Foundation of HOPE Celebrates Graduation on Female Pod

Published on August 15, 2025

It took Maria Quinones a year to graduate from the women’s Foundation of HOPE program at the Allegheny County Jail.

But she eventually completed the program, and she offered encouraging words to the newest group of graduates on Wednesday, Aug. 13, as she served as emcee for the HOPE’s graduation ceremony on the HOPE pod.

“A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step,” she told the participants, quoting the ancient Chinese proverb. “You took that first step when you signed up for this program. The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today, and you have proven you can.”

Fifteen graduates made up the most recent class. Participants live together on the 6D housing unit and take classes like Confronting Stinking Thinking, Addiction and Recovery, Anger Management, Trauma, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Journaling, Parenting, Spiritual Formation and Healthy Relationships. Optional 12-Step meetings and Grief Groups are also available.

About the Foundation of HOPE

The Foundation of HOPE is an interfaith nonprofit organization that provides Chaplaincy and Pre-Release programs at Allegheny County Jail.

The HOPE Pre-Release program is a vital part of the ACJ’s goal to give incarcerated individuals the tools they need to improve their lives in positive ways when they are released. The HOPE Pre-Release program is offered on both men’s and women’s housing units.

The Foundation of Hope Pre-Release program graduated 482 participants in 2024.

For more information, visit Foundation of HOPE.

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).