As usual, there’s a lot going on at Project 180! Residents are doing well, we’re partnering on an exciting new initiative, and preparing for Strong Voices, Dining With Friends, and the Giving Challenge which will be held again next April.
Read on to find out who’s doing what, when things are happening, and how you can stay involved.
Back to School!
Michael
Michael joined Nik’s House just before Christmas, 2018 and has been steadily putting his life back together. Homeless for four years prior to being accepted into Project 180’s Residential Program, he’s grateful every day for a new beginning.
Each resident is provided the means to ascertain his personal leadership style through the Gallup Strengths-Based Leadership 2.0 survey and Michael took the assessment. He’s an Achiever whose world view is, “No matter how much you may feel you deserve a day of rest, if the day passes without some form of achievement…you will feel dissatisfied.” The assessment fits; Michael’s accomplished a lot since coming into the program.
Upon entering Nik’s House, Michael set goals for himself. Get a job. Restore his driver’s license. Buy a car. Go back to school. He got a job within his first few weeks at Nik’s and has worked as a line cook and roofer on his way to accomplishing his other goals.
Transportation is one of the biggest roadblocks for recently released citizens. With help from Project 180’s Fee & Fine Assistance Program,** Michael regained his license to drive in July. He purchased a car with his savings, applied for Financial Aid, and received a grant to go back to school at Suncoast Technical College where he’s studying to become an electrician.
Michael still has months to go before he’s a full-fledged electrician but is working hard to achieve his dream. What’s more, he’s inspiring others in the program to think about obtaining a career rather than just working a job. We’re proud of you, Michael!
**In Project 180’s Fee & Fine Assistance Program, Project 180 matches a resident’s payments up to $1,000 to clear fees and fines that prevent him from restoring his right to drive.
“Book ‘Em”
Judy Gee
Last year, Project 180 introduced Literacy Council of Sarasota volunteer Judy Gee to DeSoto CI State Prison in Arcadia. Almost 40% of state prisoners have a literacy level of fifth grade or lower and Judy wanted to help turn that figure around. She formed Individual Literacy Training which uses a practical approach to raising the literacy levels of extremely low-literate individuals.
While delivering her program at DeSoto, she decided to launch an initiative to buy a book for every inmate who wanted one because, “everyone should have his or her very own, brand new book.” She worked diligently with three inmates–Mr. Solomon, Mr. Tennity, and Mr. White–who took the project and ran with it. In a stroke of brilliance, one of the men named the book distribution project “Book ‘Em.”
Judy found funding, enlisted Project 180 as a fiscal agent, haggled prices with booksellers and, with her three compatriots, comprised a list of 68 books from which each inmate could select his own book. Mr. Solomon, Mr. Tennity, and Mr. White posted flyers and sign-up sheets in the dorms with descriptions of each book. Poignantly, the flyer and sign-up sheet included the following statement and poem:
“If you did not grow up in a world where reading was encouraged, now’s your chance to start catching up! If you need help reading the book you choose, let us know. We can help.”
I opened a book and in I strode.
Now nobody can find me.
I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,
My town and my world behind me.
I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,
I’ve swallowed the magic potion.
I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king
And dived in a bottomless ocean.
I opened a book and made some friends.
I shared their tears and laughter
And followed their road with its bumps and bends
To the happily ever after.
I finished my book and out I came.
The cloak can no longer hide me.
My chair and my house are just the same,
But I have a book inside me.
–Julia Donaldson
Project 180 is proud to be associated with this wonderful initiative. Abiding thanks to Judy, Messrs. Tennity, Solomon and White, and DeSoto Annex Assistant Warden of Programs Lori Norwood.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC) is not only gearing up for the Giving Challenge on April 28-29, 2020 but also helping Project 180 prepare for the seventh season of its Strong Voices lecture series through a $5,000 “Breaker of Chains” sponsorship.
CFSC is showing its support for our 2020 topic, “Celebrating Second Chance Employers,” an exploration of the benefits, challenges, and incentives in hiring formerly incarcerated citizens. Mark your calendars now for March 6, April 3, and May 8, 2020 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota, and a pre-series panel discussion at Pier 22 in Bradenton on February 7.
New this year! Networking from 11:00 to 11:30 at each luncheon. Tickets and sponsorships are available now by clicking here.
Read about Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s current areas of impact here: Season of Sharing, the Two-Generation Approach to reducing poverty, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, and The Giving Partner.
Many, many thanks to the CFSC Board of Directors, Roxie, and staff for partnering with Project 180 once again in the Strong Voices lecture series!
