News – Operation New Hope https://operationnewhope.org Building a Statewide Reentry Network Sat, 01 Mar 2025 03:55:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://operationnewhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon.webp News – Operation New Hope https://operationnewhope.org 32 32 Celebrating First Class of Graduates at Ready4Work Tampa https://operationnewhope.org/celebrating-first-class-of-graduates-at-ready4work-tampa/ https://operationnewhope.org/celebrating-first-class-of-graduates-at-ready4work-tampa/#respond Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:38:03 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=17865

Celebrating First Class of Graduates at Ready4Work Tampa

Tampa's First Ready4Work Cohort at Graduation on 8/16/24.

Last Friday, Operation New Hope celebrated a significant milestone with the first graduation of the Ready4Work program in Tampa! This momentous occasion not only highlights the resilience and determination of our graduates but also marks the beginning of a new chapter for our organization as we expand our reach into the Tampa Bay community.

A New Beginning in Tampa Bay

Just three weeks ago, we opened the doors to our new Ready4Work Tampa and St. Pete locations, welcoming motivated individuals eager to take control of their futures and rebuild their lives after involvement with the justice system. These participants became the first in Tampa Bay to experience the life-changing impact of our Ready4Work program, which is designed to provide returning citizens with the tools and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society and the workforce.

What is Ready4Work?

Ready4Work is a nationally recognized program that has been transforming lives for 25 years. Our program focuses on equipping participants with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to secure and maintain employment. By offering a combination of job training, life skills coaching, and support services, Ready4Work addresses the unique challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration.

Key components of the program include:

  • Job Readiness Training: Participants receive intensive training that covers resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace etiquette to prepare them for successful job placement.

  • Case Management: Each participant is paired with a dedicated case manager who provides personalized guidance and support throughout their journey.

  • Employment Services: We work closely with local employers to connect participants with job opportunities that align with their skills and interests.

  • Life Skills Coaching: From financial literacy to technology training and conflict resolution, our coaching sessions help participants build the skills necessary for long-term success.

  • Mental Health Services: Participants have access to mental health support, including counseling and therapy, to address emotional and psychological challenges, ensuring holistic well-being during their reentry process.

Career Development Instructor, Matthew, with Ready4Work graduate, L. Kinder.
Career Development Instructor, Matthew, with Ready4Work graduate, Louis.
Career Development Instructor, Matthew, with Ready4Work graduate, Alex.
Career Development Instructor, Matthew, with Ready4Work graduate, Rashard.

The first Ready4Work Tampa Career Development graduation ceremony was a testament to the hard work and perseverance of our first cohort of clients. In just three short weeks, these individuals have become equipped to reenter the workforce with confidence. As they move forward, we are excited to continue supporting them and witnessing their future successes.

Looking Ahead

Operation New Hope is thrilled to be part of the Tampa Bay community, and we look forward to expanding our impact in the region. The success of our first Ready4Work Tampa cohort is just the beginning. As we continue to grow, we are committed to helping more individuals overcome barriers to employment, rebuild their lives, and contribute positively to their communities.

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/celebrating-first-class-of-graduates-at-ready4work-tampa/feed/ 0 St. Johns County Reentry Center Ribbon Cutting https://operationnewhope.org/st-johns-county-reentry-center-ribbon-cutting/ https://operationnewhope.org/st-johns-county-reentry-center-ribbon-cutting/#respond Thu, 09 Feb 2023 20:03:06 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=10994

St. Johns County Reentry Center Ribbon Cutting

Operation New Hope is pleased to announce that we will now be offering our nationally-recognized Ready4Work reentry training and support program to people prior to release from the St. Johns County Jail. This new and exciting partnership with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office is made possible because of a generous ARPA grant from the United Way of St. Johns County. This community partnership was celebrated today at the St. Johns County Reentry Center Ribbon Cutting. 

Over 100 community stakeholders gathered to celebrate this first of its kind partnership. Sergeant Mike Clark welcomed all in attendance and stressed the importance of providing support and training people preparing for release. 

