We’re Offering Incarcerated Individuals and Returning Citizens the Opportunity for a New Life.
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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.”
Our innovative approach offers incarcerated individuals and returning citizens the opportunity for a new life by offering distinct elements of a continuum of care: Reentry & Diversion Services, along with Chaplaincy and Pre-Release at the Allegheny County Jail.
Foundation of HOPE staff and volunteers speak from experience, telling participants, “Your past does not define your future.”
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Foundation of HOPE Offers a Strong Foundation of Services
We provide spiritual support and practical help to individuals of all faiths
Chaplaincy provides pastoral care, worship, religious education, and other assistance for incarcerated individuals of all faith backgrounds in the Allegheny County Jail.
We’re giving them their best chance of never going back.
Pre-Release empowers them to transform their thinking and behaviors, while working with key community service providers and volunteers to prepare them for their future.
With our help, he’s beginning to put his past behind him.
HOPE Reentry increases their chances for success in returning to the community by offering case management, material assistance, referrals for housing & employment, and weekly support groups.
We’re offering youths better choices with a better chance to succeed.
Youth Diversion helps keep young people safe, allowing them to learn from their mistakes through early intervention, rather than entering the juvenile justice system.
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.
Foundation of HOPE’s 2025 Golf Outing
Friday July 11, 2025
Youghiogheny Country Club
Elizabeth Township, PA
“When I was incarcerated, Foundation of HOPE gave me a sort of foundation to begin on with the HOPE pod in the Allegheny County Jail. They provided an anchor for me.”
Jeffrey, former participant
With donations from people like you, individuals and communities are transformed through an accessible, non-judgmental community, one-on-one peer support, holistic case management, and immediate access to resources.
Join the HOPE Team!
The Foundation of HOPE has exciting opportunities for dedicated individuals who want to help make a difference in our community.
Watch the Latest HOPE Video
The goals of the program 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 incarcerated individuals regardless of their race, age, ethnic background, or faith tradition.
Your Generosity Provides HOPE to Thousands of Individuals Impacted by the Criminal Justice System Each Year.
“Doors opened when I started coming to HOPE, and that changed my way of thinking about life’s obstacles.”
When William was released from prison earlier this year, he had problems adjusting. He lost hope. At the suggestion of a counselor, William made an appointment at the Foundation of HOPE’s Reentry Program, which provides people like him with material assistance, informational resources, referrals, and guidance regarding employment, housing, and other social services.
William also started attending HOPE’s support group meetings. He said, “The meetings are helping me build my life up, and I don’t feel so alone. My friends there are like family. I’m able to cry to them if I’m having a problem.“
KD Sunday Spotlight: Foundation of Hope helping individuals transform their lives after incarceration
By Briana Smith, September 18, 2022 / CBS Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Many people are moving from prison to prosperity with guidance from the “Foundation of Hope.” The non-profit organization helps incarcerated individuals re-enter society and succeed during their second chance at life.
“Today, I can be part of the healing of the community,” Rodger Jay said. “The same communities that I was part of the destruction of, now I get to be part of the healing. I am grateful for that.”
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 most rewarding part of working with HOPE participants is witnessing the development of men and women who will not only be able to survive, but to thrive outside of jail.”
Rev. Jeff, HOPE Volunteer
The Foundation of HOPE Offers a Solution that Works.
Each year, thousands of people are arrested and brought to the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh. The jail’s population is generally between 1,400 and 1,700 on a daily basis. Of those in the general jail population, approximately 52% will return (or recidivate).
This recidivism is primarily due to the fact that, once released, incarcerated individuals face incredible obstacles in overcoming or avoiding the factors that contributed to their incarceration in the first place. Many return to the lifestyles, communities, and loved ones who may have influenced their criminal thinking.
The Foundation of HOPE addresses the problem of recidivism by offering incarcerated individuals support and direction both during their time at the jail and after their release, thereby increasing their capacity to make responsible decisions and avoid repeat offenses.
We Need Your Help.
The Foundation of HOPE relies on the support of others like you to help us make a difference.
Learn how you can get involved by sharing your gift of time, financial support, and donated goods. Training is available for leading, teaching, or mentoring. Your tax-deductible financial donations help us provide direct support to those we serve.