Our Mission
Project New Start's mission is to combat violence and reduce recidivism. We do this by assisting justice-involved individuals as they transition from incarceration back to their families, communities and employment.
Project New Start was created in 2013 to be a catalyst for positive change and provide a solution to several of the root causes of violent crime in Delaware such as poverty, the lack of economic opportunities, drug/alcohol abuse, and high educational dropout rates.
Our New Start Reentry Program assists individuals in developing positive behaviors through cognitive restructuring, developing marketable skills, and obtaining and sustaining employment. 100% of the individuals served by the New Start program have severe barriers to securing employment but despite these barriers from October 2013 through June 2024, the following results have been achieved:
1) 199 justice-involved individuals have been enrolled in the New Start program
2) 148 individuals have graduated (74%)
3) 124 of the 148 graduates have secured employment (84% placement rate)
4) Approximately 75% of program graduates have not been re-convicted three years following their release from incarceration
5) At the cost of approximately $36,000 per year to house an inmate in Delaware's prisons, New Start alumni sustaining success are saving the State of Delaware approximately $3,000,000 per year and are now contributing, tax-paying citizens.
In October 2020, Project New Start was recognized by Delaware Governor John Carney for outstanding achievement in providing Trauma Informed Care services and awarded the Compassionate Champion Award. And in October 2021, Project New Start received the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council’s Blanche L. Jackson Volunteerism Award for our initiative and dedication supporting the participation of returning citizens and incarcerated individuals in banking.
Mission Area
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Workforce Development, Human Services
Board Meeting Details
Our board meets on weekday evenings
We are a small board with less than 10 people and no committees
We elect our board of directors in January
Board Needs
We are especially interested in candidates with the following skills: Entrepreneurial Management/ Start-Ups, Finance/Financial Management, Fundraising/Fund Development, Strategy/Strategy Management, Marketing/Social Media financial expertise wanted.
Number of board openings: multiple
We are not seeking to fill a specific officer position.
Our board doesn't require an annual financial contribution from members.
More About Our Organization
Since its inception in 2013, Project New Start has established an outstanding reputation and demonstrated competency in:
• Preparing justice-involved individuals to successfully re-enter the community and be economically successful
• Supporting the long-term success of the individuals we serve
• Responding nimbly to challenges and opportunities
