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.

Accountability

Accountability to me is when you hold yourself responsible for your actions, regardless of the situation. No matter how bad the situation gets or what people do to us, we are accountable for what we do. One thing I can truly say is that before I came to prison, I would never hold myself accountable. I always had to blame others for my actions. I could never man up to the wrongdoings in my life. The old me would put the blame on someone else, saying “he pushed my buttons” or that something I did was “her fault.” Now that I see life and I have been born again, I see that I was never man enough to take accountability for my actions. I was always right from my perspective, even when I was truly wrong. We don’t have time to lose, so we should take ownership of all of our actions and accept all of the consequences of our actions. PEP has taught me how to see accountability beyond my current perception and even my current reality. I now have a higher value and standard as I learn how to follow through on my commitments. It’s truly been a blessing to learn the 10 Driving Values. I know that if I follow these pillars of truth once I’m released from prison, success is sure to follow. Thank you, PEP, for giving me these values to live by – especially Accountability. (Pedro M.)

My favorite Driving Value is Accountability because it plays a big part in one’s attitude; it can also help you better yourself because true accountability helps make sure that the mistakes you’ve made before will not be repeated. When holding yourself accountable, it makes everything else around you easy instead of worse. By not holding yourself or others accountable, you can hurt others in a way. True accountability is the only way I can prepare myself to get ready to go home and move forward, knowing that what I did in the past was wrong. Accountability to me is one of the first steps to success and can also help me improve my character. Growing up, I was horrible at accepting blame for something I had caused, and then lying so much about it afterwards just made the situation worse. But now I know better, and it is a relief to know how far I have come through holding myself accountable. (Daizon N.)

In my opinion, Accountability is the precursor to all other Driving Values. Without first taking a step back to analyze your conduct and patterns of thinking, you will not be able to efficiently take corrective measures. Accountability doesn’t come naturally to most people. Usually, we have to be taught how to exhibit such a trait, and many of us fall victim to our egos. We tend to invoke these protective measures in order to defend this conceptualized sense of self. They say that the first step is acceptance, the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true. The next step is taking responsibility for it, which is accountability. Accountability is my favorite Driving Value because it is absolutely necessary to embody if a person desires to change. This is true in any aspect or facet of life. (Kyi H.)

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 10 Driving Values. PEP is committed to working with people and organizations who share our values and mission.

Excellence

 My favorite Driving Value is Excellence. Excellence is learning from others to help expand our knowledge and skills. Excellence is setting high standards for yourself, not settling for the easy route. It is our duty to continue to teach others the skills we have mastered. Paying attention to the small details will help us achieve Excellence in our daily lives. Excellence plays a critical role in becoming a leader. (Zachary J.)

Excellence is my favorite Driving Value because working with and learning from the best of the best gives you credentials and experience. When we learn to look outside of ourselves for answers and emulate the greats, we are able to learn blueprints for success. When looking for a mentor, you can attract the best of the best by demonstrating the 10 Driving Values. Through Excellence, we can attract opportunity and promotion. When you are skilled and practice your skill to mastery, the Bible says that you will perform for kings. (Benjamin T.)

My favorite Driving Value is excellence. I aim to be the best I can be at whatever I am doing, whether it be working on cars, working out or changing my way of life to be the best version of myself I can possibly be. I always try and learn from those who are the best in whatever field I am working in at that moment, and I am committed to surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who share the same values and morals as I have. I am dedicated to pursuing Excellence in every aspect of my daily life. (Jose C.)

I try everyday with my new walk to strive to be excellent. I believe that excellence is being the best version of yourself. I strive to be around like-minded individuals that are the best at what they do. I’m trying to be the best version of myself, and I’m starting to form better habits in my life to better my future. With daily repetition, I’m becoming a great man. (Deon G.)

My favorite Driving Value would have to be Excellence. The reason I chose this is because I always try to be great at every task I work on, even if it’s a new one that I have never done or know anything about. I learn it as fast as I can, and once I know what the task requires, I am determined to be the best that I can at doing it. Even if things get difficult, I find a way to overcome the situation or obstacle and accomplish my mission. This is a value I have always had and didn’t realize it until I came to PEP. (Vincent L.)

