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

Board Vice Chair Tom Melville with Kathy Shaffer and Stephanie Deiter