Building Bridges of Hope
"Don’t let past mistakes define your future. Every challenge holds the potential for growth. Use your experience to create something positive—not only for yourself, but for others. Uplift those around you, and commit to building A Better Tomorrow for your life and your community."
Derek Bluford & Robert Jesenik, founders
1,200+
Lives Touched
Over 33+ Years Of Sentence Reductions
6 Job Placements
Our Story
Derek Bluford and Robert Jesenik were both sentenced to federal prison for white-collar financial crimes. During their incarceration, they met and formed a bond grounded in faith, trust, and honesty. Committed to building a new foundation and creating lasting impact, they devoted themselves to helping others. Together, they taught classes in GED preparation, English as a Second Language, and paralegal certification. Derek has served as a full-time law clerk, while Robert has taught an ACE class and assisted many with their BOP Remedy Process and related legal matters.
United by purpose, they pledged to use their experiences for good. Today, they’re co-authoring their first book. The books' main purpose is to assist inmates, while incarcerated, to prepare for a successful reentry with family, friends, career and society. The book, in partnership with a dedicated mentor will guide inmates, while incarcerated, in achieving Personal Excellence, Income and Credit planning, Educational and Vocational participation, and Personal Improvement, and will be available in early 2026!
Our Mission
At ABT Community, our mission is to empower incarcerated and recently released individuals to build successful, purpose-driven lives. Through education, job placement, mentorship, and accountability, we support each person’s journey toward lasting reentry and personal transformation. From providing access to degrees, vocational certifications, and second chance employment opportunities, to fostering a culture of community, trust, and support, we work to break the cycle of recidivism and create A Better Tomorrow—for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
Our Clients Say
Oscar B.
After serving time in prison, Oscar B. faced the uncertainty that many returning citizens know all too well—how to start over in a world that often overlooks people with records. That’s when he connected with A Better Tomorrow (ABT Community), a turning point that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
With the support and guidance of ABT Community, Oscar secured a full-time position at Goodwill, a nonprofit organization known for giving second chances to individuals impacted by the justice system. Through hard work and dedication, Oscar quickly became a valued team member.
Oscar credits ABT Community, and Derek Bluford in particular, for helping him regain his confidence and sense of purpose. “A Better Tomorrow isn’t just an organization,” Oscar says. “It’s given me a chance and friend that believed in me, and helped me when I needed it most.”
Today, Oscar continues to thrive at Goodwill, and his story is a reminder that with support, opportunity, and belief, transformation is not only possible—it’s powerful. He is living proof that second chances create stronger communities and brighter futures.
Our Focus Today
Resume Help
Interview Clothes
Public Transit Passes
Community Service