Excellence to me is a very important part of not only the program but everyday life. Excellence stands out the most because it sets the stage for every value and principle; “We seek to work with and learn from the best of the best.” Each and every day, I commit myself to being excellent in whatever situation life throws my way as an opportunity to achieve a higher level of self and understanding so that I can be excellent for the next person. This Driving Value inspires me to push for the next level and consistently strive to be better than I was yesterday. (Jonathan Ca.)

I chose Excellence because it describes me as a person. My standards and expectations have always been high – that is how I thrive. I firmly believe that if you want to grow, you have to surround yourself with people who are better than you are. Sometimes that means humbly learning from the best, which requires you to acclimate to their caliber. These attributes really encompass who I am as a man, father, husband and community leader. (Ezekiel H.)

I chose Excellence because I believe that we should strive to do our best in everything we do. Excellence is more than just a word – by itself, it is a motto to live by: to always try your hardest and achieve the absolute highest goal in all the daily tasks life has to offer, waking up every day with the intention of growing and becoming a better man than you were the day before. Excellence means constantly striving to beat the competition, break previous records, outshine the ones who came before you and never say “no” just because you find something to be challenging. Excellence is who you are, what you do and everywhere you go. It means never settling for less and always being above average. Most importantly, when you fall down, excellence dictates that you learn from your mistakes, strategize a new plan and get back up with more determination than before. (Austin M.)

As Nipsey Hussle once said, “Luck is just being prepared all the time, so when the door opens, you’re ready.” Our values are part of the fundamental foundations of our lives. Our individual values help us both decide and express what is most important to us. These values help us make countless decisions and are the basis for many of our actions. Values also help us move forward in life, influencing the decisions we make, whether healthy or unhealthy. I think it is well known that my favorite of the 10 Driving Values is Excellence. Excellence in PEP is defined this way: “We seek to work with and learn from the best of the best.” This value has taught me to lean on my brothers. I may struggle or may not be the best sometimes. However, if I can learn from positive examples, I can become better. I believe a real man excels at the work God has given him. There is a balance between work responsibilities and spiritual commitments. I can use this value in my life to make a positive impact through faith, driven by excellence. (Joseph H.)

In life we are faced with difficult situations, and we all have choices to make. We have our own right to choose, whether for better or worse. I have been through so much the past few months, and I’m proud to say that I was able to show excellence in those situations. We have been ready for all that comes our way, and our class handled it all with excellence. I am grateful for PEP and my brothers I have found in this program due to the excellence they both show. I will be a humble graduate and will show my family how excellent I can be when I return to them. All glory to our Lord, and a big thanks to PEP for the opportunity to lead and to become a better man. We salute excellence. (Tony M.)

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.

Execution

Execution is my favorite Driving Value because I believe it puts me to my own personal test when it comes to completing a task. I strive to complete each task at hand in a timely manner, while showing that whatever task it is, it can be completed with a high level of accuracy. It allows me to focus on challenges, whether it’s public speaking or just challenging myself to achieve greatness. Execution allows me to take a project seriously by taking the necessary actions to reach the goals I set for myself. This is a strong Driving Value in my eyes. (Javier C.)

The reason I chose Excellence is because it’s what I strive for the hardest. Even when I was breaking the rules, I never “half-stepped” – I was all in, so to speak. So why not use this same rationale for doing the right things? I strive to execute and be the best at what I do. If you’re willing to cut corners or half-step, then what is the point in doing it at all? When I take a test, I execute. When I pitch, I execute. When I do anything, I execute. You can always count on me to get the job done effectively and efficiently. (George M.)

My favorite value is execution because this word truly expresses the kind of person you are. It shows other people how you take care of your business and responsibilities – in other words, it shows your ability to get things done without slacking. This shows you are not just talking, but actually putting in the work, performing at a high level while being truly committed. (David L.)

