Project New Start, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals transitioning out of incarceration, has been invited by Widener Delaware Law School to relocate to its Wilmington campus.
Project New Start will leverage the partnership to engage program participants, faculty and students in opportunities for service, teaching and research.
“We are thrilled to have Project New Start on our campus at the Widener Delaware Law School,” Dean Rodney A. Smolla said. “[Project New Start] has proven to be a formula for re-entry training that really works. We are deeply committed to the mission of Project New Start, and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership, as we assist Project New Start in its efforts, and in turn facilitate service and learning opportunities for our students and faculty.”
Project New Start aims to combat violence and reduce recidivism by assisting individuals in their transition to long-term success. Its New Start Reentry Program offers a comprehensive occupational skills/job-readiness program for offenders transitioning out of state and federal institutions.
The recidivism rate of New Start graduates is under 25 percent compared to a 76 percent recidivism rate for the state of Delaware. In addition, more than 90 percent of program graduates have secured employment and are contributing to the local economy as tax-paying members of the community.
“We are extremely honored to partner with Dean Rodney Smolla and the faculty and students of Delaware Law School,” said Priscilla Turgon, executive director at Project New Start. “Relocating to the campus provides unlimited opportunities for creative collaboration between our staff and program participants and Delaware Law School faculty and students. We are anxious to begin learning and growing together!”
