THE MISSION OF HOPE
The Foundation of HOPE is an interfaith nonprofit with the mission of “Empowering people impacted by the criminal justice system to renew their faith, rebuild their lives, and restore positive relationships.”
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The History of HOPE
Since 2002, the Foundation of HOPE has been providing a continuum of care for those impacted by the criminal justice system in Allegheny County.
The Foundation of HOPE grew out of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania’s (CASP) former chaplaincy program. CASP incubated, fostered, and nurtured the growth of HOPE. The two organizations continue to work closely with one another as partners in ministry.
The Foundation of HOPE offers incarcerated individuals and returning citizens the opportunity for a new life by offering three distinct elements of a continuum of care: Chaplaincy, Pre-Release, and Reentry. We offer chaplaincy services and pre-release programs in the Allegheny County Jail. Our Reentry office on Pittsburgh’s North Side serves returning citizens coming out of county, state, and federal institutions. The Foundation of HOPE also has a diversion program for youths. This program addresses the needs of youths who commit non-violent, low- to medium-level offenses, keeping them out of the cycle of adjudication and incarceration.
The goals of the programs are accomplished through counseling, religious services, discipleship, practical resources and referrals, life skills education within and outside the jail, choice awareness training, and one-on-one mentoring. HOPE serves individuals regardless of their race, age, ethnic background, or faith tradition.
The Foundation of HOPE became a registered 501(c)(3) in 2006.
The Foundation of HOPE currently offers its programs in Allegheny County but expects to expand services to other areas over the next few years.
The Feast Day of Saint Dismas, March 25, 2025
Within many Christian traditions, the “Good Thief,” crucified alongside Jesus on Calvary, is known as Saint Dismas. He is described in Luke’s Gospel (29:39-43) as repenting from his sins and asks Jesus to “remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replies to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
The Feast Day of Saint Dismas is celebrated by many churches, every year, on March 25.
In honor of Saint Dismas, we are asking you to consider making a charitable donation to help meet the needs of our formerly incarcerated sisters and brothers. Every dollar raised by this campaign will be used for direct service needs.
Join the HOPE Team!
The Foundation of HOPE has exciting opportunities for dedicated individuals who want to help make a difference in our community.
Meet the HOPE Team
Rev. Dr. LaWana Butler
Chief Executive Officer
Jayla Jones
Reentry and Prevention Director
Liz Lepore
Pre-Release Director
Janine Surmick
Director of Development
Kellie Wild
Program & Strategic Initiative Director
LaToya Wright
Youth Diversion Director
Rachel Hido
Reentry & Diversion Manager
Our Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Cynthia Ackron Baldwin, President — Retired Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court
The Rev. Brenda Gregg, Vice President — Project Destiny
Tom McCarthy, Secretary — Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Retired
Jocelyn Paige Torres, Treasurer — Farmers National Bank, Branch Manager
MEMBERS
Cynthia Ackron Baldwin — Retired Justice, Pennsylvania Supreme Court
The Rev. Liddy Barlow (ex-officio) — Christian Associates of Southwest PA
John Bettis III —The Bettis Group, M&A Resources, Plus Real Estate Solutions
Maurita Bryant — Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Retired
Lee Davis — Lee Davis & Associates Consulting LLC
Laurie Du Chateau, Esquire — Buck Consultants
Stephanie Durrette — S D Transit, Inc.
Keisha Gaines — ALDI Foods/ Transition Team Director
Removing the Roadblocks to Recovery
Without the right support and direction, a released person’s capacity to make responsible decisions and avoid repeat offenses is undoubtedly compromised. A previously released three-year study shows that incarcerated individuals who received after-care services were significantly less likely to recidivate. In addition, the study indicated that for every $1 invested in social services, $6 in recidivism costs were saved.
The following insightful reports are available for more information about the need for aftercare services:
Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services Resource Guide offers a wealth of resources. Please click the following link to review the complete list of resources it offers, as well as those offered by other local agencies.
Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services Resource Guides
Visit our Resources Page for more helpful tools.
Join the HOPE Team!
The Foundation of HOPE has exciting opportunities for dedicated individuals who want to help make a difference in our community.
The Foundation of HOPE is committed to providing a non-discriminatory employment environment for its employees. The policy of the Foundation of HOPE is to fully comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations in the area of non-discrimination in employment. Discrimination against employees and applicants due to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), national origin, disability, age (40 years or older), military, and veteran status is prohibited.