Since I’ve been here in PEP, the Driving Value that has proven to be the most valuable to me would have to be Execution because it has helped me to steer clear of procrastination. Throughout this class, each time I was assigned a task, I executed it in a timely manner. By doing this, I have realized how much easier each task was and how much value I place on execution – so much so that once I am released, I will use execution to make my goals and dreams into reality by staying committed and following through on everything I do. (Phillip C.)

Execution is the most appealing Driving Value to me because execution in life is crucial to accomplishments. Execution is for doing things to the best of an individual’s abilities; it’s a task, obligation or even a simple commitment to others and yourself. By believing in execution and living by it, your character and the work you do go hand in hand. On my journey to having a better life, I have put 100% into everything I do, using execution as the cornerstone to stand on. Utilizing all 10 Driving Values gives my life meaning and provides me an opportunity to help those I come into contact with. (Pablo S.)

I will reach every goal that I have in my mind to succeed in life as a man of value when dealing with the things I must complete, achieve, value and honor. With self-discipline, I will execute everything that comes my way without harming myself or others, and without breaking any laws or rules. To continue to strive and achieve greatness, I will not allow myself to get comfortable or accustomed to situations being good. I will continue to rise, and I will always remember to place value on execution instead of allowing myself to procrastinate with what needs to be done. When it comes to my surroundings and the company I keep, I will always do what’s best for me and my children by protecting what I value the most, which is my legacy, livelihood and fatherhood. With this mindset, any challenges that may arise can be handled in the best way. PEP has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I ever imagined, and for this I am forever grateful and committed. (Antony J.)

My favorite of all the 10 Driving Values is execution because I used to be a procrastinator, never finishing what I started. Since I have been a part of PEP, I have learned to value execution, which is the ability to finish the things I start and see them all the way through. The sense of accomplishment I’ve received from being in PEP makes me feel good and motivates me to put forth the maximum effort when I try new things. I think everyone should write a list of goals and cross them off one by one when they achieve them. (Emmanuel B.)

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.

“Fresh Start” Outlook

Change is necessary. Many people get comfortable doing things they have always done, even when they know those things are wrong. Some people actually want to change but don’t know how to implement it, nor do they see the opportunity for it. Honestly, there are many people out there that want to do better – all they need is a chance. This class is an example of a group of men who were counted out, yet we strive to learn every day and push each other to be and do better. These are like-minded men trying to achieve their full potential. I believe getting this second chance has breathed new life into me. I know what doing the wrong things looks like, but now I want to do the right thing. My perspective on life has changed for the better, and that is what having a “Fresh Start” Outlook means to me. (Nasir G.)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook. I feel a lot of people need a fresh start outlook this is a way of life and people must keep it in mind in all aspects of life. Once you start to notice what your flaws are and what you need to work on, one must use a fresh start to change perspectives and do what’s best. With having a fresh start outlook you no longer judge a book by its cover, changing mentality of whatever the situation is. Everybody needs a fresh start outlook no matter the situation it is always good to have a renewed mentality to be a better you.

Melvin P.

The book of Acts in the King James version of the Bible speaks of Saul. Saul persecuted people for being Christian. He was confronted by Jesus when he was on his way to Damascus to do more of Satan’s work. That one conversation with Jesus changed Saul’s entire life. He even changed his name to Paul, and went on to write about eighty percent of what we know as the New Testament. The point I’m trying to make is that we all deserve a second chance in life. That’s what “Fresh Start” Outlook is all about. It is about treating everyone with respect and seeing everyone equally.

Anthony H.

I feel like we as people don’t have the right to judge each other if we ourselves don’t live a perfect life. We as humans have all been through something and those struggles have made us who we are today. We all deserve a second chance, life is hard and ugly what we should be doing is building each other up not tearing each other down. When you take the time to sit and listen to people you can empathize with them. With “Fresh Start” Outlook I feel like It can help us come together in a world that is so far apart. Don’t judge a book by its cover and give those you don’t fully know a chance. When you help others, it creates a domino effect changing those who you helped, helping them achieve their full potential.

Jonathan P.

