Operation New Hope

Operation New Hope is a powerful program. I am a student and i find it very inspiring. They gave me job training, lifeskills, and support. Thank you Operation New Hope!!!

Operation New Hope changed my life
Thanks you all

I had the best time there the staff was AMAZING they treated me with respect and was so loving and kind my teacher Ms Thomas was the best teacher I ever had she was so kind but honest and caring she kept the clas so interactive and I really enjoyed my time there !

I volunteered at Operation New Hope providing mock employment interviews for formerly incarcerated people reentering the workforce. I am so happy this organization exists. What a wonderful service, wonderful staff, and highly qualified hard working clients.

This organization provided everything I could need to get my life on track after incarceration. I was in a desperate place when I got out of prison, and I did not have any hope for the future. However, Operation New Hope did everything they said they would do, and more. I am a changed man as a result of this amazing program and all of the staff here who REALLY CARE about this work, they don't treat it like it is just a job. Thank you Operation New Hope.

I thought I already typed this. But somehow it is no longer on here.
This program was VERY VERY DISAPPOINTING!
I was approached while incarcerated about this program and wanted to succeed and thought it would benefit me to participate.
I wanted to change my life for the better!
I was told I would receive 4 months of transitional housing. That changed after I completed the program.
I was put in a transitional house by ONH where I was watched on camera and listened to on audio and called incessantly via phone by the “house manager”. And when I told the “house manager “ it made me uncomfortable, the locks were changed and my personal belongings were not returned. Then ONH put me in a different transitional house that was rampant with drugs. Not conducive to a person who wants to change their life!
I was promised 4 months of transitional housing. I got only 2. Spent in class. So I had nothing saved towards my own place.
I did not get help with finding employment. I found my own.
Then was told I’d receive a stipend after 90 days of employment. That did not happen.
No 90 day stipend.
I did my part. But ONH did not do what they said they would.
I think it’s a shame that non profit organizations receive a sizeable amount of funding per person and then do not do what they told the client they would. Where does the funding go if not to help the client the way it should?
I really believed if I did the work ONH would provide what they stated they would.

People should be aware that they will not get the housing or stipends or assistance they were told they would from this program.

And if this review somehow vanishes as well. I will repost. I will find other avenues to get the word out to potential clients.

I don’t want anyone else to be misinformed.

My name is Colene
I'm 54 yrs old and have been in and out of jail so many times I was ready to give up. I have no family I grew up in girls homes as a child. I guess I never felt like I fit in anywhere. Upon my release operation new hope took me in. Literally, gave me a chance to start my life over. Gave me hope after all these yrs. I have never experienced people who CARE like the staff at this program. I'm so grateful to each and every one of them for accepting me where I was, I could finally be me and know I could depend on them to help me with everything and anything I could possibly need, therapy, a job coach, a casemgr who is amazing by the way the classes to help me get ready to go to work were amazing, the teachers are people who have been there done that. And know where our heads are. Everyone there cheer us on for our efforts, and don't judge us or put us down. I could go on and on about operation new hope. Simply they give hope to the hopeless. I will never forget them and consider them my new family. I would recommend this program to everyone who needs help. In fact I already have. Thank you team operation new hope.
Sincerely blessed, Colene Ruhl

Operation New Hope's arms are always wide open to serve recently incarcerated individuals and others who need guidance as they navigate life as returning residents. The leadership team and staff go out of their way to make themselves available to offer help. Operation New Hope is a jewel in our community!

Operation New Hope really cares. They helped me believe in second chance again, they helped me believe in hope again. The courses they teach goes beyond the classroom and touches one through their own experiences. Since graduation they have continued to be a staple in my life. They understand that a journey is truly a journey and it doesn't stop after graduation. I am grateful for operation new hope and would anything to further their cause.
Roosevelt

Operation New Hope gave me hope when I had none. I was accepted right after getting released from jail and coming off of a relapse from sobriety.
ONH took care of necessities so I could focus on getting healthy and finding employment. I will forever be grateful to the staff and organization. Today I have my life back! ♥️

Operation New Hope provides genuinely valuable services for people who nees them most. I ended up achieving my own job placement but I still use the resume which ONH staff prepared for me and it has doubtless been a valuable tool in my emoyment process. The staff here shares a sincere concern for the success of their clients and are very committed to their work.

I tried so hard to stay out of trouble, but after an accident and surgery I developed a drug addiction. I suffered alot of doom and gloom and was even arrested one time. I thought my future of ever having a successful career was over. While in treatment a peer support counselor recommended Operation New Hope. They looked into my past arrest and discovered I was never convicted therefore was able to pass a Level 2 background check. That news gave me so much confidence back. I then completed ONH Ready4Work program and got a job at Amazon. ONH did so many amazing things for me like helping me pay rent at my halfway house once I completed treatment and helped me replace and renew my drivers license after my wallet was stolen. This December 2021 I will celebrate 2 years sober and I now work at one of Jacksonville's major hospitals!

