Handcuffs to Hope

Easing the transition for incarcerated youth who exit jail homeless

Second Chances

Plan

Three to six months before release, our caseworkers meet with incarcerated youth who will exit jail homeless to develop a plan for self-sufficiency, including stable housing, employment and life skills. This includes assisting with resume writing, career and apprenticeship exploration and mentoring.

Support

Once youth are released, Mobile Hope provides clothing, hygiene items, food and other vital supplies. Computers are available for job and housing searches, and youth meet with our Youth Empowerment Services Team to address barriers to employment, including felony convictions.

Connect

Providing youth the opportunity to connect with others in a healthy, non-judgemental environment fosters well-being. In addition, helping youth access mental health services is critical to self-sufficiency and reducing recidivism. More than 50% of incarcerated youth demonstrate symptoms of a mental health disorder. (Va. Dept. of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Data Resource Guide Fiscal Year 2016 (Richmond: Virginia DJJ, 2016).