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite Driving Value. It is important to me because the way I was living life before prison was toxic. My lifestyle almost destroyed my family completely. I lost my home, cars and tools, but those are all things I can get back. The one thing I lost that I can’t get back is time – time with my kids and my wife. I made an oath to myself and my family to change. This Driving Value is the most important one to me, and because of that I continue to put forth the effort to work on changing my mind, spirit and self. (Jeremy B.)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite Driving Value. I believe this program is more than just an entrepreneurial program. It is a transformational journey in each participant’s life. As I’ve looked around the room at the other gentleman in my class, I began to see the ambition. I began to see the desire to want to change, and I can see the desire to be restored back to our respective communities. We all come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but here at PEP, we all seek one thing: change. This journey throughout the program is reshaping my frame of mind. No longer will I be narrowminded, but instead I will maintain a “Fresh Start” Outlook. (Gareic H.)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is by far one of my favorite Driving Values because in one way or another, when things get bad in our lives, what matters is our way of turning it around. These moments define our lives, and we must be able to have a fresh perspective to better ourselves. Having this value as a moral compass will lead you to become a successful member of society. Life will be more fulfilling when you look back and see the positive changes we all have made. (Felix W.)

I chose “Fresh Start” Outlook because walking out of prison, I will have a fresh start and a clean slate in life. I have made a complete 180 – the old me is dead and gone, and the new man I have become is better than ever. Having a second chance motivates me to go even harder, not only for myself but also my family, kids, grandkids, etc. I have obtained a clear vision, all the while implementing positive thoughts that broaden my horizons. I truly believe having a different outlook than I did before incarceration is important to my future. This fresh start is the most profound thing that has happened in my life in about a decade. There were a lot of things and people I was holding onto from the past, none of which were beneficial for me or my future. I’ve cut those bad ties now, and I am a better man for it. Thanks to PEP, I can see clearly now the rain is gone, and I see a bright future ahead of me now that I’ve had a glimpse of what having a “Fresh Start” Outlook is all about. Thank you, PEP! (Duryder J.)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook because when I came to prison, I realized that my old ways of being are what brought me here. I had to analyze my life to acknowledge my mistakes and what needed to change. As a father, I realize that my kids are the ones I let down the most. This is why I have been determined to change and better myself so I can have a fresh start when I get out, God willing. I want to be a better role model for my entire family and make them proud of the new me, always acknowledging that the faith I put in my Lord and the determination I have is what has given me a fresh start in life. (Juvenal G.)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite Driving Value. Having a fresh start to me is having a total mentality change. I don’t think the same way I used to, and this has changed the way I view things in general. I have a purpose in life and plan to accomplish my goals. I no longer suffer with fear and insecurities, and most importantly the thought of giving up is gone. PEP has helped me understand why a “Fresh Start” Outlook is so important. (Jaime B.)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook. I feel like a second chance is vital in life – and sometimes, you aren’t even given a true first chance, so you already start off behind. Having that second chance and fresh start can change your whole life. If you give yourself a true fresh start, you can achieve your full potential. This is why I love having a “Fresh Start” Outlook. (Quan S.)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook. I chose this because it breaks down why most of the participants make the commitment to PEP. Most of us, myself included, want a second opportunity for success in life. We want to rebuild the bridges that we damaged in our previous lives. Personally, my favorite part of this Driving Value is that it equips human beings to achieve their full potential, which clearly states that it is earned, not given. (Jason B.)

I picked “Fresh Start” Outlook as my favorite Driving Value because we all dream about change and looking at things differently. We all have many reasons why we give up: fear – usually of failure or of not being enough – but the Bible says that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I am embracing this fresh start as my way to prove myself,  first to me and then to my kids. You could say this is my last chance to get it right, and I thank God for this opportunity. (Patrick V.)

I want to become the best man I can be. I want to move forward in life with a positive attitude. I don’t need to keep looking back at my past, which has a lot of negative memories that seem to continue following me. I want to be the one that people look up to. If we surround ourselves with negative people, then we too are going to be negative. I’m going to start with a “Fresh Start” Outlook because PEP has opened my eyes to a whole new future. I am going to be more open-minded and respectful of others. I believe that people can change no matter what their past has been. Everyone deserves a second chance, and all we have to do is believe in each other, so let’s all show the world that we care. (Glenver H.)

