🌅 501(c)(3) Nonprofit · Serving the Minneapolis–St. Paul Metro Need help returning home? Reach out today →
A new beginning · A stronger future

Everyone deserves a new dawn.

New Dawn Transitions provides safe, structured transitional housing and holistic reentry support for individuals returning home from incarceration — so a second chance becomes a lasting foundation.

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Transitional Housing Faith · Family · Finance Led by Lived Experience
New Dawn Transitions

New Dawn Transitions

Hope · Healing · Purpose

Stable housing, compassionate accountability, and practical career pathways break the cycle of incarceration and build lasting self-sufficiency in the Twin Cities.

15–25
Resident Capacity
100%
Case Managed
Founded on Lived Experience · Twin Cities Transition

Transition Guidance from Leaders Who Walked Your Path

You don't have to navigate your transition alone or explain your past to people who haven't lived it. At New Dawn Transitions, our leadership has walked the exact path from federal incarceration to freedom, stability, and purpose.

"When you give someone the right tools, a clean environment, and people who genuinely believe in them, there is nothing they cannot overcome."

Sentenced under federal mandatory-minimum laws, Kevin J. Fenner served 15 years out of a life sentence before his freedom was championed by Brittany K. Barnett (Buried Alive Project), MiAngel Cody (The Decarceration Collective), and TRE the Truth. Together with Co-Founder Jamal H. Mohamed, New Dawn Transitions was established to ensure everyone returning home gets compassionate, real-world support.

▶ Video Story The Kevin Fenner Story · Overturning a Life Sentence to Help Others Rebuild
The Challenge in Minnesota

Reentry is where second chances are won or lost

People leaving incarceration in the Twin Cities face overlapping barriers — housing, employment, trauma, and isolation — all at once. Coordinated support makes all the difference.

0%
of those released in MN face homelessness or unstable housing
0×
higher unemployment rate than the general population
0%
rearrested within three years without structured community support
0×
higher vulnerability to substance-use disorders and trauma during reentry

These are not lost causes — they are unmet needs. Meet them with stable housing and genuine support, and the cycle breaks.

See How Our 3-Pillar Model Breaks This Cycle
How We Walk Alongside People

A Model Built on Faith, Family & Finance

Three core pillars that address the whole person — not just the day of release, but the years that follow.

Explore Full 3-Pillar Model
Pillar 1

Faith & Purpose

Faith-based mentoring, moral grounding, and emotional healing that help residents rediscover their identity and long-term purpose.

Explore Faith Pillar →
Pillar 2

Family Restoration

Rebuilding healthy relationships, parenting roles, and communication skills to create a strong, lasting circle of support.

Explore Family Pillar →
Pillar 3

Financial Mobility

Job-readiness coaching, living-wage employer connections, budgeting, and credit repair that lead to true economic independence.

Explore Finance Pillar →
The Resident Roadmap

The 4-Stage Transition Journey

A progressive pathway designed to move residents from day-one stability to permanent self-sufficiency.

01
Stage 1 · Days 1–30

Stabilization & Intake

Immediate safe housing, state ID assistance, basic needs, and a comprehensive reentry plan.

02
Stage 2 · Months 2–4

Foundations & Work

Job coaching, living-wage placement with vetted second-chance employers, and daily structure.

03
Stage 3 · Months 5–8

Family & Growth

Relational reconciliation, parenting coaching, personal budgeting, credit repair, and savings milestones.

04
Stage 4 · Months 9–12+

Independent Living

Transition to permanent lease, graduation, career progression, and ongoing alumni peer fellowship.

Explore the Complete Reentry Pathway & Metrics
Comprehensive Support

Wraparound Services for Every Stage

From immediate stabilization on the first night to independent community living — a coordinated pathway, not a patchwork.

View All 6 Services & FAQ

Transitional Housing

Safe, structured, supervised homes in the Twin Cities that eliminate homelessness on day one.

  • Emergency intake placement
  • 100% transportation assistance
  • 24/7 supportive environment
Housing Details →

Workforce & Career

Connecting participants to vetted second-chance employers, certifications, and career growth.

  • Second-chance employer pipeline
  • Resume & vocational training
  • Financial literacy & budgeting
Workforce Details →

Healing & Recovery

Trauma-informed mental health care, peer recovery support, and individualized counseling.

  • Licensed mental health referrals
  • Peer-led recovery meetings
  • 1-on-1 life coaching & mentorship
Healing Details →
Get Involved

Be Part of Someone's Fresh Start

Whether you are returning home, hiring talent, mentoring, or giving back — there is a place for you at New Dawn Transitions.

For Employers & Agencies

Hire Second-Chance Talent

Partner with New Dawn to hire motivated, skilled, and reliable team members. All candidates are actively case-managed with reliable transportation support to ensure excellent punctuality and performance.

For Donors & Champions

Donate or Become a Mentor

Your 501(c)(3) tax-deductible contribution directly funds welcome care packages ($50), monthly transit passes ($150), and comprehensive transitional housing stipends ($500–$1,500) for returning individuals.

Let's talk about the way home

Whether you are a caseworker submitting a client referral, a family member, or an individual preparing for release — our intake team is ready to assist you with care and dignity.

Submit a Referral Form Direct Contact Details & Location