The Heritage Ascent Group
To empower justice-impacted individuals in Delaware through a holistic "continuum of care" that integrates intensive leadership development, high-demand vocational training, and postsecondary education pathways. We don't just reduce recidivism; we build resilient, self-sufficient leaders.
To establish a statewide standard where every returning citizen is welcomed with a roadmap to leadership—turning redemption into progress and strengthening the fabric of Delaware’s families and economy.

For over 30 years, I have served as a leader in prison reentry and workforce development, moving between government halls and community front lines. My career—including my most recent role as Director—has taught me that our current systems often mistake a job offer for a solution.
I believe we can do better. By combining the strategic rig
For over 30 years, I have served as a leader in prison reentry and workforce development, moving between government halls and community front lines. My career—including my most recent role as Director—has taught me that our current systems often mistake a job offer for a solution.
I believe we can do better. By combining the strategic rigor of government with the empathetic heart of the non-profit sector, I advocate for a "wholeness-first" approach. I don't just build programs that get people to work; I help build the foundations that allow people to thrive.
CEO/Founder,
Edwin R. Lucus

Meet the Architects of Restoration
"Most teams specialize in either policy or people. We specialize in both."
Our team is uniquely composed of individuals who have sat at the Director’s desk and stood on the front lines of workforce development and prison reentry. We understand the language of government mandates and the mechanics of non-
Meet the Architects of Restoration
"Most teams specialize in either policy or people. We specialize in both."
Our team is uniquely composed of individuals who have sat at the Director’s desk and stood on the front lines of workforce development and prison reentry. We understand the language of government mandates and the mechanics of non-profit service—but more importantly, we understand the people they are meant to serve.
Our organization is anchored by over 30 years of leadership in the government and non-profit sectors. This veteran experience has taught us one vital lesson: a job is the start, not the finish line. A paycheck cannot heal a spirit or bridge a gap of systemic neglect.
Because of this, our team does not just "manage cases." We are practitioners of a proven philosophy of Wholeness. We leverage our collective experience to design strategies that account for the human spirit, focusing on the restoration required for a person to truly thrive.
Every member of our team is dedicated to the success of the Rising Leaders Academy, our flagship environment designed for:
We aren't here to fill roles; we are here to impact lives and rebuild communities. We bring a "Day One" urgency to everything we do, proving that when you lead with wholeness and decades of expertise, the results are permanent.

Most workforce programs stop at a job placement. We move beyond the "one-size-fits-all" model to address the human spirit. Guided by a 30-year standard of excellence in government and non-profit leadership, our programming provides the specialized navigation required to bridge the gap between surviving and thriving.
Most workforce programs stop at a job placement. We move beyond the "one-size-fits-all" model to address the human spirit. Guided by a 30-year standard of excellence in government and non-profit leadership, our programming provides the specialized navigation required to bridge the gap between surviving and thriving.
The Flagship Program for Transformation
The Rising Leaders Academy is where potential meets opportunity. We don't just prepare individuals for the workforce; we prepare them for leadership. This academy is specifically designed for marginalized communities and individuals with barriers, providing a high-touch environment where career longevity and personal restoration are the goals—not just job placement.
We take a "Day One" approach to leadership, creating a transformative environment for:
We believe that a job alone cannot heal a spirit or bridge a gap of systemic neglect. Through the Rising Leaders Academy, our team provides a comprehensive ecosystem of support to ensure our clients are made whole:
Our program is executed by a team of practitioners who understand that for individuals in transition, a job is the start, not the finish line. We leverage three decades of insight—from the Director's desk to the front lines—to ensure that every service we offer is rooted in restoration, respect, and permanent results.
At the Rising Leaders Academy, we don't just fill roles; we rebuild lives.
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Bear, DE, USA
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