Courtesy of Metro Creative Connection

Volunteers at One Man’s Treasure ask you to close your eyes and imagine walking out of state prison. As the gates clink behind you, look down at the items you’ve received upon release — one used shirt, one pair of pants, one pair of shoes, $100 and a bus ticket. How do you begin to reenter society? Where will you find housing and a job? Who will give you a second chance?

One Man’s Treasure is a nonprofit founded in 2005 by Mary Carter, who volunteered in her church’s clothes closet and with Kairos Prison Ministry. She noticed that men were leaving prison with almost nothing to get back on their feet, so she began collecting clothing donations in her living room and distributing them — one man at a time.

Preston Hollow neighbor Nancy Mello serves on the OMT board and says she connects with the mission of the nonprofit “because it’s about looking after our brothers who really need a hand up. Offering someone kindness, respect and a listening ear is a real gift.”

One Man’s Treasure supports individuals returning to DFW and surrounding counties after their recent release from Texas state prisons. They focus on men because the need is overwhelming, but they partner with other nonprofits when they receive requests for women’s clothing.

“Each year, 45,000 to 50,000 men are released across Texas, with more than 15,000 returning to North Texas alone,” explains Mello. “Since opening our doors in 2005, we have clothed more than 26,500 men — veterans, fathers and men who have spent decades incarcerated, all working to rebuild their lives.”

OMT organizers know the realities are stark — more than 65% of America’s inmates are rearrested within three years of release. For OMT clients, the number is just 9.5%.

“It’s easy to underestimate the role clothing plays,” Mello says. “An ill-fitting white prison uniform strips away identity. When a man is starting over, something as simple as the right clothing can help him redefine who he is and who he wants to become.”

Clients receive a personalized wardrobe, including short- and long-sleeved shirts, pants, jeans, button down shirt with tie, shoes or work boots, new underwear, socks and seasonal items such as jackets or coats. All are tailored to his size, need and even color preferences, along with a resource guide and one-on-one support from “OMT Shepherds.”  The goal is to help him feel seen, heard and treated with dignity. That’s what builds confidence and helps drive lasting change.

“A person coming out of prison has already faced punishment, judgement and loss,” she says. “Being able to remove barriers so that each person has a fairer chance to rebuild is so gratifying. It’s amazing how seemingly small things such as clean jeans, work boots, a collared shirt and toiletries can affect a person’s confidence and ability to create a better future.”

OMT’s investment in the formerly incarcerated is about more than just clothing. The men are given choices and for the first time, perhaps in decades.

“Thanks to amazing partnerships and donations, we are not giving our clients threadbare hand-me-downs, we are providing them with new or like-new interview-ready or job-ready wardrobes that they can feel confident wearing,” Mello says. “ Many of our clients’ thank you messages mention the good quality of the clothing and how they weren’t expecting anything so nice.”

The effect is bigger than a wardrobe, too.

“When one man successfully reenters society, the impact extends far beyond him,” says Mellow. “Over 50% of incarcerated men are fathers, and incarceration often creates cycles that affect entire families.  Supporting one man’s return home strengthens not only his immediate family, but also his extended network and community.”

“There is also a broader impact that many don’t consider,” she continues. “It costs taxpayers approximately $28,500 per year to house a single inmate.  With our clients’ significantly lower recidivism rate, One Man’s Treasure saves Texas taxpayers millions — all while operating with zero government funding.”

You may contribute to OMT here. You may apply to become a recipient here. You (and/or your group) may volunteer here.