INSPIRATION
INSPIRATION
HISTORY
After several years of working toward healthier communities, we maintain that current to reduce incidents of crime and violence are strengthened when we are able to intervene in the lives of African American man, cycling in and out of the criminal justice system. Our work has led us to the fundamental belief that incarceration has a debilitating impact on families and the broader community. Mass incarceration and prisons as solutions tears apart families and rips at the economic and social fabric of communities
In response, the Wilmington HOPE Commission launched a joint venture with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in the construction of a 10,700 square-foot facility aptly named the Achievement Center located at 38 Vandever Avenue. In partnership with state and local government agencies, as well as area non-profits, the Achievement Center will serve as an essential hub for entire community. Our model approach to prisoner reentry is one of a kind in Delaware.
The Achievement Center is uniquely positioned as a multi-agency collaboration deploying a multi-disciplinary approach to providing a continuum of evidence-based reentry services from a single location.
- Adult males returning from prison to zip codes 19801, 19802 and 19805.
- Moderate to high risk to recidivate as determined by recent administration of risk assessment (e.g. LS/CMI).
- 6-9 months remaining on post-release conditions of probation [for those referred from TASC and Probation] in order for the participant and referring officer to benefit from a shared collaboration toward court compliance and reentry goals.
- Any medical or mental health condition must be stabilized such that participation in reentry services offered will not in any way negatively impact the health of the participant.
- Residents with a history of severe psychiatric disorders must be stable and compliant with prescribed medication protocol and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the referring agency.
- Residents with a history of severe psychiatric disorders must be stable and compliant with prescribed medication protocol and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the referring agency.
- Offenders with minor open charges may be approved for participation, considering potential for interruption in participation and/or significant prison time likely to result from the open charge.
- Offenders with sex offenses are ineligible for placement in the Achievement Center at this time.
- Potential participants must be referred to the Achievement Center by Department of Corrections (DOC), Treatment Access Service Center (TASC), Reentry Court and Federal and State Probation & Parole. Our services are free.
If you have any questions about the details of our reentry service model, eligibility criteria, or how to refer to us, please do not hesitate to call us at (302) 407-3397.
OUR TEAM
Darius Brown
Executive Director
dbrown@wilmhope.org
Dr. Debra Mason
Deputy Executive Director
dmason@wilmhope.org
COLLABORATION
COLLABORATION
Re-entry Court
Re-entry Court consists of a collaboration between the Delaware Department of Correction and the HOPE Commission. The recruitment of individuals into the Re-entry Court program is vital to the success of the program. There are four ways in which a person is recruited/referred into the program.
- Volunteer/Self-referral
- Court ordered
- Probation referral
- DOC referral. To ensure a smooth transition all individuals are tracked, and the initial contact depends on the type of recruitment/referral as well as if contact is made with individuals while incarcerated.
Information sessions are facilitated for a group of incarcerated individuals to inform them about the program, what we offer, and the process to have your sentence modified and get enrolled. These sessions are scheduled quarterly or whenever the In-Reach Coordinator deem appropriate. The HOPE Commission also provides individual sessions, Getting Motivated to Change sessions, Inner Circle sessions, and information sessions.
When participants officially enter the program, they become members. Each member is assigned to a case manager. During their time in the program, members will complete an assessment during their first few weeks in the program, approximately the half way point, and again at discharge. This measures their Social Functioning, Psychological Functioning, Criminal Thinking, Motivation, Engagement, and readiness to change. Members’ trauma scores are also collected in order to provide more informed care.
During the program, members engage in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI), Winners Circle, Work Force Development, and Substance Abuse Counseling (if needed). Members complete three (3) phases and acquire incentives and sanctions (if needed). The phase system and the menu of sanctions and incentives is offered as a structured programmatic framework for advancing standardization of integrated practices across Probation and Parole, Re-entry Court and re-entry service Providers. To complete the program, members must maintain the four (4) pillars.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WorkForce Development (WFD) is facilitated by Peer Mentors and consists of modular courses aimed at vocational training, job readiness, and employment placement/retention. It is based on attaining and keeping employment.
The class is broken down into 5 sections:
- Self-Presentation
- Work Readiness & Career Search Skills
- Interview Preparation
- Interviewing Practice
- Resume Writing
Each class has its own handout(s). The groups are designed to be interactive. There are sections for the Peer Mentor to read, followed by questions for the Members to provide input.
This group is required for all new members, even if they have a job. If they work during the day, staff will hold an evening WFD class at 6 pm on Monday. WFD lasts for five (5) weeks and Members must attend all five (5) weeks. If they miss a week, they will attend the first available class.
NORTHSTAR DIGITAL LITERACY
After the initial WFD classes, Members engage in a series of three (3) computer-based classes through the Northstar Digital Literacy curriculum with the Workforce Development Coordinator. Members are tasked with interactive modules around the topics of basic computer and tech operation, internet basics, understanding email, and actively creating their resume (from WFD session 5) in Microsoft Word.
For members seeking advanced training, modules in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Windows 10, Mac OS, Google Docs / Drive, Social Media, and Career Search Skills are also offered. Members work with the Workforce Development Coordinator through instructor-led modules and must score 85% or better on the module assessment for certification and skill accreditation. These skill and competency-based certifications are awarded through the Northstar Digital Literacy platform and Members are able to continue to refresh and practice their skills in previously completed modules on their own through this web-based curriculum.
Enhanced Workforce Development
For our community-based programs, as well as for our Members in need of additional workforce skills, the HOPE Commission employs a ten (10) module Enhanced Workforce Development (EWFD) Curriculum to support and strengthen skills and knowledge learned in the initial five (5) module WFD curriculum.
Topics in the EWFD curriculum include: Scheduling and Time Management, Conflict Resolution, Effective Communication and Listening Skills, Cover Letter and Resume Writing, Receiving Feedback and Criticism, and Goal Setting.
TRANSFORMATION
TRANSFORMATION
HOPE for the City is an initiative of the HOPE Commission to spread hope throughout Delaware neighborhoods and communities. This initiative leverages the strengths of the HOPE Commission re-entry program to create upward mobility for justice-involved program members, family reunification and revitalization through economic development.
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contact us
Wilmington HOPE Commission
38 Vandever Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 407-3397
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