Press Release – Operation New Hope https://operationnewhope.org Building a Statewide Reentry Network Sat, 01 Mar 2025 13:34:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://operationnewhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon.webp Press Release – Operation New Hope https://operationnewhope.org 32 32 Ready4Work Now Open in Tampa and St. Pete https://operationnewhope.org/ready4work-now-open-in-tampa-and-st-pete/ https://operationnewhope.org/ready4work-now-open-in-tampa-and-st-pete/#respond Tue, 06 Aug 2024 16:21:54 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=17648

Ready4Work Now Open in Tampa and St. Pete

RSVP for Open Houses

Thanks to the dedication of our team and support from our partners, Operation New Hope is proud to announce that we are officially open and now serving clients at our new Ready4Work program locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg! Last week, we enrolled 7 clients at the two new sites and the teams did a great job providing Career Development training, mental health therapy, and wrap-around case management support that includes linkages to vital resources like housing and transportation. 

This expansion marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide support and training for individuals reentering the workforce after involvement with the justice system. Our new locations join our Statewide Reentry Network that offers comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, empowering them to build brighter futures.

Join Us for Open House Events

To celebrate this exciting development, we are hosting Open House events at both new locations. These events will provide an excellent opportunity for community partners, stakeholders, and interested individuals to learn more about the services we offer and how we can work together to create a positive impact in our communities.

Open House Schedules:

  • Ready4Work St. Pete – Open House, Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 3:30-5:30 pm
    • 950 20th Street South, St. Pete, FL 33712
  • Ready4Work Tampa – Open House, Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 3:30-5:30 pm
    • 4017 W Dr. MLK Jr Blvd, Tampa, FL 33614

Each Open House event will feature tours of our facilities, presentations on our programs and services, and opportunities to meet our dedicated team members. Attendees will gain insight into our holistic approach to reentry, which includes job training, life skills development, case management, mental health therapy, supportive housing, and ongoing support to ensure long-term success for our clients. 

To RSVP for the Open House events or to learn more about our new program locations, please click here or contact us directly at info@operationnewhope.org.

The Ready4Work program is a nationally recognized initiative that provides returning citizens with the tools and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society and reconnect to the workforce. Our services include job placement assistance, resume writing workshops, interview preparation, financial literacy education, and more. By addressing the specific challenges faced by those who have been involved in the justice system, Ready4Work helps individuals overcome barriers to employment, reduce recidivism, and achieve self-sufficiency.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new Ready4Work locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Let’s continue to build hope and transform lives together!

Photos from the first week in St. Pete
First client to graduate Career Development at our St. Pete program location
A warm welcome to new clients in St. Pete
Ready4Work St. Pete signage installed
Photos from the first week in Tampa
First cohort of Ready4Work clients in Tampa
A warm welcome in Tampa
Operation New Hope sign installed in Tampa

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/ready4work-now-open-in-tampa-and-st-pete/feed/ 0 Press Release: Operation New Hope Expands Board Leadership https://operationnewhope.org/press-release-operation-new-hope-expands-board-leadership/ https://operationnewhope.org/press-release-operation-new-hope-expands-board-leadership/#respond Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:47:54 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=17390

Press Release: Operation New Hope Expands Board Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2024

Operation New Hope Expands Board Leadership

Jacksonville, Florida – Operation New Hope is pleased to announce the addition of Ashley Pratt, Director of Community Relations at Mayo Clinic in Florida, to its esteemed Board of Directors.

As Director of Community Relations at Mayo Clinic in Florida, Pratt has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a profound commitment to community development. Her expertise and vision will be invaluable to Operation New Hope as the organization continues to expand its programs and impact.

“Since first encountering Operation New Hope in 2020, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact the organization has on individuals and families not just in Jacksonville, but across Florida,” said Pratt. “Joining Operation New Hope’s Board of Directors presents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a respected nonprofit and in addition align my values with actionable impact. I am thrilled for the opportunity to empower individuals and communities toward brighter futures while advocating for systemic change.”

Operation New Hope’s President & CEO Reggie Fullwood expressed his enthusiasm for Pratt’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Ashley Pratt to our Board of Directors. Her dedication to social justice and her extensive experience in community relations will be a tremendous asset to our organization. We look forward to working together to create more opportunities for individuals and families throughout Florida.”

Operation New Hope has been a beacon of hope for individuals seeking a second chance through its innovative programs, including Ready4Work, which provides critical support for those reentering society after incarceration. Pratt’s addition to the board signals a continued commitment to these vital efforts and the pursuit of systemic change.

