Foundation of HOPE Celebrates Male and Female Graduations

Published on February 20, 2026

“You all showed up.”

The Rev, Lisa Young said those words last week at the Allegheny County Jail as the Foundation of HOPE recognized both male and female incarcerated individuals who graduated from the Pre-Release program.

Young, the Pre-Release Director, urged the graduates to “continue to show up for yourselves and for others,” as she kicked off the men’s graduation ceremony on Feb. 17, and the female event on Feb. 18.

Throughout the events those in attendance heard words of encouragement from HOPE staff, guest speakers and other ACJ residents.

Chuck Ondo, co-founder and president of the Semper Fi Mission, spoke to the male graduates about how the stress of the job and failed relationships led him to use – and abuse – drugs and alcohol.

Eventually he was incarcerated several times before getting clean and getting his life back. A weekly visitor to the jail’s Veterans Housing Unit, Ondo encouraged the HOPE graduates by telling them that they too can change.

“Don’t give up,” said Ondo. “It’s never too late.”

Several graduates who spoke during the ceremonies experienced similar paths to the one Ondo traveled.

“The HOPE Program has taught me there is such a thing as a second chance,” said one graduate. “I learned you have to treat people the way you want to be treated; you have to give respect to receive respect.”

A female graduate said the program has given her a chance to do something positive with her life.

“It has inspired me,” she said. “I want to thank all of the HOPE workers.”

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).