Jacksonville’s Women’s Giving Alliance (WGA) kicked off the new year with a meaningful visit to Operation New Hope’s Jacksonville program location for a Second Chance Showcase and an interactive volunteer experience. This event provided WGA members with the opportunity to engage with our mission, connect with clients, and witness firsthand the transformative power of second chances.
During their visit, WGA members toured the Jacksonville facility, learning more about the Ready4Work program and its impact on individuals returning from incarceration. Ready4Work provides participants with comprehensive career development training, including life skills, employment readiness, financial literacy, and a technology boot camp—all designed to equip clients with the tools they need to succeed.
The highlight of the day was attending a special Ready4Work graduation ceremony, where 17 clients celebrated their successful completion of the program. These graduates courageously shared their personal journeys—reflecting on what hope means to them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and how they are cultivating a bright future for themselves.
As part of their visit, WGA members assembled over 30 Welcome Home Hygiene Kits for ONH clients. These kits, filled with essential hygiene items, help individuals feel confident and supported as they transition back into the community. A fresh start begins with dignity, and we are incredibly grateful to WGA for their generosity in making that possible.
Beyond their hands-on involvement, the Women’s Giving Alliance has been a vital partner in expanding our services. Last year, Operation New Hope received a grant from WGA to launch a pilot program for incarcerated mothers, designed to support women preparing for release from Florida’s women’s prisons.
This initiative is similar to InsideOut Dad, a program that Operation New Hope delivers in partnership with the National Fatherhood Initiative, which equips fathers with tools to reconnect with their children. The new motherhood program will focus on strengthening family bonds, empowering mothers with resources for reentry, and supporting the next generation in breaking cycles of incarceration.
One graduate, Brandon, shared,
“Operation New Hope gave me a second chance at getting it right. I finally have a life that I am proud of. I have peace, I have love, and I have happiness. Thank you to all who came to support me.”
Another client, Kelly, spoke about the changes she is making in her life and her vision for a prosperous future. She shared,
“Hope is when the way you finish looks different than your start.”
These clients’ stories served as powerful reminders of the resilience and strength within each person seeking a new beginning. At Operation New Hope, we believe in people’s ability to transform their lives through commitment and hard work.
We deeply appreciate the continued partnership of the Women’s Giving Alliance and their commitment to uplifting lives through advocacy, service, and philanthropy. Their support not only helps individuals rebuild after incarceration but also strengthens families and communities.
Thank you, WGA, for your dedication, generosity, and impact in Jacksonville and beyond.
These kits include essential hygiene items like shampoo, body wash, and toothbrushes, helping clients care for themselves as they start this new chapter of their lives. There’s no minimum supply requirement, making this an ideal opportunity for individuals to contribute or for larger groups to organize a supply drive.
See how our team is working to develop safer communities, stronger economies, and more stable families. Tour our program facility in Jacksonville or Orlando and join us in celebrating our clients as they graduate from our nationally acclaimed Ready4Work program.
We provide support, life and job skills training for people affected by the criminal justice system and place them in employment that offers a sustainable quality of life.
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1830 North Main Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32206
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