Our Founder, Corey Knight
Corwin "Corey" Knight is a native of the District of Columbia (DC), and a returning citizen who has successfully transitioned back into society after being released from FCI Fairton in New Jersey in September 2007. He soon realized that transitioning back into the community he left was no easy task. Through these endeavors, Mr. Knight began to volunteer for various agencies and non profits throughout his community. Understanding the lack of platforms for individuals trying to re-establish themselves, he opted to take steps towards making a difference. Under Mr. Knight’s direction, the Hope Foundation Reentry Network was established in August, 2010. As a successful returning citizen, he wanted to provide free pre-and-post release services to men and women returning to the Washington, DC community.
His mission is to bridge the gap between returning citizens and society, by offering mentorship and linkages to employment opportunities. He works with diverse client populations, including incarcerated men, women, transgender, families, substance abusers, and at-risk youth. His goal is to reduce the number of offenders re-entering the system, by fostering programs prior to and upon an inmate's immediate release. He has established a link to provisional services which are a fundamental component of individual stabilization and long- term success. The objective is to reduce recidivism and increase public safety in our communities and provide effective evidence-based support services to men and women incarcerated in the DC Department of Corrections; resulting in participants being more self. supporting, responsive, and productive members of society.
A Dream Turned Reality
Mr. Knight's strengths lie in an authentic and common-sense approach at translating complex concepts and issues. In addition to several certifications, including Recovery Coaching and Parenting, Anger Management and Certified Life Coach, he brings a unique expertise of having the lived experiences of facing major life obstacles, overcoming them, and the ability to translate personal experiences of restoration in a way that is universally identifiable and applicable. His experience is incredibly insightful. He has the ability to paint a living picture that connects to the heart and soul. Because of his authentic role, peers find him relatable and come to believe in an inner wisdom of the listener allowing them to make the mental leap from their current circumstance, to a vision of a better life for themselves.
Corwin has strong ties to the the re-entry and recovery communities. He now serves as the Chairman for the Mayor's Commission on Reentry and Returning Citizens Affairs. In that capacity, he has help lead the coalition around the District's "Restore the Vote" legislation. In addition, he owns and operates Community Café Express, LLC, a catering company that will be used as a training ground for at-risk youth to learn culinary and hospitality skills. Corey is also the CEO of District Water Company, a purified water and beverage company, which keeps youth in the community safe and working, while providing them leadership and other opportunities. His objectives is to decrease the number of youth becoming incarcerated or not completing high school.
