Our Story

From Vision to Victory Over Incarceration Cycles

Introduction

Vision & Goals

Wyoming incarcerates 366 people per 100,000 residents — one of the highest rates in the nation. At Valley of Hope, we believe justice should restore, not just punish.Our mission blends the proven success of Dutch rehabilitation models — community-based, humane, and skills-driven — with American entrepreneurship.

 We focus on at-risk youth (ages 12–21) and justice-involved adults, helping families rebuild together through vocational training, certification, and small-business creation.Our goal is simple: give people structure, dignity, and purpose instead of a prison cell.  

Vision  

A Wyoming where justice-involved youth and adults achieve self-sufficiency, employment, and family stability — building safer, stronger communities for everyone.

Short-Term Goals

• Launch a family-based rehabilitation and vocational training pilot in partnership with existing state and community programs
   
• Publish a comprehensive, data-driven Justice Reform Handbook documenting outcomes and replication steps
   

Persue formalized collaborations with Wyoming DFS, VOA, community colleges, workforce centers, and local employers

Long-Term Goals

    •    Expand Valley of Hope’s programs and facility model nationwide

    •    Achieve a 25% statewide recidivism reduction using replicable strategies rooted in education, housing, and mental health services

• Long-Term Goals

• Expand Valley of Hope’s training-hub model statewide, integrating reentry, education, and family support
   
• Achieve a 25 % reduction in recidivism through measurable strategies rooted in work, housing, and mental-health stability
   
• Create a replicable national framework for family-centered rehabilitation and economic mobility

Timeline

1. October 17, 2025 – Officially approved as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the IRS, establishing full nonprofit standing and federal recognition.
2. Months 1–6 – Planning phase: community surveys, needs assessments, and pursuing partnership with Wyoming DFS, VOA, colleges, and reentry programs.
3. Months 7–12 – Launch of the pilot program serving 50 participants across youth populations.
4. Months 13–24 – Full-scale implementation, statewide expansion, and multi-county collaboration with probation offices and employers

Evertt Hurtado
Founder & President

Leads the organization’s mission and vision. Oversees operations, partnerships, and strategic growth.

Jennifer Castillo (Hurtado)
Vice Chairwoman / Treasurer

Oversees all medical advocacy components and financial sustainability, including budgeting and grant accountability.

Brandon Harper
Legal Director

Handles multi-state compliance, legal filings, policy alignment, and advocacy strategy.

Note: Valley of Hope is actively seeking high-impact board members including leaders to help champion this mission statewide.

Succession Plan: In the event of the founder’s death or incapacitation, Jennifer Castillo (Hurtado) shall assume full governance and control of Valley of Hope Inc., ensuring uninterrupted alignment with the founding mission.

Legal Framework & Documents

• Bylaws of Valley of Hope Inc. — legally adopted, 501(c)(3) compliant
• Board of Directors Resolution — formalized authority and structure
• Multi-state compliance protections — Article VIII authorizes expansion across state lines
• For-profit arms — Article VII permits revenue-generating programs (e.g., mechanic shop, construction crew) for sustainability and stipend funding

Get Involved

Are you a policymaker, reform advocate, nonprofit leader, business owner, or community investor?

We are building something that lasts — but we can’t do it alone.

Interested in a Board Role?
Please email: ehurtado@valleyofhopewy.org