Organization barricades revolving door for female offenders

Organization barricades revolving door for female offenders

Hope City Center works to reduce recidivism in South Florida

“Transforming lives….  Relying on the Hope of Christ”

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  – Hope City Center, a faith-based, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is hosting its Inaugural Luncheon on Nov. 13, 2014, from 12 to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., The cost is $35 per person.

The luncheon will feature WLPG Local 10 Emmy Award-winning news anchor, Calvin Hughes, as the Master of Ceremonies. Attendees will include Teresa Osgood, Founder and President of Hope City Center (HCC), HCC participants/clients, representatives from the Department of Justice, Florida Department of Corrections, Federal Department of Detention, elected officials, community leaders, supporters and partners of HCC, and a host of others.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties ranked #1 and #2 respectively among the top 10 counties of conviction for inmates in Florida prisons on June 30, 2014. The likelihood of recidivism for females is highest among those with prior prison commitments, a history of drug abuse and drug offenses, and those with friends who are a negative influence.

Hope City Center has stepped in to provide women within 12 months of their release from prison with the tools and community support necessary to significantly reduce their chance of becoming recidivists. Saving taxpayers the estimated $18,000-$21,000 annual cost per inmate is a benefit, yet not the focus of this organization.

Since 2010, HCC has assisted 80 women in their successful reentry to society, and with establishing positive relationships with their families. Realistically, some women do not have a nurturing environment to welcome their return. In such cases, HCC has also been instrumental in making numerous referrals to the homeless.

The work begins “within” for Hope City Center; within prison walls and within each inmate who receives an assessment and agrees to abide by the rules of the programs and services provided. HCC identifies the pit-falls that have derailed their lives in the past and empower them to make positive changes.

They are provided with the skills and knowledge necessary to return to their communities as law-abiding, productive citizens. HCC provides mentorship, spiritual counseling, cognitive behavior training, employ ability skills, life skills, and anger management. Additionally, HCC helps clients navigate through social services and acquires clothing and other items women need.

     Please contact Phyllis Pittman, Corporate Liaison, at Phyllis@hopecitycenter.org or (754) 307.7495 by Nov. 10 to find out how to become a sponsor of the Hope City Center Inaugural Luncheon. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Purchase your tickets online today at www.hopecitycenter.org. Making a donation to HCC is an investment in your community and will help make opening a transitional facility in the near future a reality. Hope City Center Inc. 1451 W. Cypress Creek Rd. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. www.hopecitycenter.org