The Sanders Estes Unit in Venus, TX, strives to provide as many evidence-based programs as possible to help the residents be successful upon their release.

“We’re trying really hard to give these guys something valuable,” says Warden Randy Treon, “something that they can use. And there has been a tremendous amount of buy-in from the men here. They really are taking advantage of the opportunity.”

Justin Holloway is a resident of the facility.

“They’re all kind of accelerating people’s desires or plans, or whatever it may be,” he states, “for when they get out in the free world. They’re giving them skills they need now to be able to be successful when they actually hit that first job or whatever it may be.”

Brennan Roberson, also a resident, adds, “There’s a lot more value than just the knowledge that they’re teaching us that you can apply to the world. So, it expands what I can do from what I already knew.”

“So, if you’re one of those individuals actually taking advantage of the opportunities here, then this unit is amazing,” explains Justin Holloway. “It’s beyond anything that I thought I’d ever participate in. Anything from the Paws of Hope program to anything faith-based related, the chaplaincy department to the education department, it’s very well-rounded in every aspect.”