A Year of Faith, Growth, and Transformation at Next Chapter Reentry Project
On September 15th, Dr. Torianto S.Johnson Sr. celebrated his first anniversary as Executive Director of Next Chapter Reentry Project—and what a remarkable year it has been.
As he reflects on the past twelve months, one word rises above the rest: gratitude. Gratitude for the lives transformed, for the progress made, and for the faithful community of supporters who have stood by Next Chapter every step of the way.
A Year of Vision and Expansion
Since stepping into leadership, Torianto has guided the organization through a season of tremendous growth and purpose.
This year, Next Chapter secured Housing Support and Freestanding Board & Lodge licensing, laying the groundwork for lasting stability for returning citizens. The organization also expanded its reentry program to a full year—giving men and women more time to heal, rebuild, and prepare for a successful reintegration into their communities.
New and strengthened partnerships have been a key part of that growth. Collaborations with the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, St. Mary’s University MSW program, Partners Behavioral Health, Timeout Behavior, and First Alliance Credit Union have brought invaluable expertise and resources to those the organization serves.
Perhaps one of the most inspiring developments has been the growth of Next Chapter’s Women’s Reentry Program. Initially met with skepticism due to Minnesota having only one women’s prison, the program has flourished. Today, the women’s house is full—and there’s a waiting list. This powerful outcome speaks volumes about both the need for and the impact of this work.
In addition, Next Chapter has added another family home, creating space for even more residents to find hope, healing, and stability.
Transforming Lives Through Housing
Among all these milestones, one achievement stands above the rest: the ability to offer free housing to many residents for the first time in the organization’s history.
Through Housing Support and Freestanding programs, Next Chapter now provides a critical safety net for men and women returning from incarceration—individuals who might otherwise face homelessness during their most vulnerable months.
This change has been transformational. With stable housing, residents can focus on recovery, rebuilding relationships, securing employment, and participating in treatment and counseling. They can invest in their futures without the crushing weight of financial instability.
As Torianto often says, “Free housing isn’t just about a place to stay—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity.”
Faith at the Heart of the Mission
Through every challenge and breakthrough, one thing has remained unchanged: faith.
Next Chapter Reentry Project has always been, and will always be, a faith-based organization. That faith is the anchor of everything they do. It drives the team to see potential where others see problems, to serve when others turn away, and to believe in restoration when the world says it’s impossible.
Faith isn’t just part of Next Chapter’s identity—it’s the reason transformation happens. It’s why the organization believes that every man and woman who walks through its doors has a future worth fighting for.
Preparing for the Next 25 Years
While this first year under Torianto’s leadership has been one of accomplishment, he and the team are already looking ahead.
Next Chapter is now laying the foundation for the next twenty-five years of impact. In the coming months, the organization will introduce new programs focused on parental coaching, financial literacy, credit-building, and life skills for both men and women.
These additions are not simply educational—they’re lifelines designed to equip residents for long-term success and stability beyond their time in the program.
The Power of Community Support
None of these achievements would be possible without the generosity and commitment of Next Chapter’s supporters. Churches, business partners, donors, and volunteers all play a vital role in sustaining the mission.
Torianto is quick to express his appreciation for this community: “Every meal served, every bed filled, every home opened—each one is made possible by the people who believe in what we do. Our supporters are the lifeline of this organization.”
Despite the challenges of today’s world, Next Chapter has actually gained more supporters than it has lost, a rare and encouraging sign of the mission’s resonance. It’s clear that people recognize the value of second chances—and want to be part of making them possible.
Faith in Action, Hope in Motion
For Torianto and the Next Chapter team, this work is more than a profession—it’s a calling.
“This is the Lord’s work,” Torianto says with conviction. “And it is marvelous in our eyes.”
Through faith, perseverance, and community support, Next Chapter is proving that redemption is not just an idea—it’s a living, breathing reality.
As the organization moves into its next season, Torianto remains both humble and hopeful. “I’m deeply grateful,” he shares. “Grateful for the trust, the prayers, and the unwavering belief that lives can be changed. The best is yet to come.”