About Us
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ButtonWe're always standing by to help break the cycle of challenges that ex-offenders too-often experience. Let us help with a fresh start.
About Reverse The Door
Reverse The Door, Inc. is a non-profit organization. Its goal is to keep non-violent offenders, men and women, out of jail and prison and assisting those that are released from returning.
-Our purpose for this project is to develop a program that will redirect a person that is heading to jail or prison on a non-violent offense to be allowed to go through a well structured and secure program. We believe that once a person goes to jail or prison, most continue to go back because their fear is gone. Reverse the Door "WILL" break the cycle. We will be giving them the tools to change their mindset and make a commitment to the program. This is a one time opportunity for a second chance.
-The ex-offender re-entering society will go through an interview and evaluation to qualify for the program. Once the student qualifies, they will go through other non-profit organizations we partner with that offers classes and workshops. In the end, the student will graduate with a certification from a school of trade. We will have other paying jobs available under the organization as well as other businesses while our students are getting their education. Each student has the opportunity to become a mentor of Reverse the Door to guide others to the path of success.
– The Vision of Reverse the Door is to break the cycle for men and women going in and out of jail or prison. The two things ex-offenders need when they are released is money and a place to stay. When they come out to face the world they start with nothing. Their life is at a standstill when they are incarcerated. The world is continually moving and they can’t catch up to the time they lost. Reverse the Door will help guide them back into society at their own pace and give them the knowledge and opportunities to get their life back on track.
ABOUT LISA DAMES
Founder/ Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Dames is currently Chief Executive Officer of the non-profit organization Reverse the Door (RTD), which she founded in 2019. RTD’s mission is to assist non-violent ex-offenders in developing valuable life skills and accessing employment opportunities through education and mentorship, enabling them to become productive members of society. RTD’s objective is to reduce the recidivism rate of non-violent offenders, as well as advocating for those facing sentencing by offering a second chance opportunity to complete the RTD’s program instead of being sentenced to jail or prison.
Early on, Lisa's leadership career started as an entrepreneur, owning her business, and serving Martin County for over 30 years. Starting in 2007, Lisa started in local non-profit leadership, serving as the Board President of Banner Lake Club for 12 years. During this time, she was instrumental in spearheading initiatives, including the Banner Lake Community Center, and the Banner Lake Academy. Lisa also helped to establish Banner Lake Club as a separate 501(C)3 non-profit organization for future funding. Among her other accomplishments, Lisa represented the Banner Lake Club with partners such as Treasure Coast Food Bank and started the Soup Kitchen through funding with Loaves and Fishes.
Lisa is the proud mother of three sons and five active grandchildren, with a sixth on the way in mid-2026. After tragically losing her 36-year-old eldest son, Frank, to cancer, Lisa decided to turn her grief into an opportunity to help others who have gone through the Martin County criminal justice system, just as he did.
Among Lisa’s accolades and recognition some include: 2014 Hobe Sound Community Chest Service Award, 2018 Woman of Distinction Soroptimist nominee, and the 2017 Grand Marshall for the Hobe Sound Chamber Christmas Parade. Lisa was also recognized in 2020 for her outstanding volunteer efforts by the Martin County Community Development Block Grant Citizen Advisory Task Force, and in 2023 by the Hobe Sound Neighborhood Advisory Committee. She is also an alumna of the 2021 class of Leadership Martin County, and a member of Toastmasters International. Additionally, in her spare time, she is a personal trainer for men and women in Palm Beach and Martin counties, which she enjoys helping them become healthier and to live their best lives.
Lisa believes that, “We live and one day we will die, but what we do in between will make all the difference in the world. I choose to make a difference.” Lisa has spent her adult life helping, leading, and enjoying all her personal and professional friendships in Hobe Sound and Martin County. Through Lisa’s active involvement in her community, she is affectionately crowned by friends, family, and community organizers with the moniker “Mayor of Hobe Sound.”