Operation New Hope: 2024 Wrapped

Operation New Hope
December 18, 2024
Blog

As we close out 2024, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with growth, milestones, and meaningful impact at Operation New Hope. From expanding our Ready4Work program to new communities, to serving a record-breaking number of clients, to earning top honors for our workplace culture, this year has been one of incredible progress. These achievements were made possible by the dedication of our staff, the support of our partners, and the resilience of the individuals and families we serve. Join us as we celebrate the highlights of 2024 and the hope we’ve helped bring to communities across Florida.

1. Operation New Hope’s Ready4Work Program Opened in St. Petersburg and Tampa:

This summer marked a significant milestone for Operation New Hope with the opening of two new Ready4Work program locations in the Tampa Bay area. These new offices enable us to better serve individuals in St. Petersburg and Tampa as they transition back into their communities after incarceration. By expanding our reach, we can connect more people with essential resources such as job training, mental health support, and employment services. These efforts wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated staff, who are already building partnerships and relationships in these communities. The impact of these new locations is a testament to our commitment to creating brighter futures across the state of Florida.

2. Served a Record-Breaking 1,000+ Clients-

Operation New Hope achieved an incredible milestone in 2024, serving more than 1,000 clients for the first time in our history! This achievement was fueled by several factors: the expansion into the Tampa Bay area, the establishment of partnerships to reach underserved areas like Putnam County, and improved access to deliver the Ready4Release program to those still incarcerated. Each client we serve represents a story of transformation and resilience, and reaching this milestone showcases the growing demand for our services and the trust communities place in us to make a difference.

3. Awarded Top Workplace 2nd Year in a Row by The Florida Times-Union-

Early in the year ONH was awarded the Top Workplace in Jacksonville Award for 2024 as well as the Meaningfulness Award, for the second year in a row! These awards came as the result of our most recent Energage employee engagement survey. This positive, people-centric culture would not be possible without the valuable contributions of every member of our amazing staff. The recognition is a direct reflection of their passion, collaboration, and commitment to making ONH a place where people love to work and grow.

4. Expanded Delivery of the InsideOut Dads Program-

In 2024, Operation New Hope was awarded the Responsible Fatherhood Education Programs grant from the Florida Department of Children and Families. As part of Florida’s Father First initiative, this grant will enable ONH to deliver the program to an additional 300 incarcerated fathers annually at prisons across the state. The InsideOut Dads program fosters the skills needed to be effective fathers, preparing participants for eventual release and reunification with their families. By helping to break the generational cycle of incarceration and poverty, this initiative helps fathers and their children build stronger relationships and more stable lives.

5. Earned Candid’s 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency-

This year, Operation New Hope achieved Candid’s highest level of recognition—the Platinum Seal of Transparency. Candid is the world’s largest source of nonprofit information, and this distinction affirms our commitment to openness and accountability. By providing detailed insights through our Candid Nonprofit Profile, we ensure that donors, stakeholders, and community partners have access to meaningful data about our operations and impact. Transparency builds trust, and we are proud to uphold the highest standards in sharing how we deliver on our mission to serve individuals, families, and communities.

6. Began Pilot Partnership to Bring the Ready4Work Program to Putnam County-

In collaboration with Goodwill Industries of North Florida, the Ready4Work program is now being delivered to clients at the Goodwill offices in Putnam County. “Partnering with Goodwill in Putnam County is a powerful way for us to reach more people in need and help them develop the skills and resilience required for lasting employment,” says Operation New Hope’s President & CEO Reggie Fullwood. “We believe this pilot program will serve as a model for collaborative reentry efforts across the region.”

7. Made a Meaningful Impact in Jacksonville, Orlando, & Tampa Bay Through Community Events-

This year, Operation New Hope hosted several impactful events across Florida. In May, we celebrated our 25th anniversary with the 3rd annual Hope Starts Here 5K in Jacksonville, bringing together over 350 runners and walkers and raising more than $25,000. In October, we held the 2nd Hope Starts Here 5K in Orlando, drawing over 150 participants.

November marked the Art of Hope Closing Reception, which celebrated justice-impacted artists and highlighted Art Therapy Sessions within the Ready4Work Program, welcoming over 150 guests. Additionally, we celebrated the expansion of our services with the Ready4Work Tampa Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony in October. The event featured inspiring remarks from Operation New Hope founder Kevin Gay and Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, emphasizing the importance of second chances.