There are all kinds of finish lines in life.
Completing a marathon. Tackling a personal goal. Reaching a professional accomplishment.
Each milestone means something — not just to the person who achieved their success, but to the hope it often inspires in others. That’s what Reggie Fullwood, president of Operation New Hope, believes.
That’s what drives the mission of his organization.
For more than 20 years, Operation New Hope has worked to build a stronger community by creating opportunities for people with a criminal history to realize second chances by reconnecting with the workforce.
Here at Florida Capital Bank (FLCBank), we believe in helping all of our communities thrive — from our products and services, to donations and volunteer work with local charitable organizations.
Operation New Hope offers a partnership that allows our team to give back to the local neighborhoods we serve on a more personal level. Everyone on our team knows how important second chances are for our entire community — including Beth Touchton, Community Reinvestment Act officer, who was pivotal in building the relationship between FLCBank and Operation New Hope.
FLCBank, recently named on Jacksonville Magazine “Companies with Heart” list, was founded to provide solutions that support the financial success of businesses and their owners. Often that means reinvesting in our community in multiple ways. With Operation New Hope, the word takes on another meaning: a reinvestment in people.
After learning about the positive outcomes of Operation New Hope’s programs for job seekers and employers alike, members of our community engagement team toured the organization’s offices to garner a stronger understanding of their work. They knew immediately how important Operation New Hope was to the area — and that FLCBank could help.
These efforts kicked off with becoming the inaugural sponsor of the Hope Starts Here 5K and One-Mile Fun Run, a fundraising event on Saturday, May 21, 2022 to help provide workforce training, mental health services and job placement for people affected by the criminal justice system.
The race will begin and end at Operation New Hope’s offices in historic Springfield, located at 1830 N. Main Street.
“Through our philanthropic engagement and volunteer efforts, FLCBank provides meaningful support to organizations that help to make the communities where we live and work stronger and better for all of our citizens,” said Mark Johnson, President and CEO of FLCBank. “We are honored to stand beside Operation New Hope, and congratulate all of their program participants in taking steps to improve their opportunities in life. This event represents a step forward in making Jacksonville’s economy one where second chances are celebrated every day.”
Runners and walkers are encouraged to register; all will enjoy a brand-new route through the neighborhood that takes participants down charming tree-lined streets, past homes dating back to the early 1900s and along sections of the Emerald Trail.
Registration for the Hope Starts Here 5K is now open through 1st Place Sports. For more information about the race, visit operationnewhope.org.