About us
A Commitment to Rebuilding Lives
What began as one home in Louisville has become a trusted, licensed reentry and treatment organization helping men return to work, family, and stability with programs that prove change lasts.
While New Legacy began as a transitional reentry ministry, it has grown into a licensed Behavioral Health Services Organization (BHSO), expanding services to meet the complex needs of individuals navigating recovery and reentry.
The Story Behind the Mission
Where the New Legacy Began
Over fifteen years ago, a small group of community advocates saw a gap that couldn’t be ignored. Men were coming home from incarceration with nowhere to go—no bed, no job, no guidance—and too often, no hope.
New Legacy Reentry Corporation was founded in 2011 by Gisela and Paul Nelson to fill that gap. What started as a single transitional home soon became a structured program with clear expectations, licensed behavioral health treatment, and a pathway to independence.
As New Legacy continued its work, the organization recognized that successful reentry required more than housing and accountability alone. In response, New Legacy pursued licensure and evolved into a Behavioral Health Services Organization, offering addiction treatment and residential–transitional services designed to support recovery, stability, and long-term change.
Mission
To support individuals through licensed behavioral health services, addiction treatment, and residential–transitional reentry programming — helping them rebuild lives of stability, accountability, and purpose.
Vision
We envision Kentucky as a state where every returning citizen and at-risk individual has access to treatment, purpose, and opportunity—before and after reentry.
Values
• Dignity
• Accountability
• Growth
• Work
• Community
Our Journey
A Timeline of Growth
New Legacy’s growth has been shaped by purpose, partnership, and the needs of the community we serve. What began as a single transitional home has expanded into a coordinated system of behavioral health services, addiction treatment, and residential–transitional reentry support. The timeline below highlights key moments in that journey and the programs that continue to build stability, opportunity, and hope.
Licensure achieved as a Behavioral Health Services Organization
Celebrating 15 Years – High Praise Gala and anniversary initiatives.
Built for Lasting Change
Where Accountability Meets Opportunity
Change is possible when structure meets compassion. Every individual who enters New Legacy’s program commits to rebuilding from the inside out: physically, emotionally, and professionally.
Through active participation in treatment and workforce training, individuals build accountability alongside practical skills. New Legacy supports each person as they move from instability to independence — and many return as mentors, proof that responsibility, structure, and support create change that multiplies.
Board & Partners
Guided by Leaders, Strengthened by Partners
New Legacy’s Board of Directors provides oversight, strategy, and stewardship, ensuring programs remain mission-driven and transparent.
Key Partners
- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
NCCER trade certification through the Jeremiah Project. - Louisville Urban League
Kentuckiana Builds construction training partnership. - Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice
Referrals for Evening Reporting Center (ERC). - Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice
Referrals for Evening Reporting Center (ERC). - Local employers and education partners providing training sites and second-chance employment.
- National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)
Board & Partners
Stewardship You Can Trust
New Legacy’s Board of Directors provides oversight, strategy, and stewardship, ensuring programs remain mission-driven and transparent.
Be Part of the Legacy
The work of restoration takes all of us: advocates, employers, and neighbors who believe that stability and dignity are possible for everyone. Join us as we continue building programs that break the cycle and strengthen Louisville for generations to come.