For more information about Operation New Hope and its program, please visit www.operationnewhope.org.

Media Contact:
Amanda Mahan, Chief Communications Officer
904.576.2967
amahan@operationnewhope.org

Meet Our Board of Directors

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/press-release-operation-new-hope-expands-board-leadership/feed/ 0 Expanding Services to Tampa and St. Pete https://operationnewhope.org/expanding-services-to-tampa-and-st-pete/ https://operationnewhope.org/expanding-services-to-tampa-and-st-pete/#respond Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:26:06 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=16960

Expanding Services to Tampa and St. Pete

Operation New Hope is thrilled to announce the expansion of our nationally-recognized Ready4Work program to new locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. This exciting development marks a significant milestone in our ongoing mission to rebuild lives, restore communities, and reduce recidivism through comprehensive reentry support and workforce development.

A Proven Model for Success

Since 1999, Operation New Hope has been a beacon of hope for over 15,000 individuals working on rebuilding their lives after involvement in the criminal justice system. Our programs offer holistic approaches to reentry, providing participants with job training, life skills education, and essential support services like housing and transportation. The success of Ready4Work is rooted in its comprehensive model, which addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by those returning from incarceration.

Expanding Our Reach

Operation New Hope’s expansion to Tampa and St. Pete represents a significant step forward in building a Statewide Reentry Network that meets the critical needs of 600,000+ people who return from Florida’s jails and prisons every year.  As one of Florida’s most populated regions, Tampa Bay is home to a diverse population and a dynamic economy. Our presence in the area will enable us to connect with a broad range of local businesses and community organizations, creating a robust network of support for our participants. 

Participants in Tampa and St. Pete will have access to the same high-quality services that have made Ready4Work a success in Jacksonville, Orlando, Space Coast, and St. Augustine. This includes job readiness training, resume building, interview preparation, and access to a network of employers committed to giving second chances. Key components of the Ready4Work program include:

  • Job Training and Placement: We partner with local businesses to provide participants with job training and placement that aligns with market demands, ensuring they acquire the skills needed for sustainable employment. Ready4Work clients can earn Career and Technical certifications that will unlock higher wages and put them on a path to long-term success and self-sufficiency. 
  • Life Skills Education: Our Ready4Work curriculum covers essential life skills, from technology bootcamp to financial literacy to conflict resolution, empowering participants to navigate the complexities of daily life successfully.
  • Mental Health and Support Services: Each participant is paired with a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Case Manager, and Job Coach who provide year-long guidance and support. Additionally, we offer transitional services such as housing assistance, transportation, and recovery support – everything needed to rebuild lives and renew hope.

A Brighter Future Awaits

Our expansion to Tampa and St. Pete is more than just an organizational milestone—it’s a testament to the power of second chances and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. We are excited to bring our proven model of success to these vibrant communities and look forward to seeing the positive impact that Ready4Work will have on the lives of individuals and families in the Tampa Bay region.

Partnering for Success

Success is a collaborative effort and expansion of Ready4Work would not be possible without the support of our dedicated partners. The State of Florida trusts Operation New Hope and since 2006, the Florida Department of Corrections has invested in our program model. We are excited to build relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies in Tampa and St. Pete to create a supportive network that promotes reintegration and reduces recidivism. Together, we can create pathways to success fore returning citizens, ultimately leading to stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.

Join Us in Making a Difference

As we embark on this new chapter, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether you’re a business owner interested in providing job opportunities, a community member looking to volunteer, or a potential participant seeking support, there’s a place for you in the Operation New Hope family. Together, we can build a brighter future, one person at a time.

Contact Information: Contact Operation New Hope by calling (904) 354-4673 or emailing us at info@operationnewhope.org

Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates and success stories from Tampa and St. Pete. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn –  @renewhope.

Let’s make a difference together! #HopeStartsHere

Building a Statewide Reentry Network

Florida has the 3rd largest incarcerated population in America and 95% of all state prisoners will be released. To meet the needs of the 600,000+ people released from Florida’s jails and prisons every year, we deliver pre-release services to 30+ facilities across the state and offer our nationally-recognized Ready4Work program in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, St. Pete, Space Coast, and St. Augustine. Operation New Hope will continue to expand our Ready4Release and Ready4Work programs to additional locations as part of our Statewide Reentry Network.

