Behind every PEP statistic is a man – a son and many times a father – who wants nothing more than to reconnect and spend time with the ones he had to leave years ago. Though there is more to it than that, at the end of the day, that is really all that matters.    

For 22 years, PEP has been producing metrics that leave outsiders amazed:100% employment within 90 days of release; an average wage increase from $17 to $29/hr in three years; 93% borrower payback rate; 43% home ownership in three years, etc.

What those metrics don’t tell you is the moment I saw a father whose son ran into his arms as soon as he walked into a prison gym in cap and gown, along with 78 other men. The metrics don’t tell you about a daughter’s bear that represented her daddy’s love until he came home. The metrics don’t tell you the countless stories of men I have heard say that their son or daughter is their motivation for change. 

This past week, I was speaking with a participant who said he had been high just about his whole life, but now that he has a granddaughter, he is determined that this prison stay will be his last. He is scheduled to be released this fall, and as much as he wants to be home, he plans to enter a PEP transitional house.  It is a hard decision and one I have seen many other men struggle to make. As one volunteer told this man, “Your wife has been doing this on her own for this long. She can wait a few more months so that both of you get this right.” I affirmed his decision, hard as it is, because for those coming out of prison, transition isn’t a stage between two other stages. It has to be its own stage. It is a step that requires their full attention because navigating it well is genuinely that difficult. 

I have never met a father who feels like he
is doing everything right. I know I don’t.
For the men in prison, Father’s Day is a painful reminder that their past decisions have a cost. They are missing years, moments and milestones. We can’t change this, but we can do all we can to make sure that the man who walks out is better than any version he would have become otherwise. We can make sure that this father is part of a supportive, accountable brotherhood that makes him
an even better father and partner to his loved ones. 

In this newsletter is an opportunity to make a contribution to PEP’s work of transforming men into better fathers. This work requires resources. Should you be able to assist us in this way, we would appreciate your additional support. 

To all the fathers out there, thank you for all that you do for this community. To the women who stand by our sides, thank you for your grace. I know all too well the truth behind the phrase, “behind every great man … ” Words simply don’t convey the gratitude, both personally and here at PEP. I also want to acknowledge the memory of those we hold and the shoulders we stand on – may we continue their legacy through our good works.

Happy Father’s Day to everyone, and many, many blessings upon you and your families. 

Chris

This Father’s Day, we’re sharing stories from fathers whose lives have been transformed through PEP.

Some grew up without fathers of their own. Others missed years with their children because of addiction, incarceration, or poor decisions. Today, they are working to become the fathers their children deserve.

Over the past week, we’ve highlighted stories from PEP graduates, servant leaders, and participants who shared what fatherhood means to them and how PEP has helped them prepare for life after prison.

Watch the stories below and hear directly from the men whose lives are being transformed.

Raymond Herrera
Father of five. Husband. Servant Leader.

More than two years after returning home, Raymond Herrera continues to invest in his family, his community, and the men following behind him. Hear how PEP helped him become the father and husband he wanted to be.

Kyle & Parker
It’s never too late.

For years, Kyle was absent from his son’s life. Today, he and Parker share a story of restoration, forgiveness, and second chances.

Voices From Inside PEP

What does fatherhood mean to men preparing to return home?

Hear directly from PEP servant-leaders as they discuss leadership, accountability, sacrifice, and becoming better fathers.

A restored father can change a family.

Every day, PEP helps men develop the character, leadership, and accountability needed to return home prepared to lead their families.

Your support makes this transformation possible.

This Father’s Day, help us equip more fathers to rebuild trust, restore relationships, and create brighter futures for the next generation.

Round 1: Lychner Fall 2026 Business Plan Competition

Judge individual participants on new business ideas from the lens of a consumer (i.e. Is the idea innovative? Is there a market?) Teams will be formed to move forward with the top ideas.

Outside Event

In conjunction with eSchool, executive volunteers are invited to a monthly networking event with our participants in Houston and North Texas. The event aims to connect you with eSchool participants and support them in developing their vision, creating resumes, leveraging LinkedIn, etc.

Outside Event

Provide quality feedback on participants’ business models that will encourage participants to improve and continually develop ideas; to serve as a business coach to further develop business ideas; Networking with participants and other attendees.

Final Round: Estes Summer 2026 Business Plan Competition

Provide quality feedback on participants’ business models that will encourage participants to improve and continually develop ideas; to serve as a business coach to further develop business ideas; Networking with participants and other attendees.

Outside Event

In conjunction with eSchool, executive volunteers are invited to a monthly networking event with our participants in Houston and North Texas. The event aims to connect you with eSchool participants and support them in developing their vision, creating resumes, leveraging LinkedIn, etc.

Outside Event

Provide quality feedback on participants’ business models that will encourage participants to improve and continually develop ideas; to serve as a business coach to further develop business ideas; Networking with participants and other attendees.

By Ronald R.
PEP Apex 26 Graduate

Growing up, I saw my father only occasionally. By the time I turned eighteen, I had spent very little time with him, and after that, I saw him only a few more times. Because of that, I never really understood what a father was supposed to be.

I knew what was missing, but I didn’t know what it looked like when it was present.

Through PEP, that began to change.

For the first time, I began to learn what it truly means to be a father. Not just a provider. Not just someone who shares a last name with a child. A father is a leader, a protector, a teacher, and a guide. A father helps create stability, direction, and security for the people he loves.

One of the most meaningful lessons I learned through PEP’s Better Man curriculum is that every child is different.

That may sound simple, but it changed the way I think about fatherhood.

Every child has different needs. Every child communicates differently. Every child experiences love differently. Being a father isn’t about treating every child the same. It’s about taking the time to learn each child individually.

For men like me, who have spent years away from our families, that lesson carries even more weight.

We can’t get lost time back.

We can’t relive missed birthdays, school events, family dinners, or ordinary moments that become important memories.

But we can decide what kind of father we will be moving forward.

PEP has helped me understand that fatherhood requires intention. It requires listening. It requires patience. It requires learning who your children are and being willing to meet them where they are.

Today, I am preparing for something I never fully understood before.

I’m preparing to become the father my children deserve.

I’m looking forward to learning their personalities, understanding their dreams, supporting them through challenges, and showing them the love and guidance that every child needs.

This Father’s Day, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue growing into that role.

Because being a father isn’t simply about being present.

It’s about truly knowing your children.