Interested in learning more about us?
About Heart 4 Hearts
Mission:
"To transform lives and strengthen communities by providing comprehensive reentry solutions that empower returning citizens to thrive, reduce recidivism, and promote equity. Through innovative programs in employment, housing, education, and family support, we create pathways to stability, success, and lasting change."
Vision:
"We envision a nation where every returning citizen has the opportunity to rebuild their life, contribute meaningfully to society, and achieve their fullest potential. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering collaboration among communities, we aim to eliminate recidivism, strengthen families, and build equitable, thriving neighborhoods across the country."
Heart 4 Heart, Inc
Key Impactful Reentry Initiative Focus:
1.
Employment and Economic Empowerment
Employment and Economic Empowerment oJob training programs tailored to in-demand industries, including technology, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship.
Job training programs tailored to in-demand industries, including technology, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship. oPartnerships with businesses to create pathways for employment and incentives for hiring returning citizens.
Partnerships with businesses to create pathways for employment and incentives for hiring returning citizens. oFinancial literacy and entrepreneurship workshops to promote economic independence.
Financial literacy and entrepreneurship workshops to promote economic independence.2.Stable Housing Solutions
Stable Housing Solutions oTransitional and permanent housing options with integrated support services.
Transitional and permanent housing options with integrated support services. oCollaboration with housing authorities, private developers, and landlords to ensure accessible and affordable housing for returning citizens.
Collaboration with housing authorities, private developers, and landlords to ensure accessible and affordable housing for returning citizens.3.Mental Health and Wellness Support
Mental Health and Wellness Support oComprehensive mental health services, including counseling, substance abuse recovery programs, and trauma-informed care.
Comprehensive mental health services, including counseling, substance abuse recovery programs, and trauma-informed care. oWellness workshops and peer support groups to foster emotional resilience and community connection.
Wellness workshops and peer support groups to foster emotional resilience and community connection.4.Education and Skill-Building
Education and Skill-Building oGED programs, vocational training, and certification courses to increase employability.
GED programs, vocational training, and certification courses to increase employability. oTechnology literacy and digital skills training to meet the demands of a modern workforce.
Technology literacy and digital skills training to meet the demands of a modern workforce. oPartnerships with colleges and trade schools for scholarships and continuing education opportunities.
Partnerships with colleges and trade schools for scholarships and continuing education opportunities.5.Family and Community Reconnection
Family and Community Reconnection oParenting programs and family counseling to rebuild relationships and foster stability.
Parenting programs and family counseling to rebuild relationships and foster stability. oCommunity engagement events to reduce stigma and promote inclusion of returning citizens.
Community engagement events to reduce stigma and promote inclusion of returning citizens.6.Justice System Collaboration and Advocacy
Justice System Collaboration and Advocacy oWorking with policymakers to address systemic barriers and improve reentry policies.
Working with policymakers to address systemic barriers and improve reentry policies. oAdvocacy for sentencing reform and support for restorative justice practices.
Advocacy for sentencing reform and support for restorative justice practices.7.Transportation and Accessibility
Transportation and Accessibility oPrograms to provide reliable transportation for job interviews, employment, and access to services.
Programs to provide reliable transportation for job interviews, employment, and access to services. oSubsidies for public transportation or partnerships with ride- sharing platforms.
Subsidies for public transportation or partnerships with ride- sharing platforms.8.Data-Driven Impact Measurement
Data-Driven Impact Measurement oOngoing research and evaluation to measure program success and inform future initiatives.
Ongoing research and evaluation to measure program success and inform future initiatives. oTransparent reporting to stakeholders to showcase the positive community impact.
Transparent reporting to stakeholders to showcase the positive community impact.
Rhoda B. Huxstable, President
History:
In June 2006, Dr. Rhoda Slade faced a pivotal moment in her life, charged with a six-year felony strike for a first-time offense. The charge was ultimately reduced, resulting in one year of house arrest, 14 days in jail, a year of anger management classes, and the payment of restitution. However, the challenges didn’t end there. After completing three years of probation, Rhoda encountered the harsh reality of employment barriers faced by many returning citizens. Undeterred, she chose to further her education and work toward rebuilding her future.
By 2010, Rhoda’s dedication to ministry and community service was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity. Over the years, she continued her commitment to personal growth and academic achievement, earning a Doctorate in Christian Education—a testament to her resilience and unwavering faith.
In 2015, after having her record expunged, Rhoda reentered the professional workforce in human resources. While interviewing previously incarcerated individuals, she was often forced to turn them away due to their records. These experiences ignited a passion in her to create meaningful opportunities for others facing similar struggles. Recognizing the need for systemic change and support for returning citizens, Rhoda founded Heart 4 Hearts, Inc.
Today, Heart 4 Hearts, Inc. is a thriving organization dedicated to empowering previously incarcerated individuals to rebuild their lives. With 98% of team members being ex-offenders turned model citizens, the organization stands as a powerful example of transformation and second chances. Under Dr. Rhoda Slade’s leadership, Heart 4 Hearts, Inc. is committed to helping individuals overcome barriers, achieve stability, and pursue greatness—one life at a time.
Dr. Rhoda Slade’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and her genuine heart for those who feel forgotten. Heart 4 Hearts, Inc. continues to honor that legacy, bridging the gap between challenges and opportunities for returning citizens nationwide.
