibility.
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Digital Access & Technology Training

Free computers, internet, IT certifications, and digital skills training

Did You Know?

All Dallas Public Library branches offer free computer access, internet, and resume printing — no library card required for basic use. Available to you today at no cost.

Dallas Public Library
Free computers, internet, resume printing, and technology classes at all branch locations. Walk in today — no cost, no barriers.
Find a Branch
Per Scholas Dallas — Free IT Training
Free 13–15 week IT training. Earn CompTIA A+ and Google IT certifications at no cost. Includes career coaching and direct employer connections. No experience needed.
Apply Free
NPower Texas — Free Tech Training
Free virtual IT training and certifications for young adults ages 18–26 and military veterans in DFW. Less than 5 months to complete.
Apply Free
EveryoneOn — Affordable Internet
Connects low-income households to internet service starting at $10/month. Also provides low-cost computers and free digital skills training.
Find Internet Options

Education & Job Training

GED programs, trade certifications, and free career training

Dallas College — Workforce Training
Free and low-cost workforce certifications, GED programs, and trade training. Connects graduates directly with employers in healthcare, technology, trades, and business.
Browse Programs
Goodwill North Central Texas
Free job readiness training, digital skills classes, resume help, and industry certifications. Multiple DFW locations — walk-in services available at most sites.
Visit Website
Year Up United — Dallas
Free one-year career training for young adults ages 18–29. Combines technical training with a paid corporate internship. You earn a stipend during training.
Apply Now
TWC Self-Sufficiency Fund
Texas program that covers tuition for vocational and occupational training for low-income adults and SNAP recipients.
Learn More
Free CDL Training — Cornbread Hustle
Earn your Class 8 commercial driver's license in five weeks at no cost. One of the fastest paths to a $50,000+ income available to returning citizens in Texas.
Learn More
Job Corps — Free Career Training
Free education and vocational training for young adults ages 16–24. Covers housing, meals, and training in trades, healthcare, technology, and more.
Learn More
Texas Apprenticeship & Trade Training
Registered apprenticeships in construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more. Earn while you learn — apprentices receive a paycheck from day one.
Find Apprenticeships

Recovery & Support

Free counseling, crisis support, and substance abuse recovery

You Are Not Alone

Reentry is one of the hardest transitions a person can face. Anxiety, depression, and substance use challenges are common — and all are treatable. If you are in immediate crisis, call or text 988 — free, confidential, 24/7.

Dallas Life Foundation
Emergency food, shelter, clothing, health clinic, substance use counseling, and mentoring for formerly incarcerated people in Dallas. Free services available.
Visit WebsiteCall
Metrocare Services — Dallas
North Texas' largest mental health and substance abuse provider. 14 clinic locations including DeSoto. 24/7 crisis hotline and mobile crisis response. Sliding scale fees available.
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SAMHSA Treatment Locator
Find free addiction recovery and mental health treatment near you. The SAMHSA helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-800-624-9561.
Find TreatmentCall Helpline
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Free peer support meetings for anyone struggling with alcohol. Daily meetings throughout DFW — in person, virtual, and by phone. No fees, no registration.
Find a Meeting
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Free recovery support for people struggling with drug addiction. Daily meetings across DFW and online. No fees — just a desire to stop using drugs.
Find a Meeting
Here for Texas
Free searchable database of mental health providers and recovery resources across Texas. Find a provider near you by type of care, payment option, or condition.
Search Providers
Peer Support & Recovery Groups
Community-based peer support is one of the most effective tools in recovery. Celebrate Recovery meets at churches throughout DFW and welcomes anyone dealing with addiction, trauma, or life challenges.
Find Celebrate Recovery

Reentry & Support Programs

Community organizations that help returning citizens rebuild every area of life

Texas State Law Library — Reentry Guide
The most complete free legal guide for returning citizens in Texas. Covers employment rights, housing, voting rights, and public benefits in plain language.
Read the Guide
Unlocking DOORS — Women's Reentry
Dallas-based reentry program specifically for women. Provides housing support, mentoring, employment help, and case management.
Visit Website
Project 4 Victory Re-Entry Program
Helps non-violent returning citizens with job training and life skills. Free orientation every Monday at 10 AM. Walk-in hours Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM.
Call to Get Started
Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP)
Post-release employment and business training for all returning citizens. Job placement, life skills, and mentorship available in Dallas.
Visit WebsiteCall
One Community USA — Pathways to H.O.P.E.
Supports returning citizens through mentoring and case management. Guidance on employment, housing, and community integration.
Call for Information
Mentor-Care Ministries — Bedford
Faith-based mentoring and life skills support for formerly incarcerated people. Free services across North Texas.
Call to Connect
ID Recovery Assistance
Missing a state ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card blocks access to jobs, housing, and benefits. Texas DPS offers low-cost ID services for returning citizens, and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas can help navigate the process at no cost.
Texas DPS — Get Your IDLegal Aid Help

Housing & Transitional Support

Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and stable housing resources in DFW

Stable Housing Changes Everything

Stable housing is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry. If you or someone you know needs immediate shelter or transitional housing support, start with 211 or the resources below.

CitySquare — Dallas
Provides transitional housing, case management, and wraparound services for people experiencing homelessness in Dallas. Serves returning citizens with priority placement support.
Visit WebsiteCall
Salvation Army DFW
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, food assistance, and case management across DFW. No prior reservation required for emergency shelter.
Visit WebsiteCall
Housing Crisis Center — Dallas
Prevents homelessness and provides rapid rehousing assistance. Offers emergency rental assistance, case management, and housing placement for individuals and families in crisis.
Visit WebsiteCall
Dallas Life Foundation — Housing
Long-term transitional housing for men and women recovering from incarceration, addiction, and homelessness. Includes job readiness, counseling, and life skills support.
Visit WebsiteCall

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

The 2nd Chance Job & Resource Fair connects you with employers, services, and support — all in one place. Registration is free and open to everyone.

Register Now Contact Us