Jacksonville
Orlando
Tampa

*opening July 2024

 

St. Pete

*opening July 2024

 

Space Coast
St. Augustine

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/expanding-services-to-tampa-and-st-pete/feed/ 0 Biden Declares April 2024 as Second Chance Month https://operationnewhope.org/biden-declares-april-2024-as-second-chance-month/ https://operationnewhope.org/biden-declares-april-2024-as-second-chance-month/#respond Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:36:55 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=16357

Biden Declares April 2024 as Second Chance Month

Jacksonville, Florida – Operation New Hope, a statewide nonprofit that provides support and training designed to reduce recidivism, joins individuals, communities, and agencies across the country to recognize the importance of reentry during Second Chance Month.

In a Proclamation on Second Chance Month issued on March 29, 2024, President Biden stated “America was founded on the promise of new beginnings. During Second Chance Month, we recommit to building a criminal justice system that lives up to those ideals so that people returning to their communities from jail or prison have a fair shot at the American Dream.”

“We are thankful that the White House has once again issued a presidential proclamation addressing the importance of second chances,” said Operation New Hope’s President and CEO Reggie Fullwood. “Since our inception in 1999, Operation New Hope has been dedicated to providing second chances an opportunities for those who have often been marginalized by society, even after they have paid their debt to society. We have now helped over 12,000 individuals break free from poverty and involvement with the justice system, forging pathways to sustainable employment and brighter futures. This month and every month, we pledge to continue to expand to serve more and meet the critical needs of 600,000+ people returning from Florida’s jails and prisons every year.”

Read President Biden's full Proclamation on Second Chance Month

Operation New Hope offers pre-release reentry services at over 30 facilities across Florida. We deliver our post-release reentry services at their Ready4Work program locations in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orlando, and Cocoa, Florida. To meet the critical needs of the 600,000+ people who are released from Florida’s jails and prisons every year, Operation New Hope will continue to expand their Statewide Reentry Network and is excited to open a new program location in Tampa in 2024.

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/biden-declares-april-2024-as-second-chance-month/feed/ 0 Press Release: Operation New Hope Announces Addition of Two New Board Members https://operationnewhope.org/press-release-operation-new-hope-announces-addition-of-two-new-board-members/ https://operationnewhope.org/press-release-operation-new-hope-announces-addition-of-two-new-board-members/#respond Wed, 20 Dec 2023 20:54:50 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=14959

Press Release: Operation New Hope Announces Addition of Two New Board Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 20, 2023

Operation New Hope Announces Addition of Two New Board Members

Jacksonville, Florida – Operation New Hope announces the addition of two new board members who will help guide the nonprofit’s mission to provide training and support to people impacted by the justice system to reconnect them to the workforce and reduce recidivism.

“We are excited to expand our board with two new members who will bring diverse expertise and insight to our work,” said Operation New Hope’s President & CEO Reggie Fullwood. “We have worked diligently to ensure Operation New Hope’s board and leadership represents a variety of experts from the justice system, industry partners, and community-based organizations, and the newest board members are no exception.”

“Operation New Hope is a place that inspires and empowers families to see what is next and create a sustainable lifestyle,” stated Coley Jones, Operation New Hope’s Board President and Bank of America’s Business Banking Market Executive for North Florida, South Georgia and the Space Coast. “I am personally delighted to welcome our new board members, and I look forward to working alongside both of them in support of Operation New Hope.”

The new board members who began their board service with Operation New Hope effective November 2, 2023 are:

  • Lori Smith, Chief Human Resources Officer at Community First Credit Union
  • Walette Sanford, Ethics Director/Officer at JEA


Board Chair Jones added, “On behalf of the board, I want to express our gratitude to Scott Coble and Allison DeFoor who will conclude their service as a valued board members. We wish Scott and Allison all the best.”

Media Contact:
Amanda Mahan, Chief Communications Officer
904.576.2967
amahan@operationnewhope.org

Board of Directors

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/press-release-operation-new-hope-announces-addition-of-two-new-board-members/feed/ 0 Expanding Reentry Services to the Space Coast https://operationnewhope.org/expanding-reentry-services-to-the-space-coast/ https://operationnewhope.org/expanding-reentry-services-to-the-space-coast/#respond Mon, 10 Jul 2023 15:54:02 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=12403

Expanding Reentry Services to the Space Coast

Operation New Hope is excited to announce that we are opening our newest program location –  READY4WORK Space Coast – in August 2023.  