Work is an important part of life and it should be fun and rewarding. We seek to create a work environment that encourages laughter, imagination, fellowship and creativity. We regularly celebrate positive results and recognize those involved in the success.

Fun

My favorite Driving Value is Fun. The reason I chose Fun is because my entire life, I have made people’s day by putting a smile on their faces. One of my personality traits is to get people in good spirits, because the world we live in is crazy nowadays. People go through personal things every day, including depression and heartbreak. Yet even on my worst days, I do not like to show my negative feelings because I wouldn’t want my negativity to rub off on the next person. Fun is the right medicine you need when you are feeling down, or just not having a good day. Focus on happiness and thank God every day for waking you up. (Ky’veon H.)

My favorite Driving Value is Fun. These Driving Values are all important, but Fun stood out as more important to me because I looked at my life in prison as a punishment. I even created my own definition: “If working is fun and plentiful, you’re not working – you’re living.” PEP has shown me that life is so valuable if your core values are righteous. I am beyond grateful to be a part of the program, and I can’t wait to teach my kids to have reasonable and worthwhile values. (Jyron K.)

I chose Fun as my favorite Driving Value because it fits my personality. I strongly believe that work should be fun. Without a professional form of fun, the workplace can get extremely boring and mentally draining. Having fun can help keep the mind sharp and fresh. (Ryan S.)

My favorite Driving Value would be Fun. I say this because in life, you are faced with a lot of obstacles. I think life is not worth living without having fun in it. Make the best of every day and try to have a fun moment in each day you live. Fun brings joy in all you do, even at work. My definition of fun is simply to have joy in life, work and all that you do. (Christopher H.)

We embrace a pioneering spirit and are constantly in the pursuit of innovation and improvement in our efforts to help others. We expect dramatic change. We are committed to seeing beyond the current perception, and even the current reality, to break stereotypes and shape new futures.

 Innovation

Innovation drives a man to never settle for doing things the way they have been done in the past. Our nation was driven forward by men whose innovative spirit led them to invent all sorts of amazing things. Without this value, we would be a stagnant people, content to let the world turn and stay the same. We have climbed the highest peaks and dived to the deepest depths due to man’s innovative desires and drive. Innovation is definitely one of my favorite Driving Values, as we will always face roadblocks in life and need to find new and innovative ways to move beyond them. With PEP as our springboard, we will show innovation as we come out of our crucible stronger and sharpened to an edge capable of winning the battles we will face in the future with innovation and strength of character. (Jonathan Cr.)

Innovation is my favorite Driving Value. The reason I chose innovation is because we as individuals can allow ourselves to be creative. Being innovative allows us to be open to new ideas so that we can expand and grow in new ways. Finding our own limits may give us the drive to be open to new ideas that will allow us to exceed those limitations we place on ourselves. Innovation should also be used to encourage each other to strive to be better, breaking old habits that are no good for us and replacing them with more constructive habits and activities. (Kevin I.)

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.

Integrity

Integrity is my favorite Driving Value. Walking with integrity keeps me focused on doing the right thing, even when no one else is around. Having integrity is important to me because I believe this will keep me from coming back to prison. Integrity is something that I look for in others I choose to surround myself with. I want to be known for having integrity and to be an example for my daughters. Integrity sets us apart and keeps us on track. (Albert M.)

Integrity is definitely my favorite because without integrity, there is no trust, and without trust, there is no structure. PEP is based on this Driving Value and is a great example of integrity. If the people who run this program don’t have integrity, the program would not be what it is today. I was thinking the other day that PEP is a predominantly peer-led program. The two staff members who run the program are Adam W. and David F., who were inmates themselves, and it’s still a program like no other that I’ve witnessed or been a part of. These people have to do the right thing when no one is looking in order to have the trust that PEP has and has built in. Its foundation is definitely built on integrity, and I’m a witness and admirer of it. (Ruben N.)

