By: Jocelyn Escobar
For over 40 years, Operation New Hope has empowered disadvantaged and at-risk youth, particularly those who are out-of-school, homeless, teen parents, in foster care, experiencing mental health challenges, or involved in the judicial system.
This San Bernardino-based nonprofit organization serves young people ages 16 to 24 who are disconnected from school or work and facing barriers that extend far beyond the classroom. Many arrive carrying the weight of trauma, instability, and unmet basic needs. Instead, they find steady support from adults, programs that fit their lives, and a belief that they can still shape their own future.
“Our why is rooted in a deep conviction that a young person’s future should not be determined by adverse circumstances such as homelessness, leaving school early, unstable family environments, or involvement with the justice system,” shared Operation New Hope CEO Russell Degnan.
For Degnan, this mission is personal. His father founded the organization, and he has witnessed firsthand how mentorship and skill-building can transform the lives of young people often overlooked by society.
“By providing trauma-informed educational and vocational programs, we empower youth to build cognitive skills, resilience, work ethic and a vision for their own future,” said Degnan.
Operation New Hope’s Youth Opportunity Centers in San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga are at the heart of this work. These centers offer more than just education and job training. They give structure during difficult times. With case management, leadership development, life skills training, and career pathways, young people are supported as whole individuals, not just as problems to solve.
The impact of consistent support is clear. Since 2010, over 4,000 students have completed the Career Pathway Program, and 589 have earned a high school diploma in San Bernardino County. According to the organization, 87% of participants continue to jobs, college, or trade schools. The dedicated staff helps disconnected and at-risk youth pursue further education or employment.
However, impact is not measured solely by outcomes. It is also seen in meaningful changes, such as a young person regaining trust, a participant planning for the future or a student finding their voice in a once-intimidating environment.
Anthony R. is one of these young people. He first came to Operation New Hope because of a probation requirement and did not know what to expect. Over time, he got involved in the Violence Intervention program, where his leadership and thoughtfulness stood out. As the youngest in his group, he showed that growth can come from opportunity, not just age or experience.
Now, Anthony is getting ready to join the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program, where he will get mentorship and job training to reach his long-term career goals. He is also looking into starting a business and continues to support his community, using what he learned from Operation New Hope.
Partnerships are key to keeping this work going. Support from the IEHP Foundation has helped Operation New Hope invest in staff training, improve communications, and update its San Bernardino Youth Opportunity Center. These steps help the organization keep serving youth with purpose, stability, and care.
Operation New Hope’s work is grounded in a simple truth: when young people are treated with dignity, consistency, and belief, they become more resilient. Every young person helped is more than just one success— it is a step towards making the whole community stronger. After forty years, Operation New Hope still stands in the gap, opens doors and reminds young people that their future is within reach.
Operation New Hope is one of 40 nonprofits in IEHP Foundation’s Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network. A two-year initiative that supports Inland Empire nonprofits by strengthening the skills, networks, and capacity of their leaders.