Project New Start

Project New Start combats violence and reduces recidivism. Our vision is to inspire a culture of respect, integrity, innovation, and excellence and to be a leader in combating violence, reducing recidivism, and supporting individual success. Our Values are Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability

About Project New Start

Mission: Project New Start combats violence and reduces recidivism. Our vision is to inspire a culture of respect, integrity, innovation, and excellence and to be a leader in combating violence, reducing recidivism, and supporting individual success. Our Values are Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and Accountability

Project New Start operates a comprehensive, results-oriented cognitive-behavioral change/workforce development program for justice-involved individuals. Our New Start Program guides justice-involved individuals in developing positive behaviors and marketable employment skills, obtaining and maintaining employment, and sustaining long-term success. And we're doing just that! Project New Start's recidivism rate is under 25% compared to 76% in the state, and over 90% of program graduates have secured employment. 

Focus: Financial Literacy

Far too often, individuals leave prison with little, if any, understanding of basic money management skills, which makes it difficult for them to face the complex realities of life on the outside. 
 
To address this challenge, Project New Start created a comprehensive Money Management Program. The program focuses are: 
  • Effective budgeting
  • Understanding credit and debt
  • Proper banking processes 
  • Importance of savings
  • Handling of money in a relationship

The program has had incredible results, with over 90% of participants demonstrating increased financial literacy skills. Since March 2019 1,103 individuals (223 women at Baylor Correctional Institution for Women and 880 men at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution) have completed the program. 

Funding Challenge:

However, while Project New Start’s Money Management program continues to generate great interest within the institutions and demonstrate positive results, funding to sustain the program is a challenge. Your contribution through Do More 24 will help another 120 participants complete this valuable program and support Project New Start’s mission to combat violence and reduce recidivism.

  • $400: Cost Per Money Management Session 
  • 6: Sessions Per Program
  • 60: Available Slots for Program Participants per institution
  • $4,800: Total Funding needed 
    • $2,400 for Baylor Correctional Institution for Women 
    • $2,400 for Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. 

Thanks to a generous match, all donations up to $3,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar on Delaware Gives Day!

County Served: Kent; New Castle; Sussex

Office Location(s): Wilmington

Sector: BIPOC-Led (Board); BIPOC-Led (Sr/Exec Leadership); Human Services; Workforce