Integrity is my favorite Driving Value because it means to tell the truth no matter what people want to hear. That’s PEP’s definition, and it lines up with me and who I am. Integrity isn’t just a word to me, it’s a way of life. Be real with who you are and don’t change just because we are in prison or people think you’re not cool – change because you want to be better. (Damarte B.)

My favorite Driving Value is Integrity. I like to tell people what they need to hear instead of just what they want to hear. I know that most people like me need to hear the truth about what we are doing, not “yes” men that just agree with us. Some of us need to hear the truth so that we can do evaluate ourselves and our actions. Eventually we can improve how we think and show up. (Isaiah L.)

My favorite Driving Value is Integrity because you must be honest with yourself before you can be honest with others. This means that when you’re able to be real with yourself, you can start to be real with your peers, saying what needs to be said even if they don’t want to hear it. With integrity, you must hold yourself to a higher standard in everything you do. Having integrity says a lot about one’s character. These are all the qualities that I love about integrity and why it’s my favorite of PEP’s 10 Driving Values. (Patrick O.)

My favorite Driving Value is Integrity because it is moral soundness. Saying what needs to be said and not simply what people want to hear brings an undivided, unbroken completeness with nothing left wanting. With integrity, people see you as a person worthy of being depended on, and that’s what I strive to be. In closing, integrity has become not only a PEP Driving Value, but a way of life. (Marcus D.)

Integrity is the quality of a man’s character as it is shown through a man’s words and actions. As a man, all you really have in this life is your word. When all the value of trivial trinkets and material possessions falls away after your death, people won’t want to remember what you had, but rather what you said and did. It’s more than honesty; it’s about honor. Honor is about doing what’s good and righteous – just like Integrity – and living with those words and actions not just the rest of your life, but throughout eternity. (Elijah B.)

Integrity is my favorite Driving Value for so many reasons. The main thing that we learn here about integrity is to “say what needs to be said, not simply what people want to hear.” For me, it goes so much deeper than that. You need to say what needs to be said to yourself. Be honest with yourself, first and foremost, so that you can discover and embrace the true you. Know right from wrong, and always do the right thing, even when no one is looking. Integrity means living a life of light, truth, honesty and love. It means living a life where you can trust and be trusted, a life where you can love and be loved, a life of security and longevity, and a life where you can live all your days with a smile on your face and your head held high. (Grady L.)

I feel that Integrity is one of the most important Driving Values. Every real man should live and abide by this value. Having integrity in life can help mend relationships, build trust and make you confident with others. This will make people want to talk to you or ask for advice because they know they will hear the truth. The world would be a better place if people had true integrity. I will live by this value no matter what obstacles come my way. (Ivan R.)

We are committed to service in love. PEP staff and leaders will be patient and kind, never envious or boastful or rude. We will not seek our own way nor be easily provoked; rather, we will bear all things and endure all things. We will rejoice in the truth and always seek out the best in others.

Love

The most important Driving Value to me is Love. My whole life I have been filled with anger and misery – I have been consumed by it and have allowed it to dictate my life and contribute to the poor decisions I’ve constantly made. In the Bible, it says to love God and love your neighbor. I know the only way I can ever get past the anger and misery is to allow God in my life and truly love myself and those around me. To love one another is our purpose in life. That’s why each and every day, that is exactly what I strive to do. (Jacob G.)

Love is my favorite Driving Value because you have to genuinely give it out and expect nothing in return. At times it is hard, especially in the wrong settings, where everything and everybody is negative. I have been in bad places in my life where I felt no love, and I was just mad at the world. I feel that you must look past things sometimes and try bettering yourself so that you can help others see the struggles you’ve overcome – then they too will learn to love. (Mario D.)

The Driving Value “Love” is my favorite because I believe love should be given when being of service to those you care about. If I am going to hold others accountable, be a person with a Servant-Leader mentality, have integrity, etc., it should all be done with love. I believe love is the foundation of both great character and becoming a leader that is of service to others. (Kevin I.)

