Each year, the Wilmington Hope Commission Reentry Court graduation ceremony includes speeches from alumni, politicians and professionals in health care, corrections and law enforcement. This year’s ceremony took an unexpected and stylish turn.
Models graced the illuminated catwalk for the fashion show, which launched a new fashion brand designed by one of the Hope Commission’s most recent graduates.
Isaiah Cleveland, a HOPE Committee alumnus, founded the Workhorse clothing brand. He received a $5,000 small business grant from the Wilmington HOPE Committee funded by Capital One.
“We designed all of the polo shirts for reentry court employees,” Cleveland said in a statement. #SpreadHope apparel can be purchased at www.workhorseclothingshop.com .
Committee of Hope provides rehabilitation programs to support men at high risk of reentering Delaware’s most disadvantaged communities after leaving prison. Their services target the drivers of recidivism using research-based solutions.
The graduation ceremony marked the 10th anniversary of the Reentry Court program. Over the past 18 months, the Hope Committee has expanded new initiatives across Delaware, including the Dover Hope Zone, the Women’s Reentry Program at St. Francis Hospital and supportive housing for reentry program participants.
The Reentry Court is a joint venture between the Delaware Department of Corrections, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Superior Court, and the Commission of Hope. These agencies work together to provide a comprehensive, evidence-based reentry program.
Anitra Johnson can be contacted at ajohnson@delawareonline.com
