The UPS Foundation Supports Second Chances

The UPS Foundation has made a significant investment of $250,000 to support second chances in Jacksonville, Florida. Operation New Hope is excited to partner with UPS to expand vocational training opportunities for our Ready4Work clients. Grant funding will also support development of an Emerging Leaders Training program that Operation New Hope is developing in partnership with The Taylor Leadership Institute at the University of North Florida. 

At a special Ready4Work Graduation Ceremony on Friday, April 19, 2024, Patrick Smith, the Regional Community Relations Manager at UPS, presented the grant before a packed crowd of community stakeholders, returning citizens, and ONH staff. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan attended the event and spoke about the importance of second chances and championed the work we have been doing for the past 25 years. 

Mayor Deegan said, “It’s fitting that today’s graduation is being held during Second Chances Month. This is a time when Americans recommit to building a criminal justice system that supports people returning to home from jail or prison to ensure they can successfully reconnect with the workforce, their families, and our communities.” She went on to say, “When we – as a city – lead with love, foster forgiveness, and support rehabilitation – we are giving one another opportunities to learn from past mistakes. And we are allowing ourselves to see each other’s humanity.”

Also in attendance were Florida Senator Tracie Davis, Representatives Wyman Duggan and Clay Yarborough, and City Council Members Terrance Freeman, Rahman Johnson and Jimmy Peluso, along with representatives from the Florida Chamber, UNF, FSCJ, Miller Electric, and many more.  We are so thankful to the community for their years of support and continued commitment to helping others rebuild their lives after involvement with the justice system.