WE’VE MOVED!
As of November 17, 2025, our new address is 901 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 3A, Pittsburgh PA 15233.
ACTIVITIES-BASED PROGRAM
Providing a pathway to re-entry through activities, entertainment, and social connection.
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Connecting Individuals to Structured Activities that Can Be Replicated or Found in the Outside Community
The HOPE Activities-Based Program provides various activities, like yoga, bingo, book club, origami, move night, and many others, directly to incarcerated individuals in the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ) housing pods. The Program oversees the physical library at the ACJ and is responsible for coordinating its resources. We have over 4000 books in our on-site library and are actively seeking to increase the number in our collection.
Along with physical resources, our goal is to share community resources with our incarcerated population, so they have a stronger pathway for their re-entry. We connect with organizations and programs throughout the county to share their resources and opportunities with our emerging population. We conduct quarterly surveys to tailor activities specifically to the interests of the individuals on the pods.
There are no requirements to participate in the program. Our objective is to engage every individual at the ACJ with our activities. We go directly onto the housing units where the individuals live to facilitate the activities with them. Anyone in the unit who wants to participate is welcome.
The HOPE Activities-Based Program utilizes CT-R therapy techniques, researched by the Beck Institute, to help connect individuals to structured activities that can be replicated or found in the outside community. We then encourage individuals to seek out and make these connections upon re-entry by including community volunteers and organizations in activity facilitation.
“We really want to help bring back the social confidence in people that there really are things they can do, that they are worthy and valued, and there are ways to get to that point.”
Individuals and Organizations are Encouraged to Get Involved!
We are seeking individuals who are looking to serve as mentors and provide support to our individuals. Those seeking to volunteer with HOPE Activities-Based Program are invited to submit a form through our volunteer portal. Applicants should tell the screener that they are interested in volunteering with the Activities-Based Program. Candidates must pass a background check and complete at least one security training hosted by Foundation of HOPE and ACJ twice per year (Fall and Spring). Upon completion of security training and approval from the program director, individuals will be able to facilitate a variety of activities on the pod. They will also be able to assist with office work, data entry, and many other tasks.
We are seeking organizations that support individuals on their re-entry journey and want to create and maintain pathways towards successful re-entry. Interested organizations should contact Tre’ Thomas, Activities-Based Program Director. Any members of the organization must also be able to pass a background check and attend at least one of the two offered security trainings. Upon completion of the training, background check, and approval, members of the organization will be able to present information about their resources to individuals and facilitate activities.
Foundation of HOPE Monthly Donation Drive
December 8, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The Foundation of HOPE is having a donation drive the second Monday of every month. Please consider donating goods to help us to serve incarcerated individuals and follow ACJ policy. The drive is at our new location at 901 Pennsylvania Ave., Suite 3A, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.
We are currently accepting donations for:
- Soft cover books written within the last 10 years
- Horror/Sci-fi Novels
- Comic Books
- Non-religious Self-Help Books
- Mystery
- Foreign Language Novels (Nepalese & Spanish appreciated!)
- Unopened/Unused Hygiene Products (except alcoholic mouthwash)
If you like to donate goods on December 8, please click below to schedule your drop-off.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Tre' Thomas, Activities Based Program Director at tre'.thomas@alleghenycounty.us.
How You Can Help
The Foundation of HOPE relies on the support of others like you to help us make a difference. We have fundraisers, donation drives, mentoring opportunities, and we also accept gifts of time and financial support. Learn how you can get involved.