Voices of Hope – Anthony B.
Following a devastating personal blow in his early twenties, Anthony Bryant began drinking recklessly and was charged with a DUI. As a result, he lost his job driving as a street sweeper. Feeling lost and defeated, Anthony was referred to Operation New Hope by his probation officer and enrolled in the Ready4Work program in November […]
Voices of Hope – Terrance P.
After serving a 20-year sentence for attempted robbery with a firearm, possession of cocaine, and aggravated battery, Terrance Platts came to Operation New Hope through the Ready4Release pre-release services at Baker Correctional. However, Terrance’s transition to the outside world was not easy. Modern advances such as computers, flash drives, tablets, and search engines were foreign […]
Ready4Work Program Expanding to St. Johns County
On Friday, July 19, 2019, hundreds of community members gathered under a large white tent in the Linconville neighborhood of St. Augustine, Florida to support the launch of our Ready4Work reentry program in St. Johns County. Despite the sweltering summer heat, spirits were high as those in attendance listened to inspiring words from Dr. Makaziwe […]
Vice President Pence, Ivanka Trump and Governor DeSantis Visit
On Friday, July 26, 2019, Vice President Pence, Ivanka Trump and Governor DeSantis visited Operation New Hope to learn about our nationally acclaimed Ready4Work program. Pence praised our reentry services stating that Ready4Work is a “model program not only in Florida but for the United States.” DeSantis stated “When you compare Operation New Hope’s recidivism […]
Dr. Mandela visits Operation New Hope
While Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, eldest daughter of Nelson Mandela, and her daughter Tukwini were visiting Jacksonville for the 1st Nelson Mandela International Day Jacksonville, they stopped by Operation New Hope to learn more about the organization. The tour made stops in every department where the Mandelas learned about our four-pronged approach (case management, supportive services, […]
Dr. Makaziwe Mandela presents her father’s “Struggle Series” to Clifford Williams
Prints of Nelson Mandela’s drawings were given to Clifford Williams by Dr. Makaziwe Mandela to honor the years of struggle he endured while being wrongfully incarcerated for 42 years.
Kevin Gay receives House of Mandela Reflecting Freedom Award for Community Impact
Presented by Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, Tukwini Mandela and Khalil Osiris during Nelson Mandela International Day Kickoff to Freedom Gala
Voices of Hope – Charlotte S.
In 2000, Charlotte Smith was indicted on drug charges by the federal government and served five years . “When you’re in prison, the first thing you do is go through a phase of playing the innocent role. ‘I didn’t do it. I’m here wrongfully.’” She paused, laughed, and shook her head before conceding, “Some are […]
Voices of Hope – Crystal C.
Incarcerated at 17 years old for a term of 35 years, Crystal Chisholm recalls the day of her sentencing as her life’s defining moment. “I didn’t know what to do. I thought my life was over.” But the light that shines within Crystal was bright enough to illuminate even her darkest days. “Going in, I […]
Voices of Hope – Leroy L.
Recalling the day he was sentenced to 25 years in prison, Leroy Lyles remembered feeling like the tunnel ahead of him was so long and dark and he could barely see a pin-prick of light at the end. At his lowest point, when no one was visiting him in prison or sending any letters, he […]
Voices of Hope – Raymond G.
On a rainy morning in April, Raymond Garber beamed with light as he listed the succession of recent job offers he’s received from the many upscale restaurants looking to hire him. With so many opportunities available, it’s hard to imagine that just a few months ago he was incarcerated. “It’s because I was given a […]
Voices of Hope – Lee L.
One of the early graduates of Operation New Hope’s Ready4Work program, Lee Livingston completed the program in 2007. As a young man, Lee experienced many interventional programs designed to help troubled youth, but remembers that “Operation New Hope was the only one that made the difference.” After receiving the job and life skills training and […]
Ready4Work Graduate Reclaims Right to Vote
Being an American citizen is very important to Franwartha Barnes and last Tuesday, she demonstrated that by reclaiming her right to vote. When Franwartha, a recent Ready4Work graduate, first learned about the initiative to restore the voting rights of former felons in Florida, she felt hopeful that Amendment 4 would pass. “I understood why my […]
Employing Empathy: Unlocking America’s Potential through Criminal Justice Reform
The passage of the First Step Act in 2018, driven by bipartisan cooperation, marked a significant milestone in criminal justice reform. Texas, a state with a large inmate population, is implementing innovative incarceration alternatives that have not only reduced crime but also saved billions of taxpayer dollars. This progress signifies a shifting tide in America’s […]
Kendal McCoy Shares His Story
In the latest edition of The Hope Series, viewers are introduced to Kendal McCoy, a Ready4Work program graduate who has overcome challenges and emerged as a shining example of resilience and success. As a co-employee of the year, Kendal’s story serves as an example of hope and inspiration. Kendal’s journey begins with the devastating displacement […]
Jacksonville Leader Pushes for First Step Act in Washington, D.C.
Operation New Hope CEO & Founder, Kevin Gay, is in Washington, D.C. this week meeting with legislators and other First Step Act (S. 2795) supporters in an effort to see the bill get passed before the session ends next month. The bill has benefited from wide support on both sides of the aisle, as well […]