St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick inspired the crowd by saying “This is an exciting day. The people who serve time behind these walls are human beings, and we’re going to make them something better than what they came in as.” He continued by adding “And it’s working by the way. We have reduced recidivism in St. Johns County by almost 10%.  We went from 26% to 17%, when the national average is over 40%. We are doing this together as a society. “

Operation New Hope’s President and CEO Reggie Fullwood then followed by saying, “After listening to the Sheriff, I’m ready to run through a brick wall! I’m like ‘Yeah! Let’s Go!'” And then in all seriousness he added, “It really starts with leadership, and I can tell you, Sheriff Hardwick, that your commitment makes all the difference. The impact and the commitment of this team is just tremendous. I want to thank the United Way and St. Johns County for believing in us and supporting this pilot project that will allow us to provide training before people get out. So that when folks do get out, the transition time is shorter.”  

Ready4Work graduates then took the podium to share how the reentry support they received at the St. Johns County Jail and Operation New Hope has set them up for success. 

Traci Dielmann stated, “I thought I was on my own and that there was nobody there for me. People who come in here are broken. But what Operation New Hope has done for me is rebuild my confidence and allow me to go out and say ‘I’m just a normal human being. I made a mistake, and I’m here to make up for it.’ I have a huge team behind me now.”

Weston Rocheford added, “This is huge. This is amazing. In a short amount of time, I went to Operation New Hope, and they changed my life.”

Billy Case then shared, “I honestly don’t know where I would be today. A few short months ago, I was a guest at this gated community, and now I have a nice place to live. I’ve got a nice car. I’ve got a very good job, money in the pocket, money in the bank. And each day this get’s better and better and better. Thank you.”

Lieutenant Melton closed out the event and thanked everyone for making this community partnership a great success! #HopeStartsHere 

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/st-johns-county-reentry-center-ribbon-cutting/feed/ 0 Jacksonville City Council Honors Kevin Gay https://operationnewhope.org/jacksonville-city-council-honors-kevin-gay/ https://operationnewhope.org/jacksonville-city-council-honors-kevin-gay/#respond Wed, 28 Sep 2022 17:12:44 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=10226

Jacksonville City Council Honors Kevin Gay

On September 27, 2022, the Jacksonville City Council honored Kevin Gay with a resolution nominating and commencing his work as CEO and Founder of Operation New Hope. Kevin founded the nonprofit 23 years ago to address the problems facing Jacksonville’s Historic Springfield neighborhood – poverty, crime, homelessness, disrepair, and drug addiction – and the organization successfully brought together a community once lost to blight, poverty, and outright neglect. Kevin’s work caught the attention of President Bush and in 2003, he selected Operation New Hope as the pilot site for the Ready4Work program. Kevin has been praised by the last four White House Administrations, as well as, federal, state and local representatives, law enforcement officers, and business leaders. Internationally, Kevin has been recognized by House of Mandela as leading a model program for the world. Kevin retired from Operation New Hope in June 2022. 

Former Council President Sam Newby presented the honor to Kevin at Tuesday night’s meeting.  Kevin accepted the award by saying, “Thank you for this honor. It touches me more than you can imagine.” He went on to add, “Like all of you, I love this city!”

“Twenty-three years ago, I was trying to find one employer that was willing to hire somebody with a record. It was hard. Today we have over 300 who are willing to step up and hire.”

“I have to say what touched my heart was the 10,000 men, women, and youth  that we have been very blessed to work with over the years… they changed me!”

“I am blessed beyond words that I’ve had a chance to be part of this work.”

Following Kevin’s remarks, several City Council Members including Council President Terrance Freeman, Randy DeFoor, Reggie Gaffney, Matt Carlucci, Aaron Bowman, Rory Diamond, Kevin Carrico, Joyce Morgan, and Ju’Coby Pittman added to the honor by sharing their impressions of Kevin.

Kevin was joined by Operation New Hope’s leadership team who he recognized as being prepared to take nonprofit to the next level by creating a Statewide Reentry Network. After providing support and training to people impacted by the justice system in Northeast Florida for the last 23 years, the team is excited by the opening of their newest program location in Orlando, Florida this month. The strong foundation Kevin built will allow Operation New Hope to serve many more thousands who return home to our communities every month. 

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