Foundation of HOPE Celebrates Latest Pre-Release Graduates
Published on July 10, 2026
Before beginning his presentation to the July 7 graduating class of the Foundation of HOPE program at the Allegheny County Jail, DaJuan Williamson took a moment and stared at cell 124 on Pod 2C.
It was while living in that cell that Williamson began to get his life back to a place where it was before he was incarcerated – the time he exited the juvenile justice system and had earned a scholarship offer to attend Clarion University.
Instead of going off to college, William headed back into the criminal justice system. As an adult, he would spend most of the next 30 years behind bars -- in federal facilities, state correctional institutions and the Allegheny County Jail.
“It’s surreal coming back in here,” the former HOPE program participant told the 16 male graduates.
It was also surreal, he said, to read the two words on the murals painted on either side of his former cell door. On the murals are the words Peace and Hope.
The Foundation of HOPE program within the ACJ, Williamson said, led him to bring peace and hope into his life. And that put him on the path that led him back to this facility – not as an incarcerated individual, but as a free man with a goal of helping others break the cycle of being incarcerated.
Williamson said HOPE program staff member Rodger Jay was always there to offer advice, support and direction. And the more time Williamson spent in the program, the more he recognized there were things he needed to change.
“I was able to appear like I had it all together, but I really didn’t,” Williamson said.
Once the diplomas were handed out, one of the current graduates also credited Jay and the program for leading him on a new path. He said Jay taught him that people cannot change anything if they don’t change their attitudes.
He went on to tell his fellow graduates and guests attending the ceremony that he remembers entering the jail feeling depressed, broken and scared.
“Today I feel ready to handle my business,” he said.
Female Class
Debbie Spivey, author of the book “Key to Destiny: From Rock Bottom to Rebirth,” offered encouraging and insightful words to the seven female HOPE graduates during their ceremony on July 8.
In her book “Ms. Spivey shares her story … which serves an inspiration to keep focusing on the positive structures rather than self-destruction,” said Tre' Thomas, Foundation of HOPE senior program director at the ACJ.
The HOPE Pre-Release program is a vital part of ACJ’s goal to give incarcerated individuals the tools they need to improve their lives in positive ways when they are released. Participants live together on the HOPE pod and take part in 60 hours of evidence-based classes.
After graduating, they can remain on the pod as group leaders and mentors, while taking graduate-level classes.
For more about the Foundation of HOPE, visit the Foundation of HOPE website.
Media inquiries may be directed to Jesse Geleynse, Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Jail
jesse.geleynse@alleghenycounty.us or by phone at 412-350-1267 or 412-760-4760 (cell).