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.

“I know for a fact in my heart of hearts that if I didn’t move into that house I would have relapsed by now. I’d be dead or in jail,” Joshua said as he reflected on what his life might look like today if Project 180 didn’t exist.

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.

“There’s no way to put it into words. This is the first time in my adult life that I have moved into a place on my own,” Joshua said.

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.”

 

As with other events nationwide, the second and third luncheons in Project 180’s annual lecture series were postponed due to the pandemic. With high hopes and great optimism, we originally intended to pick up again this Friday, June 12. Clearly, that goal was too enthusiastic.
We began celebrating Second Chance employers on March 6th with The Honorable Kimberly C. Bonner and keynote speaker Felix Massey. We look forward to continuing the series on the dates listed below.

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”

Please join us on
October 9  for a panel discussion with Second Chance employers and employees
November 13  to hear Dave Dahl, keynote speaker. Founder and former owner of Dave’s Killer Bread
All other information for the series remains the same:
Location: Michael’s on East, 1212 East Ave., Sarasota
Time: Doors open at 11:00 for registration and networking; luncheon begins promptly at 11:30 am and ends at 1:00 pm
Tickets: Tickets are $35 each and include lunch. Secure tickets  here
Already purchased tickets for the April 3 luncheon?  They’ll be honored at the October 9 panel discussion*
Tickets already purchased for May 8  will be honored at the November 13 lecture*
*If you need to make other arrangements concerning your tickets e.g., you bought tickets for April 3 and can’t make October 9, please let us know by contacting us at barbara@project180reentry.org.
A Message from the CEO
Project 180’s Strong Voices lecture series educates our community about issues associated with prisoner reentry.
Unsuccessful reentry is closely associated with social ills that affect us all. When unable to find housing or employment, a reentering citizen is likely to slide into homelessness and residential instability, poverty, and unemployment, contribute to public health concerns, and engage in criminal activity.
Successful reentry results in an individual who pays taxes and abides by the law, supports himself or herself and a family. Successful reentry takes all of us and those at the center of success are the landlords who house and the employers who employ returning citizens.
During this lecture season, we express our great appreciation to local employers who understand that everyone needs a second chance at a better life. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating their dedication to keeping our streets safer and their compassion in helping motivated citizens turn their lives around.
Wishing you well,
Barbara Richards
Project 180