Voices of Hope – Tracey F.
Tracey Fisher was in her early 40’s and had a successful career but got caught up in drugs and ended up behind bars. “Even when I tried to turn my life around, my past just kept pulling me back down. Jail took something from me and left me with hopelessness, insecurity and shame.” “But Operation […]
Voices of Hope – Erica J.
After serving time for a felony fraud conviction, Erica Jackson worried that she would never find work in an industry other than fast food service. She began to believe that no one would trust her again. However, those concerns diminished after entering the Ready4Work program. “The program taught me a lot – from being on […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Operation New Hope recipient of special $350,000 grant from The Jim Moran Foundation honoring Jim Moran’s 100th birthday
Jacksonville, Florida (October 5, 2018) – The Jim Moran Foundation recently announced more than $10 million in grants to commemorate what would have been Jim Moran’s 100th birthday on August 8th. Operation New Hope, a first-time grant recipient of The Jim Moran Foundation, received a two-year grant totaling $350,000 for its nationally-recognized Ready4Work® program. Jim Moran’s legacy […]