Operation New Hope really helped me get a job. Recommend it to anyone the qualifies.

I just typed a really long message and pressed the wrong button and it all erased I think. Which reminds me of a virtue, patience, taking my time and focusing on one task at a time. Bad cannot come from doing good so I like to encourage myself and the guys to know that if you just take it one day at a time and one small choice at a time then one right decision can turn into another and it can pave the road to our new lives. I would like for everyone involved to take advantage of the benefits of operation New Hope. If you remain optimistic and positive. Nothing can stand in your way and I know we have heard that many times before but just like you voluntarily entered the program, you can continue to move forward one choice at a time. If it seems overwhelming just know that you don't have to figure it all out today. All you have to do is stay focused today and tomorrow will take care of itself. Nothing comes without putting the work in. Through hard work and dedication you will have all the good things life has for you. Stay consistent.

Hello, my name is Andrew Rhames, and I came to Operation New Hope looking for a new start on a better life. I’m originally from North Carolina and I moved to the Jacksonville Florida area in April, 2021. Just being released from prison, I needed to reestablish myself back into society. Operation New Hope helped me accomplish this goal. This program gave me the resources, and job preparation skills to enter society’s work force. The program is still helping me further my career in today’s work force and I’m greatful for the opportunity to have been apart of this wonderful program. I recommend this program to all individuals, male and female that have had setbacks do to wrong decisions that were made in there life. This program helps individuals rebuild and reshape there lives for a positive and productive future in society. Again, I thank Operation New Hope for giving me a chance to be apart of there wonderful, amazing program. Thank you.

Operation New Hope is a great place to get back on your feet after prison . They helped me gain training in area's I've never had training before . The also helped me gain custody back of my children . They have so many resources they provide . If you want to change your life they are there to help . If you take it seriously and put in the work they will help you accomplish your goals . I've been out of prison almost 4 years I'm living the best life I've ever had . They help with paying your transition housing for 3 months pay you to attend their organization get you training that you chose . Help you with your mental health , food stamps, insurance , getting your GED , drivers license and much much more . I highly recommend going to Operation New Hope if you want a fresh start and a new life . If it worked for me it can you .

Operation New Hope was a life-changing experience for me. After discovering them back in 2020, I very quickly learned how helpful they are to the community and society as a whole. Second chances are so important, as they help show that nobody is beyond turning their lives around. The program and the staff helped me realize that even though I hade made a mistake in my life, I could still re-enter and function within society in a normal capacity. The necessary soft and hard skills that you're taught aren't just useful right after incarceration, but they will carry you through the rest of your life. I cannot recommend this program enough when I have the opportunity. Anyone who goes trough the doors of ONH will always come out the other side better as a person, a citizen, and employee.

Years ago I was a client of ONH and now I manage the restaurant I started working at while i was there. Recently i came back to ONH to register as an employer. I conducted an interview with a current client last week and he did great. Mr. Matthews is still a great teacher.

I was a client served back in 2005-6 and now I am a board member, this says a lot about giving people second chances. The help and love I received from the staff and President were amazing. I did not "feel" like an outcast while I was going through the classes and mentorship. Serving your sentence in prison is the first step of rehab, the second step is coming home and becoming a law-abiding citizen. With no direction or help, you are set up for failure and then begin recidivism. WIth ONH, I received a circle of support and accountability that was solid and free! I received a good job, which I have been employed for 16 yrs. this year. ONH help me get back on the narrow side of the road, the broad road does lead to destruction. I am so thankful for what they have given to me, a second chance!

I'm so glad and thankful and grateful to have gotten into operation New Hope coming out of prison and getting into the program was a big help for me and a life changer and a second chance at life they got me ready for work just like they say they do,, they help me out with housing clothes to wear food to eat and some money to spend on things that I needed,, the people there are fantastic terrific wonderful amazing people they are really big help,, just get really serious make it up in your mind about what you want to do in life when you want to go or what your next step should be,, operation New Hope can help you in a very big way,, I'm so thankful and grateful and glad I got into the program coming out of prison,, they are a great non-profit organization,, the best in my book,, get into the program and show up and stick with it you'll be so glad you did,, the people that work there are awesome,, they are really there to help you,, just reach out for it grab it take it,, and hold on tight,, if you put your mind to it and you're serious you can make it you can do it operation New Hope can help,, thank you once again operation New Hope for helping me out when I needed it the most..

Operation New Hope is a wonderful organization that assists returning citizens with support services to navigate re-entry back into society once released from jail or prison. I was blessed to begin my experience as an intern through Americorps in 2015 and ultimately became a staff member in 2017. Professional development, staff interaction, and community resource awareness is top-notch. I've been a Job Coach as well as a Case Manager with this team to date, Truly Blessed program!! Strongly recommended!!! Ken McCoy