A Note From the CEO
Thank you for being a part of the Project 180 family and supporting educational programs for incarcerated citizens, the Strong Voices lecture series, our Information & Referral system for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated citizens, and Nik’s House Residential Program.
You’ve brought Project 180 a long way. We’re proud of our progress and hope you are, too.
With sincere thanks,
Barbara Richards
Project 180
Our goal is to reduce the impact of repeat offenders upon public safety, public spending, Florida families and individual lives.
Dr. Hank Brightman Biography
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Hank spent more than ten years in a wide range of environmental law enforcement, supervisory natural resource protection, emergency hazardous waste contingency response and white-collar crime investigation with the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service and the United States Secret Service.
Hank received his:
He is a graduate of
In addition, Dr. Brightman is
Hank is currently a full professor and Acting Director of the Civilian-Military Humanitarian Response Program within the College of Maritime Operational at the United States Naval War College. He also serves as the distinguished EMC Informationist Chair (an eight-year, endowed appointment). From 2008-2016, he served as an Associate Professor, Professor, and Director of Applied Research & Analysis in the War Gaming Department of this institution.
From 2000-2008, he served as a tenured Associate Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at Saint Peter’s University, and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Salve Regina University, Saint Peter’s University, and Utica College, where he teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level courses in Criminology and research methods.
In his Navy Reserve career, Commander (CDR) Heath “Hank” Brightman serves as Commanding Officer of Navy Reserve, Cryptologic Warfare Group in Massachusetts. A fully qualified Navy Reserve Cryptologic Warfare Officer, CDR Brightman’s most recent active duty mobilization was from March 2018 through February 2019, assigned to the Office of Military Commissions, Military Commissions Defense Organization (Washington DC/Guantanamo Bay, Cuba). In this capacity, he served as the Senior Intelligence Investigator on a 9/11 high-value detainee case team.
For the past seven years, Dr. Brightman has maintained a part-time, private trauma and wellness practice in Newport, Rhode Island, focused on applying a variety of holistic techniques to support client recovery. His primary approach combines Jungian, Gestalt, narrative, and expressive therapies with clinical hypnotherapy, physical fitness, and nutrition.
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman Biography
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is the 11th Sheriff of Sarasota County and began this new leg of his long service to our community earlier this year.
Sheriff Hoffman began his law enforcement career as a deputy with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office in 1989. He served the Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto communities for more than three decades as both a prosecutor and as the general counsel for the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office since 2005. During his tenure, he was promoted to Captain, Major, and Colonel prior to winning the 2020 election to become our new Sheriff.
Sheriff Hoffman has a rich family history of service in both local and state law enforcement as well as the US Military. He has a passion for the veteran community, his family, and his hometown. He and his wife Teri reside in Venice.
Gulfcoast Legal Services Gives Project 180 Residents a Workshop About Taxes
Project 180 residents had the opportunity to sit down for a virtual meeting with three attorneys who were eager to answer their questions and offer support for what is oftentimes a stressful and confusing task: filing taxes.
Gulfcoast Legal Services, a non-profit organization that provides high quality legal services at no cost to the client, gave a detailed presentation Monday evening about how to properly file annual taxes and answered questions during a group discussion with Project 180 residents.
“I think perhaps the most important thing that happened [tonight] is that these guys now have a personal relationship with 3 tax lawyers,” said Wendy Cox, tax attorney for Gulf Coast Legal Services who led the workshop.
The workshop addressed vital information and explained how to properly fill out a W-4, how to receive a stimulus check, where to file taxes at no charge and so much more.
“I think the key will be if they contact us for 1:1 advice. That’s where we can really help people,” Wendy added.
Gulf Coast Legal Services kicked-off Project 180’s first Resident Workshop that was designed to bring industry experts and professionals once-a-month to help educate Project 180 residents on a broad spectrum of topics.
If you or your organization would like to provide a workshop for Project 180 residents, please email Sandra.project180@gmail.com.
“We can’t thank Wendy and her team at Gulfcoast Legal Services enough for sharing their time and knowledge with our residents,” said Barbara Richards, Project 180 Founder and CEO. “Our residents had several questions about their taxes and they were relieved to have answers from trusted professionals who want to see them succeed.”
PROJECT 180 EXPANDS RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM WITH A SECOND HOME
Project 180 is excited to announce the opening of Keifer’s House in Sarasota County
Sarasota, FL, September 10, 2020: Project 180, a Sarasota-based nonprofit, has opened its second Residential Program home to provide comprehensive services for formerly incarcerated men in active recovery.
