Reducing recidivism
and mass incarceration
in Massachusetts.
Reduce the cycle of recidivism by providing direct aid to communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.
A wide range of services to support our projects
Record Sealing
We collect metrics to develop annual Positive Impact Report illustrating and quantifying the impact we are making on our communities each year.
Outreach
We work to close the information gap on expungement eligibility & social equity in the cannabis industry for bipoc & returning citizens.
Workforce Education
We conduct ongoing DEI efforts in communities harmed by the war on drugs which include seminars, B2B networking, and legal support clinics.
About Our Programs
Big Hope Project serves areas of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs. All of our events and services are free and open to the public. Our 501c3 provides services aimed at restorative justice and education.
We work with BIPOC and returning citizens to connect them to programming and education about the Massachusetts Social Equity Program (SEP). In accordance with our mission, we support individuals disproportionally impacted by the War on Drugs forge new pathways into the cannabis industry.
Additionally, we partner with cannabis businesses across the Commonwealth to assist them meeting a fundamental component of state licensing. Our non-profit works with marijuana establishments to facilitate connections with Empowerment Applicants in order to promote economic empowerment in communities disproportionately impacted by marijuana enforcement.
Each One Teach One
Our non-profit organization has recently launched our Each One Teach One series. The Each One Teach One series provides a variety of programming. Events are hosted in Areas of Disproportionate Impact and include:
- Free Seminars
- B2B Networking
- A Legal Clinic focused on Record Expungement
The Fellowship Program
The program is designed to empower BIPOC and Social Equity Cannabis Entrepreneurs by leveraging our networks to connect fellows with cannabis industry experts, resources, training, and hands-on experience. Fellows are selected from areas disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. Additionally, fellowship participants are certified Social Equity applicants in various stages of obtaining their cannabis licenses. Features of the fellowship program include connections to:
- Professionals, called “Fellowship Navigators” from the fields of Trade Law, Municipal Law, Marketing, Regulatory Compliance, and Accounting.
- Completion of the 6-month program merits Fellows with a certification from the Big Hope Project.
BFIT Restorative Re-Entry Program
Big Hope Project in partnership with the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, has launched the Big Hope x BFIT Restorative Re-Entry Program.This program provides support and mentorship for those currently incarcerated or serving parole in Massachusetts jails. Features of the program include:
- Completion of a 3-month program resulting in a certification of course completion from Big Hope Project.
- Training and placement in a livable wage job in cannabis ancillary services upon re-entry into the community.
What community members say about us.
Laury Lucien
CEO, The Major BloomIts truly refreshing to see an organization representative of the issues affecting returning citizens and the melanated diaspoara. Not only does Big Hope Project on the ground to reach the people, they have a constant presence within the community.
Ruthzee Louijeune
Boston City CouncilorOur city does not work without local nonprofits on the ground meeting the needs of community members. Organizations like Big Hope know the Joy and the pain of these residents, and often know where resources are needed the most.
Eric Lawerence
CEO, Mass GreenwoodsBig Hope through their work is providing positive community impact, guidance, and mentorship for individuals from marginalized communities struggling with recidivism.
We are proud to support their efforts.
Meet Our Volunteer Team
