Youth Programs

The Uhuru Foundation works with moderate to high-risk youth through diversion programs at alternative schools, community sites and re-entry programs at youth detention centers.

Defense Mitigation

Mitigation work consists of recommendations for alternatives to prison, pre-incarceration assistance, post sentencing assistance, downward departure investigation, sentencing factor analysis, and plea agreement review.

Social Entrepreneurship, Diversion Program

Trainings happen in classrooms, after school programs, youth camps, and community centers, providing youth with a comprehensive educational training on social entrepreneurship. Through a series of workshops, these youth learn how to take societal issues they are passionate about and turn them into social enterprises that add value to their communities. They also receive assistance in transitioning to post-secondary education or the workforce. The training includes guest speakers, college visits, workshops, and field trips to local businesses.

Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise Program
Justice-involved youth enrolled in The Uhuru Foundation’s services have the opportunity to participate in weekly culturally relevant and trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) groups through our transformative mentoring program. HWW guides high-risk youth ages 14-21 through a series of facilitated group sessions addressing decision-making, identity, overcoming pain and trauma, life skills development, financial literacy and social entrepreneurship. 

Adult Programs

Keys’ to Love Supportive Housing Program

Keys to Love is a supportive housing program for men who are returning citizens in recovery from substance use disorders. The program addresses the needs of these men with safe and substance-free housing, wrap-around support, life coaching, peer support, and links to education, employment, healthcare, and other services. The program is recovery-oriented and focuses on homelessness prevention, reentry, and hard-to-reach adults. Keys to Love is part of Uhuru's family-centered approach to keeping families connected and supporting the broader community.

PEACE Reentry and Digital Literacy Program

(Promoting Empowerment and Community Engagement)

The Uhuru Foundation's Digital Literacy Reentry Program for currently incarcerated individuals and returning citizens is a transformative initiative designed to reduce recidivism by bridging the digital divide. By incorporating digital literacy into our comprehensive Peace Reentry Program, we offer a holistic approach that includes restorative healing circles, mentoring, and practical life skills development. Participants engage in a tailored six-week Peacemaker Fellowship, gaining essential digital skills alongside job readiness, financial literacy, and conflict resolution, all aimed at fostering successful community reintegration. Through personalized Life MAPs (Life Management Action Plans) and supportive peer networks, our program empowers individuals to navigate the digital world effectively, enhancing their opportunities for upward social and economic mobility.

Wrap-Around Services

The Uhuru Foundation allocates some of its budget to fund a variety of Wrap-Around Services to take away as many barriers to success as possible for the youth and adults enrolled in its programs. Wrap-Around Services include: intensive life coaching; restitution; legal fees; drivers licenses; and other basic needs such as meals and professional clothing. Remaining nimble enough to help with whatever is needed is central to the Uhuru Foundation’s ability to equip central Virginia youth and adults with what they need to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.