The opening of Keifer’s House underscores Project 180’s holistic reentry model for reintegrating formerly incarcerated citizens into community life. Emphasizing a ‘recovery first’ foundation to rebuild lives shattered by drug and alcohol addiction, Project 180 provides safe and stable housing for up to two years and a structured, hands-on recovery program tailored to meet the unique needs of each resident.
Keifer’s House is a newly renovated, fully furnished, three-bedroom and two-bath home nestled in a friendly neighborhood that comfortably accommodates up to six residents. A local donor furnished the entire home to support residents in turning their lives around.
Thanks to a generous donation provided by The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation in 2018, Project 180 purchased its first home, Nik’s House, and laid the foundation for the opening of a second property just two years later. The 2020 Giving Challenge presented by The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, provided the remaining seed money to rent Keifer’s House.
As Project 180 continues to stand on the front lines of the recidivism crisis, expand its community impact, and provide lifesaving programs and services, Barbara Richards, Project 180 President/CEO and Founder, welcomes a new Development Coordinator to the team, Sandra Baxter. Baxter, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from University of South Florida, will assist in providing meaningful experiences for donors, volunteers and supporters who save and transform lives every day through their generosity.
Baxter brings a “unique background in business development, communications, and sales to this newly created role. We’re thrilled that she’s joined the Project 180 family,” Richards said.
For more information on Project 180, visit www.project180reentry.org and find Project 180 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Project 180: Project 180 seeks to reduce recidivism by providing workforce education and financial literacy classes for inmates, an annual reentry lecture series for the general public, information and referrals for formerly incarcerated individuals seeking housing, programs, and employment, and a comprehensive, whole-life Residential Program for men in recovery. Project 180 seeks to build community, not prisons.
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Project 180 Celebrates its Residential Program Graduate
Joshua Linden, Project 180 Residential Program graduate.
Project 180’s Residential Program was created to provide a safe, stable environment in which formerly incarcerated men in active recovery might rebuild their lives – and that’s precisely what its most recent graduate, Joshua Linden, has accomplished. Joshua now embarks on a new and exciting chapter in his life after successfully completing the program.
On January 4, 2020, Joshua began his journey at Project 180 and moved into Nik’s House, one of Project 180’s Residential Program homes. Just one week out of Sarasota County Jail, Joshua had no job, no money, no cell phone, and was estranged from his family due to his behavior during his years of drug and alcohol addiction.
After hitting rock bottom, Joshua knew it was time to change and find a support system that would allow him to focus on recovery as the foundation for all other aspects of his life.
Upon entering Project 180’s Residential Program, Joshua was provided with not just a house where he could recover and rebuild, but a supportive and kind home – something he had not experienced in a very long time.
When asked what the most important part of the Residential Program was for him, Joshua said it was “knowing that people have your back, knowing that you have a legitimate second chance at life, and having a feeling of security and a safe home. I have not had that in a very long time so that was super important.”
Project 180’s Residential Program focuses on providing comprehensive services to formerly incarcerated men who are sincere about turning their lives around and are willing to put in the work. The program includes stable housing, nutritious food, assistance with obtaining a cell phone, clothing, transportation, and necessities that many of us take for granted every day.
“To be able to get a phone was huge,” Josh explained. “How are you going to get a phone without a job? How are you going to get a job without a phone? It was a catch-22. [Project 180’s help in getting a cell phone] was extremely helpful. Just being in that environment in the house where my basic needs were met allowed me to focus on my recovery instead of worrying about little things here and there.”
Project 180 gave Joshua the opportunity to rebuild his life one step at a time. Now, only seven months later, Joshua has a stable job, has regained his right to drive, owns a car, and has moved into a one-bedroom house.
As Joshua enjoys a life he once “could have never imagined,” he looks forward to staying clean and sober, reconnecting with family, working hard every day, and focusing on his art and music in his spare time.
“Turning lives around isn’t just about putting a roof over someone’s head and a Band-Aid on the problem,” said Barbara Richards, President/CEO and Founder of Project 180. “We have to dig deep: understand where these men are coming from, what their specific needs are, and how we can help them build a new life of purpose and meaning that will ultimately make our community a much safer place to live.”
As Joshua begins this exciting new chapter in his life, Project 180 celebrates his success alongside the community that makes life transformations like this happen.
“Donors, community members, and volunteers are the ones who make it possible for deserving men like Joshua to have a second chance at life,” Richards said. “The greatest reward for us all will be to watch Joshua soar and build a life of happiness for himself and those around him.”
Strong Voices 2020 Lecture Series “Celebrating Second Chance Employers”
The Honorable Kimberly C. Bonner (left) Chief Judge, 12th Judicial Circuit Speaker. Roxie Jerde President/CEO, Community Foundation of Sarasota County Breaker of Chains Sponsor. Sherry Koski, The Koski Family Foundation, Breaker of Chains Sponsor.
