Operation New Hope: Helping Incarcerated Fathers Focus on their Future and not their Past

Founded to break the cycle of generational incarceration, Operation New Hope has been a beacon of light for the Northeast Florida community since its inception. United by the belief that we all have the power to change our lives for the better, the organization emerged from a deep understanding of individuals’ challenges in reentering society after incarceration. It was established to provide comprehensive reentry services tailored to the unique needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, supporting their transition period back into society.

Operation New Hope’s Ready4Release® program provides job skills training, housing assistance, case management, mental health services and transportation services, among others, to help the formerly incarcerated get back on their feet to build a new future after they are released.

The organization started developing the InsideOut Dad® program in 2005 after seeing a need for specific support for fathers who are incarcerated and want to have a relationship with their children. InsideOut Dad® offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip fathers with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the challenges of fatherhood. Through workshops and discussions, participants explore effective communication, positive discipline, and nurturing relationships with their children. The program has been instrumental in helping imprisoned fathers be a more active parent while they are behind bars and beyond.

Due to the success of their programs, Operation New Hope was awarded a grant as a part of Florida’s Responsible Fatherhood Initiative and joined the statewide network of resources available through Father First.

The grant will allow the organization to expand the InsideOut Dad® program to three more correctional facilities and provide evidence-based education to up to 300 more incarcerated fathers each year.

“We help give dads a second chance,” said Operation New Hope’s Ready4Release Manager Ronnie Cage.

“One of the fathers I worked with, Michael Johnson, completed the InsideOut Dad® program and has been out of prison for 9 years. Even though time has passed, he still relies on these learnings every day and now has a great relationship with daughter who is in her early 20s.”

For more information regarding Operation New Hope, visit their official website at www.operationnewhope.org