Our Journey
For the Spirit and the Soul
Open Gate International is committed to implementing preventative actions to improve the US prison system. We aim to empower inmates and ex-offenders through the provision of rehabilitation programs, job training and education, and assistance with re-entry into society. Open Kitchen's mission is to reduce recidivism and to improve the overall well-being of those affected by the criminal justice system by addressing the root causes of incarceration.
The Significance
Assisting individuals in prison through rehabilitation not only aids in their personal growth but also significantly reduces the chance of reoffending upon release. Providing basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare not only upholds the fundamental human rights of prisoners but also contributes to the cost-effectiveness of the criminal justice system by decreasing recidivism. By investing in the betterment of prisoners' lives, we not only increase public safety but we also promote fairness as incarceration should serve as punishment for committed crimes and not a lifetime sentence of hardship and suffering.
“Substantial research has shown that access to education and training services while incarcerated can significantly reduce recidivism. A recent meta-analysis of correctional education programs found that inmates who participate in such programs on average had 43 percent lower odds of being convicted of a crime and returning to prison.”
Our Team
Deidre Pujols
Founder & CEO
Open Gate International was founded by Deidre Pujols in 2016. She had visited several countries and during her travels, learned of the devastating emotional, social and economic impact wrought by human trafficking and other exploitive industries. These experiences deeply affected Deidre and she was determined to get involved and make an impact.
Chef Cinthia Worsey
Executive Chef
Chef Cinthia graduated from Le Cordon Bleu California School of Culinary Arts and has worked in renowned restaurants such as L’Orangerie in West Hollywood. As Open Kitchen's Global Executive Chef, she runs the culinary program in Orange County, creates meals for fundraising events, oversees the global programs in different parts of the world and develops all the menus and manuals that are used in the kitchen.
LeonieWebster
Director of International Child Welfare
Leonie has 25 years of child welfare experience working with multiple child welfare agencies in the United States, Latin America and Europe. A TBRI® Certified Practitioner, she is an international child welfare advisor specializing in child/parent attachment, residential care change management and policy reform.
“One of the students asked me why I do this. I told him, ‘You are the reason.’
Each person that succeeds just reminds me how many more survivors around the world need better opportunities to thrive. We want hundreds of thousands of people to benefit from our programs."
Deidre Pujols
Our parnters
