Class 13 Prepares for BPC

Class 13 participants are just weeks away from the culmination of their five month journey through the Program, the Business Plan Competition and Graduation. The excitement is building for these men‚ many of whom have never worn a cap and gown‚ or received a diploma.

Earlier this month‚ participants and staff welcomed executive volunteers to the Cleveland Unit for Employment Night and Pitch Day‚ events that help to finalize participant's business plans‚ preparing them for interviewing in the free-world‚ and ironing out the last details of their sales pitches before BPC.

To see photos of Employment Night‚ as well as other recent events, visit our photo gallery here.

Limited spaces are available, so if you’re interested in attending BPC, please be sure to RSVP soon on our BPC website. For more information about attending Class 14 events‚ check out our RSVP web site here.

PEP Launches Video Channel

Are you on Facebook? Twitter? Linked-In? YouTube? So are we!

Stay up to date with news from the Cleveland Unit‚ photos, and even videos of our participants‚ graduates and executive volunteers from recent events by following us on these networks. Check out the icons on the right for links to our profiles.

Reflections from Our Volunteers

"I did have a great time last Friday and Saturday with the PEP participants and it appears that all the time and effort we (the Executives) have invested in this program is paying off now. When one compares the presentation these guys made last February to what I saw last weekend‚ the improvement is astounding. This weekend I saw men presenting a plan with confidence and enthusiasm along with facts and details that made their business plan far more realistic. "
– Ed French‚ Executive Volunteer

"I came out not really knowing what to expect. The very first moment I stepped in the room‚ and went through the Tunnel of Love‚ it was just an instant sensation of joy. It was a positive feeling‚ from everyone - for the two weeks after‚ I still had that feeling. I knew that it was something I wanted to continue‚ and it will keep me coming back. "
– Joanie Nguyen‚ Executive Volunteer

What does "Execution" mean to you?

In the next few weeks‚ you’ll be receiving our newest profile piece on the importance of successfully executing our long–term organizational vision. We want to hear from you! What does the idea of execution mean to you? Commitment? Thoughtful Planning? Teamwork? Join the conversation with us on Facebook and Twitter and look for your copy in the mail soon!

Straight from the Inside

Class 13 has made it almost all the way through‚ but it’s been a difficult journey. What's it like to be held to such a high standard? Read the latest journal entries to find out:

"Personally‚ I am proud to be a part of something where character is a priority. I’ve never been held to such a high standard in all my life – especially since being incarcerated. I feel like I can survive in any work environment after being in PEP because I can’t imagine an employer who might have stricter guidelines."

Read More Journals Here