Operation New Hope: Empowering At-Risk Youth in the Inland Empire

Editorial by Elizabeth Bauman, IE Business Daily News — March 14, 2015

Operation New Hope (ONH) is a comprehensive youth violence intervention and prevention program based in the Inland Empire, dedicated to preparing at-risk youth for adulthood for over 45 years. Originally launched as a court-ordered recovery initiative for teens in California's Youth Authority (CYA), ONH was founded by Bill Degnan, who witnessed the cycle of recidivism among young men returning to incarceration after parole. Determined to break this cycle, Degnan developed an external program that, in 1993, expanded into a learning facility for non-incarcerated youth — focusing on education and rehabilitation before incarceration could occur.

ONH operates on the conviction that behavior reflects underlying, often unrecognized challenges. By teaching youth to differentiate between healthy and harmful decision-making, identify destructive relationships, and build self-trust, ONH serves individuals ages 17 to 21 with a strong emphasis on informed choices and personal growth.

One of ONH's standout approaches is its focus on celebrating everyday achievements while tackling anxieties about adulthood. The program urges students to steer clear of substance abuse and gang activity, instead fostering the skills essential for community engagement and successful reintegration.

The ultimate goal of ONH is to nurture participants' confidence and ability to make positive life decisions, always with an eye toward building a brighter future. The holistic teaching model originally used within CYA has since been adapted to reach a wider population at risk of incarceration. ONH's effectiveness has been highlighted by research from Cal State San Bernardino and UC Irvine, and it is recognized as a model program by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

ONH's reach has grown substantially, especially after Russell Degnan succeeded his father as executive director in 2008 and later as chief operating officer. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its outreach throughout the Inland Empire. In 2009, ONH received funding from the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board, launching partnerships with John Muir Charter Schools and Learn4Life Schools to provide custom high school education and vital instruction in life, job, and leadership skills.

A core component of ONH's strategy is helping students earn their high school diploma, which unlocks greater employment and education opportunities. The program also offers training in job readiness, financial literacy, leadership, anger management, and substance abuse prevention. Every participant completes a 200-hour internship with local businesses, gaining hands-on work experience and fostering both personal and professional development.

In 2016, ONH underwent further transformation as Russell Degnan took on the role of chief operating officer, deepening his involvement in workshops and community engagement. Today, ONH continues to tackle challenges such as high school dropout rates, youth violence, and career skill gaps, aspiring to become the leading youth opportunity center in the region.

Looking ahead, ONH plans to establish new centers in additional communities and open new campuses each year across San Bernardino County. Its trauma-informed curriculum is now featured in state prisons, juvenile facilities, group homes, halfway houses, and church programs.

ONH credits its success to a foundational belief in the power of healthy relationships, though financial limitations remain a challenge. The organization is actively working to secure sustainable funding through its Board of Directors.

Currently, ONH operates two youth opportunity centers in San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga, with a dedicated team of 17 staff members serving more than 300 students annually. Since 2009, 465 students have earned high school diplomas and 5,076 have completed the Career Pathway Program — leading to 82% of participants securing employment or continuing their education. ONH serves youth ages 16 to 25, helping them build the skills and confidence needed for a successful future.