Our History of Helping Returning Citizens
Over 50 years of proving second chances work
Riverside House came into official existence in the fall of 1973, opening as a joint project of Riverside United Methodist Church and the Dade County Correction and Rehabilitation Department.
Since then, Riverside House has guided thousands of men and women through successful reentry, maintaining a 95% success rate while growing into a comprehensive 120-bed campus with federal contracts, county partnerships, and community support.
The Founding Mission
A dream of rehabilitation
with dignity
In 1972, Captain Andy Mathieu, a Navy and Coast Guard Veteran, and friend Ed Dodson managed an alcoholic rehabilitation center operating as an outreach of Riverside United Methodist Church. Within 18 months, it evolved into something unprecedented — the first program in the nation to experiment with the rehabilitation of ex-offenders, offering a caring environment as a replacement for the hardened atmosphere they were accustomed to.
We are committed to delivering quality, effective, and faith-based support that guides formerly incarcerated men and women to become productive citizens and rebuild their lives.
We envision a stronger and more unified Miami where formerly incarcerated individuals become productive citizens and valued members of our vibrant community.
We are grounded in community, diversity, spirituality, accountability, family, and productivity — the foundational core values that make our transformational work possible.
The Visionaries
Roberto Perez (Lay Preacher), Rev. O. Dean Martin (Pastor), and Jack Sandstrom (Director of Dade County Corrections) envisioned a halfway house offering first-time offenders the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Federal Funding
A grant from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration provided the finances to maintain this pioneering program for the first two years of operation, which laid the groundwork for continuous government partnership.
Faith-Based Foundation
From day one, Riverside House integrated spiritual care alongside practical support, believing transformation requires addressing both external circumstances and internal motivation.
Community Partnership
The joint venture between Riverside United Methodist Church and Dade County demonstrated that faith and government could collaborate effectively for public safety and human dignity.
1977: Transformational Leadership
From ex-offender to executive director
In 1977, Cleveland Bell III — himself formerly incarcerated — became Executive Director of Riverside House. As someone who personally experienced feelings of frustration, anger, and rebellion, Bell understood the population he would serve. His personal transformation story became the foundation for an organizational philosophy: if change was possible for him, it was possible for anyone willing to do the work.
Through continuous outpouring of his life experiences, dedicated staff efforts, and Board commitment, Riverside House reached thousands through jail groups, out-client participation, prison outreach, and inner-city activities.
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Grew Riverside House facility from 12 beds to 120 beds.
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Increased budget from $20,000 to over $2 million annually.
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Established continuous federal partnership spanning decades.
Growth & Expansion
Building capacity to meet community needs
Under Cleveland Bell III's leadership, Riverside House experienced remarkable growth driven by proven effectiveness and community trust. What began as a modest church outreach expanded into a comprehensive three-building campus capable of serving 120 residents simultaneously. Federal recognition came in 2005 with the first Bureau of Prisons contract — the beginning of a partnership that now extends through 2029 with 33 total awards exceeding $42 million.
This growth wasn't about expansion for its own sake — it was about meeting the growing need for quality reentry services in Miami-Dade County. Each new bed, each additional program, each partnership represented more lives that could be transformed through comprehensive, faith-based support.
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1980s: Established reputation as trusted community partner.
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1990s: Physical expansion to multi-building campus.
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2000s: Federal contracts establish national credibility.
Recognition & Influence
Becoming a national model for reentry excellence
Riverside House's commitment to measurable outcomes, faith-based transformation, and comprehensive programming earned recognition from national leaders. President George H.W. Bush and Governor Jeb Bush both honored the organization. The City of Miami and Hialeah declared "Riverside House Day" two years in a row. Cleveland Bell III contributed to the language of the Second Chance Act of 2007, landmark federal reentry legislation that continues to shape national policy.
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Presidential and gubernatorial recognition for impact
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United Way awards for community impact and leadership
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"Riverside House Day" proclaimed by Miami and Hialeah
Organization Founded
Joint project of Riverside United Methodist Church and Dade County Correction and Rehabilitation Department opens with vision of "Rehabilitation with Dignity".
1973
Miami, FL
Cleveland Bell III Becomes Executive Director
Former ex-offender brings personal transformation story and faith-driven vision that would shape the organization for decades.
1977
Miami, FL
501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status Granted
IRS recognizes Riverside House as qualified non-profit organization.
1982
Miami, FL
Facility Expansion
Growth from original single building to multi-building campus serving expanding population across Miami-Dade County.
1990s
Miami, FL
First Federal BOP Contract Awarded
Beginning of continuous federal partnership that now extends through 2029 with 33 total contract awards exceeding $42 million.
2005
Miami, FL
Second Chance Act Contribution
Cleveland Bell III contributes to language in Second Chance Act of 2007, landmark federal reentry legislation.
2007
Miami, FL
National Recognition
Riverside House recognized by presidents, governors, and community leaders as model faith-based reentry program.
2010s
Miami, FL
Comprehensive Data Tracking Period Begins
Modern outcome tracking demonstrates 95% success rate, 89.4% completion rate, and 66% employment graduation rate.
2018
Miami, FL
Emergency Shelter Program Launches
30-bed shelter opens in partnership with Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, expanding mission beyond reentry.
