ONH Mission & Story

Operation New Hope (ONH) is a holistic youth violence intervention prevention (VIP) program based in the Inland Empire, established 45 years ago to prepare at-risk youth for adulthood. It started as a court-ordered recovery initiative for teens incarcerated in California’s Youth Authority (CYA). 

Bill Degnan, ONH’s founder and a staff member at CYA, observed that many young men returned to the institution after parole. To address this issue, he created an external program, expanding it in 1993 into a learning facility for non-incarcerated youth with the aim of providing education and rehabilitation before incarceration. 

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The program operates under the principle that behavior is linked to unrecognized problems, which can be addressed by distinguishing between positive and negative decision-making, recognizing harmful relationships, and developing self-trust. It serves youth ages 17 to 21, with a focus on informed decision-making. 

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A notable element of Operation New Hope is its approach to reinforcing everyday successes while addressing apprehensions about adulthood. The program encourages students to avoid substance use and gang involvement, instead promoting development of skills needed for community participation and reintegration. 

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The objective of ONH is to help participants develop confidence and make constructive choices, with emphasis on future building. The holistic teaching model used within CYA was adapted for a broader population at risk of incarceration. Research conducted by Cal State San Bernardino and University of California, Irvine recognized ONH as a leading youth rehabilitation program. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention also identifies ONH as a model example. 

ONH has expanded over time, with Russell Degnan succeeding his father as executive director in 2008 and later as chief operating officer, enabling further outreach throughout the Inland Empire. In 2009, funding from the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board supported a partnership with John Muir Charter Schools, offering tailored high school education and instruction in life, job, and leadership skills. 

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According to ONH staff, obtaining a high school diploma is central to students' opportunities for employment or further education. Training includes job readiness, financial literacy, leadership, anger management, and substance abuse prevention. 

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Students participate in a required 200-hour internship with local businesses for work experience. Each component of the program is designed to support personal and professional growth. 

At the start of 2016, ONH experienced additional changes with Russell Degnan transitioning to chief operating officer, increasing his engagement in workshops and community promotion efforts. The organization aims to become a leading youth opportunity center in the region, addressing issues like high school dropout rates, violence, and career skill gaps. 

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Plans for expansion include opening centers in other communities and annually establishing new campuses, expanding throughout San Bernardino County. ONH’s trauma-informed curriculum is currently implemented in various institutions, including state prisons, juvenile facilities, group homes, halfway houses, and church programs. 

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ONH attributes program outcomes to its foundational belief in the importance of healthy relationships. Limitations exist due to financial constraints associated with reimbursement contracts, and efforts are ongoing to build financial reserves through the Board of Directors. 

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Operation New Hope operates two youth opportunity centers in San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga, with 17 staff serving over 300 students annually. Since 2009, 465 students have earned a high school diploma, and 5,076 completed the Career Pathway Program; 82% are employed or pursuing further education. The program serves students aged 16 to 25.