Joe Malave Project 180 Board of Directors (left) Raymond James Breaker of Chains Sponsor. Felix Massey Keynote Speaker, March 6, 2020 Society for Human Resource Management.
Remaining lectures for “Celebrating Second Chance Employers”
Fine-Tuning During the Pandemic
Residential Services Continue
Despite the challenges we’re all facing, the Residential Program continues to provide comprehensive services and stability in the lives of the men at Nik’s House. The residents are all doing well and no one has displayed symptoms of the virus.
As always, residents receive strong recovery support; safe, stable housing; nutritious food (now delivered by Instacart); clothing, work clothing, and tools; and all the support we can give to keep them safe and healthy.
Fifty percent of our men are currently unemployed; however, no resident has been discharged due to an inability to pay his program fee and no eligible applicant is turned away due to lack of funds.
We remain in contact with former residents to support their continued success.
Strong Voices Luncheons Postponed
We have postponed the final two luncheon lectures in our Strong Voices series until October and November. Strong Voices educates our community and generates much of Project 180’s annual income. Like many nonprofits, we rely on these events to help formerly incarcerated citizens transform their lives – work that is more important now than ever.
Fortunately, the Giving Challenge, a community fundraiser in which we’ve participated since its inception, will be held April 28-29 from noon to noon. This is one of the greatest sources of our operating funds.
We understand that COVID-19 is impacting everyone and hope you will consider directing your donation to Project 180 during the Giving Challenge when donations of $25 to $100 will be matched by The Patterson Foundation.
Your support will continue to provide food, shelter and other vital services for formerly incarcerated men and women.
We also encourage you to consider a contribution to our partner, Sarasota Chorus of the Keys, a men’s chorus that keeps alive the uniquely American art of the Barbershop Quartet.
Sarasota Chorus of the Keys is creating a special singing telegram to thank you for donating to Project 180 during the Giving Challenge!
Prison and Jail Programs on Hold
CEO Workforce Education and Financial Literacy classes in jails and prisons have been postponed until further notice by the administration of each facility.
Staff Remains Working
Our staff is working from home. Almost half our annual payroll is donated by an Angel Donor a year in advance. Her February, 2020 contribution will help support staff into 2021.
Emily (aka Em), Office Administrator, provides support for reentering citizens throughout the state of Florida through our Information & Referral Service (I & R). Reentering citizens in need of housing, programs, and employment contact us on a daily basis and speak to Emily. Her compassionate assistance not only provides important survival information but also the vital elements of hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.
In 2019, we served 589 individuals through this program with over 1,200 since its inception. With more and more calls for inmates to be released early during the coronavirus pandemic, I & R is an increasingly valuable service to the community.
Mike, Residential Program Manager, remains closely in touch with residents and former residents who are in need of his guidance during these challenging times. In-person AA and NA meetings are no longer available which have made Mike’s guidance, wisdom and insight absolutely essential during the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2019, Project 180’s Residential Program provided 1,861 nights of shelter and food for 5,577 meals.
Barbara continues her work as always.
Photos from the March 6th Luncheon
With Warmest Thanks to Our Generous 2020 Strong Voices Lecture Series Sponsors
Thank you for your belief in and commitment to the men and women we serve during these unusual times. We are being as strategic as possible to ensure that the organization can meet its Mission and Vision and continue to serve.
We will keep you posted on the well-being of our residents, our work, and upcoming events.
Project 180
The Year in Review
The successes and forward momentum of 2019, our most effective year so far, couldn’t have happened without you. Your gifts of financial assistance, introductions to new donors and friends, and contributions of your time make Project 180 the valued and successful program it is today.
We wish you a Happy New Year and send you a thousand thanks for your vision and support. Thank you for being our partners in this important work that saves lives, heals wounds, and reunites families.
Barbara Richards
Project 180
Change for Good One Person At A Time
Back to School
Ruslan
Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice and The Honorable Andy Owens with Ruslan at Strong Voices in April
Stability makes a profound difference in anyone’s ability to move forward yet it’s especially important for formerly incarcerated citizens as they attempt to put their lives back together after release.
Read more
A Look Behind the Scenes, Our Latest News
As usual, there’s a lot going on at Project 180! Residents are doing well, we’re partnering on an exciting new initiative, and preparing for Strong Voices, Dining With Friends, and the Giving Challenge which will be held again next April.
Read on to find out who’s doing what, when things are happening, and how you can stay involved.
Back to School!