2024
Miami, FL
Riverside Reentry 2.0 Expansion
Community-based programming launches with goal of serving 2,000 individuals annually over five years.
2025
Miami, FL
2026 & Beyond
Continuing the legacy of rehabilitation with dignity, sustained federal partnership, and faith-based transformation.
2026
Miami, FL
2018-Present: Data-Driven Excellence
Proving what works through outcome tracking
In 2018, Riverside House focused it's resources on developing data tracking to capture major aspects of program participation and long-term outcomes. The results validated what five decades of experience suggested: holistic, faith-based reentry programming produces exceptional results.
A 95% success rate. An 89.4% completion rate. 66% of graduates leaving with employment secured. These aren't just impressive numbers — they're proof that transformation is possible when people receive the right support during the critical reentry period. This data-driven approach positioned Riverside House as a model for evidence-based reentry services throughout Florida and established credibility that continues to attract federal partnerships and community trust.
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95% success rate — graduates who do not return to prison, far exceeding national average where 1 in 4 inmates reoffend within 3 years
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89.4% program completion rate — residents who successfully complete full residential reentry program with all federal requirements met
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66% employment graduation rate — participants leaving with jobs secured, verified, and income established for economic independence
2024: Expanding Our Mandate
From reentry to homelessness prevention
In April 2024, Riverside House launched a 30-bed Emergency Shelter Program in partnership with Miami-Dade Homeless Trust, expanding beyond ex-offender reentry to address the urgent need for homeless services. This expansion recognized that many challenges facing formerly incarcerated individuals — housing instability, economic insecurity, family disconnection — are shared by others experiencing homelessness.
The same comprehensive, dignity-focused approach that creates successful reentry now serves a broader population in crisis. Through continuous outpouring of his life experiences, dedicated staff efforts, and Board commitment, Riverside House reached thousands through jail groups, out-client participation, prison outreach, and inner-city activities.
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30-bed emergency shelter launched April 2024.
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70+ individuals served in the first six months.
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Part of Miami-Dade's 2,800+ countywide emergency shelter network.
2025: Scaling Community Impact
Reaching beyond our walls and into the community
Riverside Reentry 2.0 represents the next chapter in our history — scaling comprehensive support beyond the 120-bed facility to serve 2,000 individuals annually throughout Miami-Dade County. Through a day reporting center on our second floor, community support groups at various locations, and sustained three-year alumni follow-up, we're addressing the reality that successful reentry requires support extending far beyond program completion.
This expansion honors our founding vision while meeting modern reentry needs.
Looking Forward
Building on 50+ years of proven impact
As Riverside House moves deeper into its sixth decade, we remain grounded in Roberto Perez's founding vision of "Rehabilitation with Dignity" while embracing innovation, expanded partnerships, and data-driven continuous improvement. Federal contracts extending through 2029 provide stability. Riverside Reentry 2.0 expands reach. Emergency shelter services address homelessness. But the core mission remains unchanged: guiding formerly incarcerated men and women to become productive citizens through comprehensive, faith-based support.
The next chapters of our history will be written by the thousands of individuals who walk through our doors seeking hope — and leave equipped for independence.
Voices From Our History
Hear from those who've experienced our mission
Over five decades, thousands of participants, volunteers, partners, and community members have witnessed transformation at Riverside House.
Their words tell the story our history timeline cannot — the human impact of "Rehabilitation with Dignity."
Lisa L.
Miami, FL
This place is a dream come true for people coming out of prison. The staff are caring, professional, and devoted to helping the formerly incarcerated reenter society with dignity and confidence.
Roberto C.
Miami, FL
This is a place where people dedicate themselves to serving others who have so many unmet personal needs. Thank you for existing.
Harrel H.
Miami, FL
A place where you find guidance to help you transition back to the community, family, and your church. God bless Riverside House!
Mitchell S.
Miami, FL
The facility's commitment to fostering positive change is evident in its comprehensive programs and supportive environment.
Vin M.
Miami, FL
Riverside House has an amazing and caring group of professionals that want to help you get back on your feet and succeed in life.
Karl B.
Miami, FL
You have inspired more people than you can imagine. You give convicted felons the motivation to put one foot forward and do the right thing. Keep up God's Work.
Victor G.
Miami, FL
Such a great place and team, committed to community and service. Every day, I see lives restored because of their ministry. We are proud to be partners with Riverside House.
Alan M.
Miami, FL
Riverside House has been changing lives for decades. Their faith, compassion, and commitment to Christ gave me a new beginning.
Mike L.
Miami, FL
Wonderful people supporting those who are looking for a fresh start and need help. Riverside House operates as an excellent service to get people back on their feet.
Latest Updates
Current news and
recent milestones
Our history continues to be written daily through events, partnerships, recognition, and lives transformed across Miami-Dade County.
A Home Run of Hope at the Marlins Game
At Riverside House, we are continually reminded of the power…
Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department Hosts 3rd Annual Reentry Month Awards Ceremony
April is nationally recognized as Reentry Month, a time to…
Easter Celebration Brings Smiles to Riverside House
This Easter was one to remember at Riverside House, filled…