After our successful expansion to Orlando last year, Operation New Hope received a significant increase in State funding to support our continued efforts to build a Statewide Reentry Network with goal of helping the 25,000+ people that leave Florida prisons annually. Hearing of our statewide expansion plans, The Reentry Center of Brevard asked that ONH consider making the Space Coast region the next Ready4Work location. After evaluating the opportunity, the ONH Board of Directors approved the new site in June. Brevard County having the 10th highest number of people returning from Florida prisons, the location’s proximity to our Central Florida Ready4Work office, and the well-qualified existing staff were critical factors in our expansion decision. We are in the process of onboarding the new team and training members on our comprehensive approach to reentry as we launch READY4WORK Space Coast this August.

Understanding the Need for Reentry Services

People returning from incarceration face a multitude of barriers. Employment, transportation, and housing are three of the greatest obstacles. Without adequate access to any one of these three essentials, people are less connected to their communities and therefore, far more likely to re-offend and return to incarceration. Without results driven reentry programs that directly address employment, transportation, and housing needs, communities experience higher rates of crime, unemployment, and recidivism, which are all drains on the local tax base and overall economy.

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, “formerly incarcerated people are almost 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public.” Lacking adequate access to stable housing means people are disconnected from their communities, unlikely to be hired or retain a job, and therefore are far more likely to return to incarceration. This has been called the “homelessness-jail cycle.” Approximately 68% of formerly incarcerated people are rearrested within 3 years according to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics 2018 Update on Prisoner Recidivism.

Florida has the 3rd largest incarcerated population in the U.S. and 95% of all state prisoners will be released. Therefore, there is a great need for reentry programs like ours to help people rebuild their lives, become self-sufficient, keep our communities safe, and reduce the amount taxpayers spend on incarceration. To meet the needs of the thousands of people who return home every month from Florida’s jails and prisons, it is critical that we continue providing mental health counseling, transitional housing, vocational training, and job placement to ensure they become self-sufficient and not recidivate. Operation New Hope continues to expand our Statewide Reentry Network to serve more. 

Expanding to Tampa Bay in early 2024

After prison, more people return to the Tampa Bay area than any other region in Florida. That’s why for the past 8 years, Operation New Hope has partnered with Abe Brown Ministries to provide our nationally-recognized Ready4Work program to returning citizens in Tampa. This year, Operation New Hope and Abe Brown Ministries agreed to begin working independently, which will allow for more assistance and services for people affected by the justice system. Abe Brown Ministries has developed their own program called REENTRY+ as part of their comprehensive services, adding to the established reentry options in the area. To continue to meet the needs of the more than 300 people who return from the Florida Department of Corrections to the region every month, Operation New Hope plans to open READY4WORK Tampa Bay in early 2024. Our goal is to provide services for the region that include Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties. We are currently meeting with community partners and identifying our program location. Stay tuned for more exciting expansion news!

Learn More about our Programs
Read our Client Success Stories

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/expanding-reentry-services-to-the-space-coast/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 National Association of Reentry Professionals Honors ONH https://operationnewhope.org/national-association-of-reentry-professionals-honors-onh/ https://operationnewhope.org/national-association-of-reentry-professionals-honors-onh/#respond Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:26:00 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=10610

National Association of Reentry Professionals Honors ONH

Rosetta Pace Taylor presenting the award to the Ready4Work team in Jacksonville

During our first Ready4Work graduation ceremony of 2023, the National Association of Reentry Professionals presented the Johnny & Julia Pace Award to our team, highlighting our work in the field of reentry. Every year, the National Associate of Reentry Professionals recognizes the work of four organizations across the country for providing excellent services bridging returning citizens, families and communities, setting a strong foundation while utilizing encouragement and mentorship for stabilization. 

“It’s hard to come home and make any change,” noted Rosetta Pace Taylor from NARP who presented the award. “But with  wrap-around services like Operation New Hope, you get this true hope. And you can come here, and any aspect of your life that you need to work on, you can do it if you choose. But without these individuals, it would not be possible. So today, I want to present them with their first national award.”

Operation New Hope is honored to have been selected as one of those top reentry providers. Thanks to Rosetta and her team for helping raise the bar of reentry services in America. 


