Over the years, PEP has refined its program, which now unites business executive volunteers and participants through a four-part, 50-week curriculum, pre- and post-release. This engagement transforms the lives of justice-involved people and volunteers who recognize their own need for second chances. As a result, communities are created where judgement is lessened, and people are more free to live authentic, productive lives.
Program length varies by participant, with optional post-release entrepreneurship education.
OUR 10 Driving Values
Anyone who engages with PEP has to learn about the 10 Driving Values. These aren’t just words on a wall – they are the foundation of how we live, work, and lead. From inside prison to life after release, these values shape character, guide decision-making, and form the shared language of transformation across our entire community.
This dramatically reduces return-to-prison rates while considerably increasing employment rates and business ownership.
PEP’s comprehensive program provides consistent points of contact through a three-phase in-prison program which seamlessly continues with a two-phase program upon release.
This dramatically reduces return-to-prison rates while considerably increasing employment rates and business ownership.
PEP’s comprehensive program provides consistent points of contact through a three-phase in-prison program which seamlessly continues with a two-phase program upon release.
PEP believes that every inmate is a human being in need of a true second chance (which for many may actually be a legitimate first chance). We will treat every inmate with respect, regardless of background or personal history. We strive to equip human beings to achieve their full potential. We believe that people can change, dignity can be restored and as a result society will reap bountifully.
We believe that without accountability, neither our participants nor the executives with whom we work will be changed by the program. We will do everything in our power to help the participants succeed in life, but we provide only opportunities and tools; participants must want to change. Consequently, PEP only commits time and resources to those who demonstrate a desire to help themselves. PEP enforces a “no wiggle room” accountability program with participants. PEP volunteers and employees will likewise be held to a high standard of accountability, being required to take ownership of their initiatives and follow through with their commitments.
We place an emphasis on execution—the ability to get things done. We expect to deliver outstanding and timely results. Big thoughts don’t matter if they are not turned into action. Self-discipline is a core element of our organization’s culture. We sweat the small stuff. We hire people with a strong track record of successful execution.
We are dedicated to pursuing excellence in every area, despite the difficulties which arise from setting high standards. We seek to work with and learn from the best of the best. We are dedicated to developing excellence in leadership throughout our organization—leadership of projects, ideas and the promotion of our Ten Driving Values. PEP is committed to working with people and organizations who share our values and mission.
PEP believes that with leadership comes the overriding responsibility to be of service to others. We believe the contributions we make in the lives of others are far more important than our own accomplishments. We will lead by example with humility at the sacrifice of personal glory. PEP exists because of our desire to serve all those with whom we come in contact, especially our participants, executives, partners, donors, prison staff and the community at large.
We model and require complete honesty and integrity in all our relationships and endeavors. Integrity means more than simply the absence of deception; it means we are completely forthright in all our dealings. We say what needs to be said, not simply what people want to hear. We are truthful with ourselves, listening attentively to feedback from others as they speak into our lives, correct us and reveal to us our blind spots.
We are committed to the mentality of a steward: someone entrusted with another’s wealth or property and charged with the responsibility of managing it in the owner’s best interest. We will apply donors’ funds as promised. We are committed to being a lean organization, and as a staff, we are also committed to modest salary and expense levels. We use funds intelligently, efficiently, and strategically to achieve maximum benefit for all whom we serve.
