The Hand2HeartDC team has extensive experience in creating programming for justice-involved individuals. Through partnerships with District and federal agencies and community-based organizations, participant referrals and wrap-around services not provided in our program model are accommodated. For participants, community organizations, or employers who are not in the DMV area, Hand2Heart DC offers robust programming, training, and support virtually.
Our program design is evidence and research based and values the lived experiences of not only our participants, but of our own team members. We strive to build a community of support, acknowledging the challenges that returning citizens face in coming home and providing opportunities for those challenges to be overcome with new skills and a social/professional network.
For questions about our programming or services, to enroll or request assistance, or to engage us to support your organization, contact us by clicking the button at the bottom of the page. We look forward to hearing from you!
In addition to the program activities listed here, Hand2Heart Go! provides participant stipends and other incentives throughout programming, & a unique, comprehensive approach to supporting justice or system-impacted individuals, providing them with the tools they need to secure living wage employment, achieve economic mobility, and become active, engaged citizens.
We also have employer partners in other industries, and we do our best to match participants with their career goals.
Apply today for yourself, or refer someone who will benefit by scanning the QR code and completing a quick referral form.
We’ll be in touch.!
This foundational portion of the program focuses on the key skills participants need to succeed in the workplace, including both hard and soft skills. Hand2Heart DC introduces participants to a variety of career paths and workplace environments.
Hand2HeartDC connects with District employers who are willing to hire justice impacted individuals and participate in provided training, when requested, on the unique challenges these employees face. Hand2HeartDC participants will have the following opportunities:
As participants prepare to enter the workforce, Hand2HeartDC will assist through:
Skills gaps that increase the employability of returning citizens in today’s workforce are offered through self-study, in-person classes, and live events. Skills covered include (but aren’t limited to):
For participants who are interested in furthering their academic endeavors, the Hand2HeartDC team provides guidance for GED completion and/or postsecondary application, college search, and college readiness assistance.
Catching up with today’s tech practices can be a steep learning curve for citizens who’ve been out of the workforce for a while. Whether it’s the need to get up to speed on 21st century technology or the desire to improve existing tech skills, Hand2HeartDC has it covered.
Using modules from an industry platform for returning citizens, we assess each
participant’s level of computer literacy then build out a personalized program of lessons that will help bring them up to a predetermined level.
Level 1: Basic Computer Literacy – Familiarity with keyboarding, opening and closing programs, sending and receiving emails, and basic web searches.
Level 2: Computer Literacy for Business – Advanced keyboarding and touch typing, word processing and spreadsheets, and basic graphic layout.
Level 3: Career-Specific Training – Training in a field that participants have an interest in and show an aptitude for. Areas could include: graphic design, data processing, HTML layout, and back-end data structures.
Our team also covers digital citizenship for all participants to foster the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level, with an emphasis on workplace citizenship.
Hand2HeartDC offers participants who need assistance with substance use a variety of supports:
Working with the well-established DC area 12 Step community, participants attend meetings and do the important step work that for many leads to a life of sobriety. These meetings include guest speakers.
This cognitive behavioral therapy approach is the cornerstone of recovery for many individuals who find 12-step programming not to their liking. The DC area has a robust Rational Recovery and SMART Recovery community to which participants are introduced.
Peer support is the key to nearly all successful recovery programs. Hand2Heart DC employs this model in all aspects, including in our substance use support programs.
Hand2Heart DC participants work with a certified instructor who is also a returning citizen to learn how to identify and change the destructive thought patterns that may have a negative influence on their behavior and emotions.
Participants learn to recognize negative thoughts that lead to destructive behaviors, practice new skills to replace those thoughts and behaviors with healthy ones, and to self-monitor as they build a healthy, happy life that’s free from justice-involvement.
PIO is a research and evidence-based program that provides tools and skills to incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals to be effective parents, whether inside or outside of a secure setting. Hand2Heart DC staff are trained to deliver this program to support parental, child, and family resilience, as well as foster family connections that lead to positive outcomes for the whole family. We provide PIO to correctional facilities and to community based organizations.
Coming back to the community post-release can be overwhelming, and the Hand2Heart DC team is committed to making this transition easier by helping participants with:
The hallmark of joining the Hand2Heart DC team, either as a participant, volunteer, partner, or alumnus is that we work together to make the journey home from incarceration less of a burden. Building a healthy life that is free from justice-involvement isn’t done alone. It takes a community, and Hand2Heart DC is that community. We offer a variety of live events for education, vocation, and community-building.
Hand2Heart DC provides community education in a variety of ways. For interested parties not in the DMV area, we can provide much of this training/education virtually, or we can travel to you. Contact us for more information.
Groups providing mentors for youth and/or returning citizens benefit from this training conducted by qualified instructors on research and evidence-based strategies.
Hand2Heart DC conducts a simulation exercise for groups that offers participants the chance to experience the challenges of reentry. After simulating the first month of community reintegration, facilitators lead participants in discussion and problem-solving activities.
Our team provides a variety of individuals with industry expertise and lived experience available to speak at events, university classes, and organizational gatherings.
For businesses who want to understand how better to work with employees who are justice involved, Hand2Heart DC provides workshops, trainings, and consultation.
Hand2Heart DC has the following services available to justice impacted individuals, organizations, and employers across the U.S. via a virtual learning/communication platform:
For Justice Impacted Participants
Resumé and cover letter assistance
Job interviewing preparation and training
12-step recovery meetings
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Test prep for various certification exams
Job and Career Coaching
Reentry Resources and Mentoring
Workforce awareness seminars, inspirational seminars by our alumni, and reentry/ongoing support events.
For Community Organizations & Employers
Speakers in our Speaker Bank are available for virtual events
Second Chance and Fair Chance hiring education/training
Program design assistance
Mentor training
Questions about programming, want to talk about engaging our services, and/or want to enroll or receive assistance? We’re here!
