KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED

The Uhuru Foundation envisions a world where the most vulnerable youth and adults, especially those affected by incarceration, have the power and resources to transcend poverty and achieve upward social and economic mobility. Through our dedicated digital literacy initiatives in the reentry space, we aim to empower these individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world, enabling them to secure meaningful employment, access vital services, and participate fully in society. Our goal is to ensure that they can build healthy lifestyles for themselves and their communities, fostering a cycle of positive change and digital inclusion for generations to come.

  • RISE Youth Development Academy Social Entrepreneurship Workshop

  • UVA Equity Center Summer Program Participants Learn Financial Literacy

  • Peace In The Streets Community Gun Violence Awareness Day - Westhaven Neighborhood

  • S.T.E.E.L.E. Reentry Youth Participant Opens His First Bank Account

  • Outside reaching in panel discussion at St. Brides Correctional Facility

  • Net Inclusion 2024 in Philadelphia. Brother in Technology group

  • Keys 2 Love reentry transitional home located in Charlottesville, Va

 Organizational Bio

The Uhuru Foundation, founded in 2019 by Robert Gray and Derek Rush, natives of Albemarle County, is a beacon of hope and transformation in Charlottesville, VA, and across the state of Virginia. Established with the commitment to disrupt the cycles of incarceration and create a supportive ecosystem for youth and adults impacted by the criminal justice system, The Uhuru Foundation has become synonymous with empowerment, rehabilitation, and sustainable reentry.

Our journey began with the vision of our founders to address the systemic challenges and barriers faced by individuals in their hometown and beyond. Recognizing the urgent need for targeted interventions, The Uhuru Foundation launched its inaugural program in Charlottesville, focusing on diversion for youth in the juvenile justice system, transitional housing for adult returning citizens, and comprehensive digital literacy and workforce development initiatives for adults preparing to reenter society.

Since our pilot program, we have expanded our reach and deepened our impact, extending services across the state of Virginia. Our mission-driven approach ensures that youth and adult returning citizens have the support, resources, and opportunities needed to navigate their reentry successfully and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

As we continue to grow and evolve, The Uhuru Foundation remains dedicated to its core values of transformation, opportunity, and community. We strive to create an environment where past circumstances do not define future possibilities and where every individual has the chance to thrive beyond the confines of past mistakes.

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