The Power of Reflection in Reentry
Reentry is not only about stepping back into society, it’s about stepping into a new version of yourself. For many PEP participants, that starts with learning how to reflect. Reflection builds awareness. It helps individuals unpack their past, understand their patterns, and imagine something different for the future. At PEP, reflection is more than an […]
Gratitude as a Mindset in Reentry
Gratitude Isn’t Just a Feeling For many PEP participants, gratitude becomes more than a seasonal reflection. It becomes a way of thinking. A way of seeing the world differently after incarceration. This shift in mindset helps men focus on what’s possible instead of what’s lost. Why Gratitude Matters in Reentry Coming home from prison brings […]
Why We Celebrate Small Wins at PEP
The Power of Progress For someone working to rebuild their life after incarceration, the path isn’t always fast or easy. That’s why at PEP, we make it a point to recognize and celebrate even the smallest victories. A completed assignment. A well-delivered pitch. A moment of integrity. These are more than tasks. They’re turning points. […]
How PEP Prepares Participants for Employment
More Than a Resume Finding a job after incarceration can be a major hurdle. PEP doesn’t just help participants build resumes. It equips them with the mindset, skills, and strategies to pursue meaningful employment and hold onto it. Employment is more than a paycheck. It’s a step toward dignity, stability, and self-worth. What the Employment […]
From Release to Routine: Building Structure After Prison
Why Routine Matters When someone walks out of prison, the freedom can feel overwhelming. Without the constant structure of incarceration, it’s easy to lose focus or fall into old patterns. That’s why building a healthy routine is one of the most important steps in successful reentry. Routine provides predictability, purpose, and momentum. It gives each […]
What Makes PEP’s Curriculum Different?
More Than Business Basics A lot of programs teach business. Some teach character. Others help with reentry. PEP does all three at once. That’s what sets the curriculum apart. Participants in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program go through a structured, intensive experience that doesn’t just build business knowledge. It reshapes identity, mindset, and behavior. The Core […]
Can a Criminal Record Hold Back a Great Business Idea?
The Idea Is There. What’s Holding It Back? You can have the plan, the pitch, and the passion, but when you’ve served time, some people still won’t see past the record. That’s the reality for many aspiring entrepreneurs coming out of prison. The idea is solid. The person is ready. The challenge? Getting others to […]
PEP at Thanksgiving: What Gratitude Looks Like Behind Bars
A Different Kind of Holiday For most people, Thanksgiving means gathering with loved ones around a dinner table. For PEP participants inside prison units, it’s not the setting that defines the holiday, it’s the perspective. Thanksgiving inside may lack traditional food or family visits, but it’s rich with reflection, brotherhood, and a deep sense of […]
What Is a Reentry Coach?
A Guide for the Journey Home Leaving prison is just the beginning. The first months after release are filled with challenges; housing, transportation, job searches, and reconnecting with family. That’s where a reentry coach comes in. A reentry coach is a mentor, guide, and accountability partner for someone transitioning back into society. At PEP, they […]
How Volunteers Grow Alongside Participants
Service That Transforms Both Sides At PEP, volunteers walk into prison units expecting to teach. They often leave feeling like they’ve learned something profound themselves. Whether mentoring a business pitch, sharing career insights, or simply listening, volunteers discover that transformation is not a one-way street. It’s mutual, and it’s powerful. The Role Volunteers Play PEP […]
