Project Heart provides a Project New Start program which offers a supportive pathway for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Project HEART’s goal is to help people rebuild their lives, reduce the risk of reoffending, and create a strong foundation for long-term stability. Project Heart walks alongside those who have faced life destabilizing challenges, providing guidance, encouragement, and practical support every step of the way.

Purpose is to break the cycle of incarceration by providing hope, structure, and community to those at high risk of reoffending; especially individuals whose past behaviors were driven by addiction, trauma, or lack of support.

Project Heart believes that everyone deserves a second chance, and that with accountability, real friendship, and access to resources, long-term change is possible.

Pre-Release Services – Project Heart meets with participants while they are still in custody too prepare them for a successful transition and begin building a relationship of trust before release.

During-Release Services – A peer mentor is available to welcome each participant on release day, offering immediate support, connection, and a safe first step forward

Post-Release Services – After release, participants receive intensive peer mentoring and case management, including employment support, emergency housing assistance, and resources for healthy food and essential needs. Team members stands alongside each person as they take meaningful steps toward stability, confidence, and a new beginning.

Who is Served?

Project New Start supports individuals who:

• Are reentering society after jail or prison
• Have a history of substance use or addiction related offenses
• Are considered at high risk of recidivism
• Are willing to engage in structured mentorship and community support

How It Works

• Participants in Project New Start receive:
• Peer mentorship from men and women who’ve walked a similar path
• Life skills training to improve social functionality and self-sufficiency
• Supportive community that reinforces accountability and purpose
• Referral access to treatment programs, job training, counseling, and housing

Rather than simply avoiding relapse or rearrest, participants are empowered to build stable, ethical, and independent lives, contributing to the community and discovering new purpose.

Why It Matters

Returning citizens often face overwhelming barriers; lack of housing, employment challenges, strained family relationships, and the weight of stigma. Without intervention and support, these obstacles often lead back to old patterns.

Project New Start is a proactive solution that lowers the risk of repeating offences, supports healing from addiction, and fosters full reintegration through the power of mentorship, structure, and community.

You are not your past. You are worth a new start.

Web pages

• Home - https://projectheart.net/
• Project New Start - https://projectheart.net/programs/project-new-start/