#HopeStartsHere

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/national-association-of-reentry-professionals-honors-onh/feed/ 0 NFCAA Provides $100,000 Grant to ONH to Help More People Affected by the Justice System https://operationnewhope.org/nfcaa-provides-100000-grant-to-onh-to-help-more-people-affected-by-the-justice-system/ https://operationnewhope.org/nfcaa-provides-100000-grant-to-onh-to-help-more-people-affected-by-the-justice-system/#respond Fri, 18 Nov 2022 19:21:47 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=10415

NFCAA Provides $100,000 Grant to ONH to Help More People Affected by the Justice System

Reggie Fullwood and Eric Dale

Operation New Hope extends our most sincere thanks to Northeast Florida Community Action Agency for their significant donation in support of our mission. The $100,000 check presentation was made at our weekly Ready4Work client graduation on Friday, November 18, 2022, at noon.

“We are dedicated to establishing mutually beneficial partnerships that connect families to available resources, stabilize vulnerable households, and promote healthy families and communities,” said NFCAA Director of Finance, Eric Dale.

The NFCAA funds will allow Operation New Hope to provide more services to its clients, including rental assistance, educational courses, food assistance, and employment training.  “The funds from this collaboration will truly impact the lives of dozens of our Ready4Work program participants,” says Reggie Fullwood, ONH President and CEO.  “We appreciate support from NFCAA. The organization has a long history of helping underserved people in Northeast Florida so establishing a partnership between our organizations is a natural marriage of resources.”

NFCAA was established in 1965 and has become a key resource to combat poverty in Northeast Florida. The nonprofit currently administers programs in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties. The organization’s vision is a community where all individuals and families achieve their potential through education, financial stability and healthy lives alleviating the devastating effects of poverty.

We are so thankful for NFCAA’s support and look forward to years of continued partnership. Thank you for believing in Second Chances!

Thanks also to Eric Dale for sharing words of inspiration to the graduating class of Ready4Work clients! Watch video below.

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]]> https://operationnewhope.org/nfcaa-provides-100000-grant-to-onh-to-help-more-people-affected-by-the-justice-system/feed/ 0 Central Florida Ribbon Cutting Success https://operationnewhope.org/central-florida-ribbon-cutting-success/ https://operationnewhope.org/central-florida-ribbon-cutting-success/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:57:22 +0000 https://operationnewhope.org/?p=10288

Central Florida Ribbon Cutting Success

Reggie Fullwood, Sheriff Mina, Mayor Dyer, Kevin Gay and Coley Jones

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Sheriff John Mina joined Operation New Hope on October 7, 2022 to celebrate the opening of our newest program location. The Ribbon Cutting and Ready4Work Graduation event was a packed house with over 100 community supporters in attendance. 

“With over 20 years experience in providing job readiness training and reentry services in Northeast Florida, we are excited to expand out work to the greater Orlando area,” said Operation New Hope’s President and CEO Reggie Fullwood. “We have helped over 9,000 clients reconnect to the workforce, their families, and the community, and we are committed to creating a statewide network of reentry services throughout Florida.”

Operation New Hope’s Founder Kevin Gay then shared a lovely invocation, followed by encouraging support from Mayor Dyer and Sheriff Mina. 

“I’m pleased to be here to welcome Operation New Hope to Orlando,” stated Mayor Dyer. “The City is committed to being a place where everybody feels equally valued and has equal access to opportunities and that includes individuals who have spent time with the criminal justice system. Making it easier for them to have a path is critically important because we know we want them to have a bright future. That is why I’m so pleased that after two decades of great success of the program to have it here in Orlando.”

Sheriff Mina greeted those gathered by saying “It’s a pleasure for me to be here today to welcome Operation New Hope and the Ready4Work program.” He then turned to the graduates and congratulated them on their achievements. He went on to say, “You may ask, ‘Why is the Sheriff standing here supporting this program?’ And that’s because we both have the same values – Operation New Hope and law enforcement – that’s second chances and to keep our community safe. I think everyone in their life has been given a second chance – I know I have!”

The event continued with the presentation of certificates to the first 12 clients in Orlando who completed the Ready4Work Career Development course and they shared how the program has helped changed their lives. A former Ready4Work graduate, Fazil Lewis, who completed the program in Jacksonville in 2018 and now works for Trulite Glass in Orlando, closed out the event by sharing how the program continues to impact his life. “Four years ago I was in the seat right there, and it was a lot and it wasn’t easy. Operation New Hope changed my life forever. My dream is to one day work for Operation New Hope and show you what it’s all about!”

Check out this great article from the Orlando Sentinel spotlighting the event. We are so thankful to the welcoming support that the Orlando community has offered us as we work to expand our programming to serve more. #HopeStartsHere

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