Michael
Michael joined Nik’s House just before Christmas, 2018 and has been steadily putting his life back together. Homeless for four years prior to being accepted into Project 180’s Residential Program, he’s grateful every day for a new beginning.
Each resident is provided the means to ascertain his personal leadership style through the Gallup Strengths-Based Leadership 2.0 survey and Michael took the assessment. He’s an Achiever whose world view is, “No matter how much you may feel you deserve a day of rest, if the day passes without some form of achievement…you will feel dissatisfied.” The assessment fits; Michael’s accomplished a lot since coming into the program.
Upon entering Nik’s House, Michael set goals for himself. Get a job. Restore his driver’s license. Buy a car. Go back to school. He got a job within his first few weeks at Nik’s and has worked as a line cook and roofer on his way to accomplishing his other goals.
Transportation is one of the biggest roadblocks for recently released citizens. With help from Project 180’s Fee & Fine Assistance Program,** Michael regained his license to drive in July. He purchased a car with his savings, applied for Financial Aid, and received a grant to go back to school at Suncoast Technical College where he’s studying to become an electrician.
Michael still has months to go before he’s a full-fledged electrician but is working hard to achieve his dream. What’s more, he’s inspiring others in the program to think about obtaining a career rather than just working a job. We’re proud of you, Michael!
**In Project 180’s Fee & Fine Assistance Program, Project 180 matches a resident’s payments up to $1,000 to clear fees and fines that prevent him from restoring his right to drive.
“Book ‘Em”
Judy Gee
Last year, Project 180 introduced Literacy Council of Sarasota volunteer Judy Gee to DeSoto CI State Prison in Arcadia. Almost 40% of state prisoners have a literacy level of fifth grade or lower and Judy wanted to help turn that figure around. She formed Individual Literacy Training which uses a practical approach to raising the literacy levels of extremely low-literate individuals.
While delivering her program at DeSoto, she decided to launch an initiative to buy a book for every inmate who wanted one because, “everyone should have his or her very own, brand new book.” She worked diligently with three inmates–Mr. Solomon, Mr. Tennity, and Mr. White–who took the project and ran with it. In a stroke of brilliance, one of the men named the book distribution project “Book ‘Em.”
Judy found funding, enlisted Project 180 as a fiscal agent, haggled prices with booksellers and, with her three compatriots, comprised a list of 68 books from which each inmate could select his own book. Mr. Solomon, Mr. Tennity, and Mr. White posted flyers and sign-up sheets in the dorms with descriptions of each book. Poignantly, the flyer and sign-up sheet included the following statement and poem:
“If you did not grow up in a world where reading was encouraged, now’s your chance to start catching up! If you need help reading the book you choose, let us know. We can help.”
I opened a book and in I strode.
Now nobody can find me.
I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,
My town and my world behind me.
I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,
I’ve swallowed the magic potion.
I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king
And dived in a bottomless ocean.
I opened a book and made some friends.
I shared their tears and laughter
And followed their road with its bumps and bends
To the happily ever after.
I finished my book and out I came.
The cloak can no longer hide me.
My chair and my house are just the same,
But I have a book inside me.
–Julia Donaldson
Project 180 is proud to be associated with this wonderful initiative. Abiding thanks to Judy, Messrs. Tennity, Solomon and White, and DeSoto Annex Assistant Warden of Programs Lori Norwood.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC) is not only gearing up for the Giving Challenge on April 28-29, 2020 but also helping Project 180 prepare for the seventh season of its Strong Voices lecture series through a $5,000 “Breaker of Chains” sponsorship.
CFSC is showing its support for our 2020 topic, “Celebrating Second Chance Employers,” an exploration of the benefits, challenges, and incentives in hiring formerly incarcerated citizens. Mark your calendars now for March 6, April 3, and May 8, 2020 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota, and a pre-series panel discussion at Pier 22 in Bradenton on February 7.
New this year! Networking from 11:00 to 11:30 at each luncheon. Tickets and sponsorships are available now by clicking here.
Read about Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s current areas of impact here: Season of Sharing, the Two-Generation Approach to reducing poverty, the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, and The Giving Partner.
Many, many thanks to the CFSC Board of Directors, Roxie, and staff for partnering with Project 180 once again in the Strong Voices lecture series!
A Note From the CEO
Thank you for being a part of the Project 180 family and supporting educational programs for incarcerated citizens, the Strong Voices lecture series, our Information & Referral system for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated citizens, and Nik’s House Residential Program.
You’ve brought Project 180 a long way. We’re proud of our progress and hope you are, too.
With sincere thanks,
Barbara Richards
Project 180