About 52 Weeks Development
Redeveloping individuals and communities through second chance opportunities.
Our Mission
Redeveloping individuals and communities through second chance opportunities.
52 Weeks Development exists to empower returning citizens by providing temporary housing, hands-on job training, apprenticeship opportunities, trauma-informed counseling, and career placement—helping them transition from incarceration to hope, stability, and opportunity.
Vision
By chasing results and not numbers, 52 Weeks Development will become a beacon of hope for second chance deserving individuals.
Purpose
If 52 Weeks Development assists with temporary housing, actual on the job training, apprenticeship opportunities, mental health/individual trauma counseling, and career placement, a returning citizen can return to hope and opportunity.
Our Approach
Learn about our history, business model, and the individuals we serve.
This organization was originally founded in 2018 with a mission to support at-risk youth in making meaningful educational and career strides. Our founder, Waine Weeks, saw the potential in these young individuals and wanted to create opportunities that would help them break cycles of poverty, disengagement, and underachievement.
As the work progressed, we began to notice a troubling pattern: many of the same youth we were supporting eventually became involved with the judicial system. Upon release, they faced overwhelming barriers to reentry—limited access to education, employment, and community support—which often led them back into the same cycles we aimed to prevent.
This realization shifted our focus. We felt a deep responsibility to serve this overlooked population by providing them with a true second chance. Our mission evolved to not only prevent justice involvement but also to empower returning citizens with the tools, training, and support they need to reclaim their lives, rebuild their futures, and become active, thriving members of their communities.
52 Weeks Development's model combines the proven frameworks of YouthBuild, Job Corps, and the Milton Hershey School to create a holistic, wraparound support system specifically tailored for second-chance individuals aged 18–45.
By integrating education, workforce development, housing, and therapeutic services under one organizational umbrella, we provide a structured, long-term pathway for returning citizens to rebuild their lives and reenter society with confidence and purpose.
Our Goals
Short-Term Goals (1–6 Years)
- Launch the 52 Weeks Development program with an initial cohort of 20 participants in a 24-month residential training and development cycle.
- Implement an additional 12-month post-graduation monitoring and support phase.
- Use proven outcomes to position the organization for strategic partnerships and increased funding.
Long-Term Goals (7–15 Years)
- Replicate the 52 Weeks Development model in other high-need regions across the country.
- Position 52 Weeks Development as a leader in reentry innovation and policy reform.
Our programs are designed for justice-involved individuals seeking a second chance.
Demographics
- Age: 18–45 years old
- Status: Currently incarcerated or institutionalized individuals preparing for reentry
- Diverse Backgrounds: Our program is inclusive of all races, creeds, colors, and sexual affiliations.
- Geographic Focus: Initially focused on individuals within Southeast Florida, with plans for national expansion.
Key Needs We Address
- Stable Housing: Safe, supportive, and structured living environments.
- Workforce Development: Job training, apprenticeships, and educational opportunities.
- Mental Health Support: Trauma-informed counseling and wellness services.
- Social Reintegration: Rebuilding connections and support networks.