CREATING PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS THAT ASSIST INDIVIDUALS IN TRANSITION.

Project New Start provides a comprehensive cognitive behavioral change/workforce development initiative for individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system.

The goals of our New Start Reentry Program are to assist individuals in developing marketable skills, obtaining and sustaining employment and developing positive behaviors through cognitive restructuring. And it's doing just that!

PARTNER

Business partnership is key to our success.

DONATE

Help us maintain and grow our program offerings.

APPLY

Learn about our 10-week program and how to apply.

VOLUNTEER

Learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Testimonials

“These 10 weeks have been the best! Being a part of Project New Start has given me the support and knowledge needed to change my path from “I don’t know how” to “I can accomplish whatever I desire.” Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this program. Your kindness and support have been a guiding light and a source of immense encouragement.“

– Jennifer, October 2024

“Everyday I see the great work you do, and it never goes unnoticed. Your positive attitudes and unwavering dedication make all the difference and for that I am genuinely grateful.”

Shaun, October 2024

“This is a very great program and a good learning experience.”

– Anonymous, October 2024

“Everyday they come to the program and show dedication and effort to help everyone to be a better person. I am thankful for everything you do to strengthen me and my abilities to be a better man in society.”

– Charles, April 2023

“I’m getting better as a person and remaining optimistic. The atmosphere is great.”

– Anonymous, April 2023

“Thank you so much for investing your time and energy. I appreciate all the support from Project New Start, and I look forward to taking advantage of this opportunity….I couldn’t have asked for a better team being behind me on this journey. So thank you again a 1000 times over.”

– Joshua April 2022

“Every time I tell anyone my story, I say Project New Start was the best thing I could have done to jump start my life. I'm forever thankful for you and the team Ms. P.”

– Charles, April 2022

“This was good for my heart. It brings back the good in me.”

– Anonymous, Class of 09/17

“I would like to say thank you very much for sticking by us through these trying times. I know you all try your best to make us feel like a person and not an inmate. I was afraid to talk about my past but because of you, I'm ready to face the world once again.”

– Wendel, Class of 04/17

“Thanks for everything. You guys helped change my life.”

– Julius, Class of 04/16

“You have shown a genuine commitment to providing quality education, job training and cognitive restructuring for those in need of living wage jobs; specifically, those citizens returning from state and federal custody. Your hard work complements the work of both federal and state probation officers, and is invaluable.”

– Walter Matthews, Retired Chief US Probation Officer, Delaware

“The New Start program was wonderful. You guys pull things out of people they never knew were in them.”

– Keith, Class of 04/15

“I know my road was rocky at times but you guys still accepted me even for my short-comings and worked with me. Our struggle is constant and real. It's getting better though, and I am happy to have met and known each and every one of you and to see that I wasn't the only one struggling or suffering. You are all and always will be an inspiration to me! Good luck to everyone in the future. May we all live long, prosperous and FREE! for the rest of our days.”

– Mark, Class of 04/14

“I thank you so very much for your hard work for being an advocate for those of us who really need your help in getting us integrated back into the work force. The lessons I learned are very valuable, and time in the program is an investment for a greater future, and I am very grateful for New Start.  I am forever grateful for your heroism in advocating for those of us whose need your tenacious spirit.”

– Brady, Class of 04/14

“I used to love the streets and never considered working. I think the program was a great opportunity for us because as felons we have a very hard time finding jobs and finding people willing to give us a second chance. I learned a lot from this program from the computer skills, to how to conduct myself in an interview, and the lessons we did showed me a lot on what employers are looking for when they are hiring. I only hope the next class gets as much out of this program as I did.”

– Stephan, Class of 10/13

“You do a great job leading us in the right direction. I would recommend anyone to the program because it is a benefit to the ones who want and need the experience.”

– Gary, Class of 10/13

“I’m grateful for the three of you. You all have impacted my life in a major way and I was and still am blessed to have you in my life.”

– Tanika, Class of April 2019

“I want to thank you for this life-changing opportunity. I love this program and everything it has to offer.”

– Eric, Class of April 2022

“Project New Start provides an invaluable service that addresses the need for comprehensive and results-oriented programming for offenders transitioning out of state and federal institutions. Both the 94% job placement rate of graduates and their array of community partners establish Project New Start’s commitment to sustainable change through collaborations and community engagement.”

– Matthew Meyer, Former New Castle County Executive

We thank the following partners for their support: 

Arsht-Cannon Fund
Barclays Bank
Barnes & Thornburg Racial & Social Justice Foundation
Capital One
Christiana Care Community Investment Fund
Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation
Crystal Trust Foundation
DE Community Foundation

DE Criminal Justice Council
DE Div. Social Services
Delmarva Power, an Exelon Company
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
Discover Bank
Laffey-McHugh Foundation
Longwood Foundation
M&T Bank
Mt. Lebanon UMC
New Castle County Council

New Castle County Government
National Restaurant Association Foundation
Nor’Easter Foundation
Robin Foundation
State of DE/Grant-in-Aid
Verizon
Welfare Foundation
Wilmington Trust
WSFS Bank