Project Desistance, INC

Our Mission

Project Desistance, Inc.  empowers individuals facing barriers to stability—including justice-involved persons and U.S. military veterans—by providing supportive housing, behavioral health services, financial literacy, employment pathways, and reintegration programs. Our mission is to break cycles of instability, reduce recidivism, and help every participant achieve long-term independence, well-being, and community connection.

Our History

Project Desistance, Inc. was established to address the growing need for support among individuals deeply affected by incarceration and systemic barriers. Our organization chose this population because justice-involved individuals and veterans often face significant obstacles—unstable housing, limited resources, untreated trauma, and broken support systems—that make reintegration challenging. Witnessing how these struggles impact families and entire communities inspired Project Desistance to respond with compassion, structure, and opportunity. Our mission is rooted in the belief that second chances matter and that with the right support, individuals can overcome recidivism, rebuild their lives, and contribute positively to their communities.

 

Our Goals

Project Desistance, Inc. provides comprehensive support to justice-involved individuals and U.S. military veterans, ensuring they have access to the resources, stability, and guidance needed to rebuild their lives. Our services address the challenges faced both during incarceration and upon release, including housing insecurity, behavioral health needs, financial instability, unemployment, and limited support networks. Through coordinated care and community-based services, we promote sustainable reintegration, reduce recidivism, and strengthen community safety.

Transitional Housing Assistance

We offer pre-release housing planning, personalized placement support, and safe transitional housing options to prevent homelessness. By partnering with trusted housing providers and coordinating with VA programs, we help participants secure stable environments that serve as a foundation for long-term success.

Financial Literacy & Economic Empowerment

We provide financial education workshops, one-on-one counseling, and employment readiness training—including job searching, resume development, interview preparation, and workforce placement—to help individuals build financial independence and long-term stability.

Case Management & Support Services

Our dedicated case managers deliver individualized support, life skills training, and peer mentorship to help participants access public benefits, healthcare, behavioral health services, and veteran-specific resources. We coordinate with VA services when needed to ensure continuity of care and comprehensive support.

Community & Family Reunification

We offer family counseling and mediation, as well as community engagement opportunities that promote accountability, service, and social connection. These programs help participants rebuild healthy relationships, strengthen support networks, and reintegrate into the community with confidence and purpose.

A Note From

A Message From Project Desistance, Inc.

Dear Community,

At Project Desistance, Inc., we believe every individual—whether justice-involved or a U.S. military veteran—deserves the opportunity to rebuild, reclaim, and redefine their future. We understand the challenges faced by those navigating reentry, homelessness, trauma, or the barriers that come after incarceration or military service. These experiences do not define a person’s worth or potential, and they do not limit what the future can hold.

Our mission is to provide the support, stability, and resources needed to break cycles of recidivism, empower personal growth, and strengthen community reintegration. Through transitional housing, case management, behavioral health support, peer mentoring, and workforce development, we walk alongside each participant as they take meaningful steps toward healing, independence, and long-term success.

No one should face this journey alone. Project Desistance is committed to being a source of hope, a bridge to opportunity, and a partner in transformation. We believe in the power of second chances, the resilience of the human spirit, and the incredible impact that supportive communities can have.

Together, we can build a future where every individual has the chance to thrive, contribute, and live with dignity and purpose.

With commitment to change and community,
Project Desistance, Inc.

Join us on this journey, and together we can build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Board Members

Georges Rocher

Founder, Integration Support Network

Jean Mary Pierre Nadet

An Exceptional Legal Practitioner

Bernite Lazarre

Director of Finance & secretary

Schneidine Louis

Immigrant Advocate and Journalist

Olivier Raymond

Director of Programs

Our Team Members

Valerie Destin

Board Adviser nonprofit leadership

Ange-Benise Sissoir

Immigrant helper

Liza Torren

Program Assistant Adult Education

Wuydens Joseph

Director of Development &Strategy

Fritz Nicolas

Program Manager Special Projects

Tatiana Hamlet Marville

PUBLIC BENEFITS COORDINATOR: Immigrant Support

Our Testimonials

Voices of The Families

Maria S.

Project Desistance, Inc. has been a lifeline for our family. My brother’s transformation has been incredible. The support and resources provided helped him rebuild his life, and we’ve seen him become a more positive and active part of our family and community

James L.

Seeing my son change after joining Project Desistance, Inc. has been nothing short of miraculous. The program gave him the tools to overcome his past and the chance to start anew. Our family is now closer and more hopeful for the future.

Linda R.

Project Desistance, Inc. provided my daughter with the guidance and support she needed to break free from the cycle of incarceration. The impact on our family has been profound—her newfound stability and confidence have brought us all closer together

Michael T.

I can’t thank Project Desistance, Inc. enough for the positive changes they helped my nephew achieve. The program’s support not only helped him find employment but also allowed our family to reunite and heal from the strains of his past struggles.

Kevin M.

"Thanks to Project Desistance,INC, I’ve transformed my life. Their personalized case management and job readiness training gave me the tools I needed to succeed. I’m now working in a field I love and am committed to helping others who were in my shoes."

Rebecca M.

My husband’s participation in Project Desistance, Inc. has transformed our lives. The program provided him with invaluable resources and support, leading to a new sense of purpose. Our family is stronger, and we are all moving forward with renewed hope.

Carlos P.

Project Desistance, Inc. has given my sister a chance to rebuild her life and reconnect with us in meaningful ways. The positive changes in her have strengthened our family bonds and given us all a new sense of optimism and unity.

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