Operation New Hope

08/14/2026

Congratulations to our latest Career Development graduates, who recently marked an exciting milestone as the 100th class to complete Career Development at Operation New Hope’s Tampa location! 🎓

Career Development is the first three weeks of our year-long program. Participants spend these weeks building resumes, practicing interview skills, developing workplace skills, and preparing to pursue their employment goals.

And graduation is only the beginning! Over the next 11 months, participants continue receiving individualized support from our Ready4Work team as they work toward employment, stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success.

This milestone is also an opportunity to celebrate our Tampa staff, who have supported more than 500 individuals through 100 Career Development classes. Week after week, our team welcomes new participants with unique experiences, talents, needs, and goals and works alongside them as they create new opportunities for their futures.

We’re proud of Class 100 and grateful for every graduate, staff member, partner, and supporter who has been part of this journey. Here’s to the next 100!

🔗 Read more about ONH's impact in Tampa Bay: https://ow.ly/fmBN50ZzWca

08/12/2026

We love celebrating our team!

Last week, Operation New Hope staff from across the state gathered in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa to connect, enjoy some team-building fun, and celebrate the milestones we’ve reached together over the past few months.

As our work continues to grow across Florida, we are reminded of how grateful we are for the people behind our mission. Every day, our team brings compassion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence as they serve our clients and provide the support and resources needed to transform lives.

To Team ONH: Thank you for all you do. It’s easy to celebrate you! 🎉

07/28/2026

Fatherhood has the power to change generations. ❤️

Congratulations to the 30 graduates of the InsideOut Dad® program at Lawtey Correctional Institution! Over the past 12 weeks, these men have committed themselves to becoming stronger fathers, learning practical skills in healthy communication, anger management, relationship building, and how to remain a loving, present parent both during incarceration and after returning to their communities.

For many of these fathers, they are breaking cycles they experienced themselves. Growing up without a father in their own lives has inspired them to build a different future for their children.

As Operation New Hope's Mr. Matthews shared during graduation:
"Any man can be a father—that role is simply biological. It takes a special kind of man to be a dad."

When fathers are equipped to lead with love, consistency, and responsibility, families grow stronger and communities become healthier.

Congratulations to all 30 graduates. Your commitment to your children and your future matters.👏

07/15/2026

Growing up without a father, Alfonso became a dad at just 16 years old. After spending 15 years incarcerated, including 10 years without seeing his daughter, he knew he wanted to rebuild not only his future, but also his relationships with his children.

While incarcerated at Hamilton Correctional Institution, Alfonso participated in the InsideOut Dad program, where he learned that being a father is about more than being physically present. He gained practical parenting skills, learned the importance of healthy co-parenting, and discovered new ways to show up for his children.

After his release, Alfonso enrolled in the Ready4Work program, where he strengthened his technology and workplace skills to prepare for a successful career.

Today, Alfonso is the proud father of five daughters, two sons, and 15 grandchildren. He says, "My kids are my joy."

His story is a reminder that second chances can break generational cycles, strengthen families, and transform communities.

🔗 Read Alfonso's full Voices of Hope story here: https://operationnewhope.org/voices-of-hope-alfonso-j/

07/07/2026

Every day, we empower individuals who are at risk of incarceration or rebuilding their lives after incarceration with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.

This is Operation New Hope. And that's our why. 🙌

07/04/2026

Freedom can mean many things. For the people we serve, it can mean a first paycheck, a place to call home, reconnecting with family, or simply the opportunity to begin again.

Today, we celebrate the power of second chances and the freedoms we cherish as a nation, while honoring the freedom found in new beginnings and the opportunity to rebuild a life with hope and purpose.

06/10/2026

Yes, incarcerated fathers can play an active role in their children's lives, and research shows it's important that they do.

Approximately 92% of incarcerated parents are fathers, and nearly half of all people in state prisons are parents of minor children. While incarceration creates distance, it does not erase the importance of a father's role in his child's life.

Research shows that maintaining parent-child relationships during incarceration can reduce the trauma of separation, strengthen family bonds, and improve outcomes after release.

As Father's Day approaches, we recognize the dads who are working to stay connected to their children, strengthen family relationships, and prepare for a brighter future.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, our Orlando team wore green and created an encouraging space at our office to help raise awareness about the importance of prioritizing mental wellness. 💚

At Operation New Hope, we believe mental health support is an essential part of long-term success and stability. Every client we serve has access to SMART Recovery support groups, peer recovery support groups, and individual sessions with a therapist.

Working through past trauma, setting personal goals, and having a safe space to talk can make a meaningful difference. Our mental health team is proud to walk alongside our clients every day, offering support, encouragement, and hope on their journey toward wellness.

05/26/2026

The 5th Annual Hope Starts Here 5K was an incredible race day! 🏃‍♀️

Thank you to the more than 500 participants who joined us on Saturday morning to run, walk, and support hope, opportunity, and second chances. Your support helps Operation New Hope continue serving individuals across Jacksonville and throughout Florida by creating pathways to employment, stability, and success.

We are so grateful for everyone who came out, volunteered, sponsored, and cheered participants on throughout the morning. Hope starts here!