Recently, more than 1,100 inmate firefighters were deployed to battle the Southern California, Eaton and Palisades fires, working tirelessly to slow the spread and protect lives and property. Among them were several former participants from GEO Group’s STOP Region 2, New Hope Reentry Housing, program. These are men who once fought fires behind prison walls but are now officially on the frontlines as free individuals, making a direct impact on their communities. New Hope, a STOP Region 2 provider, has played a pivotal role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals transition into meaningful careers—most notably through the Ventura Training Center (VTC). Through collaboration with parole and CDCR, New Hope has helped connect men with the only program that certifies and qualifies formerly incarcerated individuals for careers in firefighting. Their dedication and bravery are a testament to the power of second chances and the support systems that make them possible.
A special acknowledgment must be given to Ken Hartman, owner of New Hope, and his amazing team, whose dedication and unwavering belief in the potential of these individuals has been instrumental in their success. Through his work, Ken has provided countless men with not just an opportunity, but a renewed sense of hope and courage. He reminds them—and all of us—that a prison sentence does not define who they are. Instead, it is their choices moving forward that serve as their testament to the world. His commitment to guiding them toward a future filled with purpose and redemption has changed lives in ways that words can hardly capture.
