Foundation of HOPE Celebrates Graduations
Published on September 21, 2026
The Foundation of HOPE program at the Allegheny County Jail “makes you look at the man in the mirror,” said a member of the most recent graduating class.
The program, he said, helped change the path he was on. He said when he looks in the mirror now, he is proud of the man he sees.
A total of 18 men completed the program on Sept. 17 and were recognized during a ceremony led by HOPE Senior Program Director Tre’ Thomas.
Guest speaker James Herring urged the graduates to use the tools the program offers to get out and make better lives for themselves.
“You have people out there who love you,” Herring said. “Ask for help and let (them) help you.”
A day earlier, Debbie Spivey returned to the ACJ to speak to the woman’s graduating class. She also spoke at the previous female graduation on July 8.
Eleven females graduated from the program on Sept. 16. They greeted Spivey with cheers as she announced she will be coming back to take part in a book club that is starting on the pod.
Spivey wrote “Key to Destiny: From Rock Bottom to Rebirth,” the first book the club will read.
In her book, “Ms. Spivey shares her story … which serves an inspiration to keep focusing on the positive structures rather than self-destruction,” Thomas said.
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 412-760-4790 (cell).