My favorite Driving Value is Love. I think love is the most important not only because the Bible says so, but because without love there would be nothing but hate in this world. Without love, I don’t think you could have any of the other Driving Values and be able to apply them in life.  Loving one another makes the world a better place and makes you a better person. God commands us to love not only him but each other. Faith, hope and love will endure forever, but the greatest of these is love. (Terry N.)

Love is my favorite Driving Value due to the fact that I have not truly loved myself or even known who I was for a long time. I thought I did, but coming into this program and receiving love from people I did not even know has changed my perspective on life. All the Driving Values have made a profound impact in my life, but love trumps them all. (Bryan H.)

Love is the most important because it is the ultimate motivating factor that cannot be fabricated – true love is authentic. In 1 Corinthians 13 (also known as the “love chapter”), Paul states that even if he does great things but has not love, he is only a clanging cymbal, out of place and out of time, making a lot of noise but not in harmony with the purpose it was designed for. So if we uphold the other nine Driving Values, but have not love, then the Bible says our motives are selfish and filled with pride. Fortunately for us, love never fails. (David P.)

I chose Love because I believe it’s the most important Driving Value. Without love, you’re just moving in a direction without a destination. Love is the driving force that provides foundational stability, and all the other Driving Values are the walls and the roof to the house. Love should be expressed in all our endeavors, so as Jesus said, remember to “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Fred A.)

My favorite Driving Value is Love. Without love for yourself or someone else, life is pointless.  By having love for yourself and showing love to others, you can promote self-worth, values, morals and compassion. Love as an emotion or an expression inspires others to treat you and others with love. Love is a powerful motivator and can be used to win physical battles or even internal battles to help us change and become better versions of ourselves. (Scott C.)

It is God’s love, kindness and goodness that continually motivates us to be obedient and genuinely repent when we are disobedient. Our Father’s love is unconditional, unlimited, undeserved and eternal. He accepts us just as we are, but he loves us too much to leave us that way! There is nothing we can do to make Him love us any more than he already does. Thankfully, there is nothing we can do to make Him love us any less either. He just wants us to use our free will daily to choose to love him and serve others. (Jose V.)

I chose Love because all the other Driving Values can’t be done unless you show and give love. I was always taught I had to give love in order to receive love. When you really analyze life, God made us to love one another and lift each other up. It’s in the 10 Commandments to love God with all your heart and soul, second is to love your neighbor as yourself and honor your father and mother. I love this program because it’s made me a better man, one that stands on principles and values. I cannot wait to show my family and my future wife the best version of myself. (Rene D.)

Love is by far my favorite Driving Value, because it’s the hardest value for me to relate to and live by. I’d rather work at my weakest point rather than on my strengths. What is love – a feeling?  an action, emotion or even a choice? Everyone has their theory on this, but I truly believe it’s a combination of them all. I strive every day to work on loving myself so that I can show love to others. (Henry C.)

My favorite Driving Value is Love. I chose love because I believe this value in my life has changed so much in me for the better. Love also comes in different forms in life, such as friends, a wife or girlfriend and even from strangers. I learned to give back in a way to others, so my love continues to be showcased to all those around me. This also means I must apply this Driving Value correctly. Love isn’t just a word – it’s an action, and I believe it is the most important action we can take. (Juan Z.)

Love is my favorite Driving Value because love can bring a sense of peace to your life. It can enrich your experience as you strive to become a better person. Love is not a lesson I claim to be able to teach, but I know that experience is a great teacher and must be sought out. If you seek love, you must begin with yourself, because if you don’t love yourself, it will be hard to love others. With love you will find support like you find with your PEP brothers who have developed a love for each other as we face challenges together and work toward change in our lives. As we progress through trials, love will manifest many unexpected rewards and will give us strength to see us through our darkest struggles, providing needed fortitude as we become better versions of ourselves. (Matthew A.)

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.

Servant-Leader Mentality

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader Mentality. Being able to obtain this value means that you are dependable, which is what my grandfather taught me as a child. Growing up not knowing what it meant, I felt lost, not really knowing what my purpose was in life. Understanding what it means to be a leader shows by being willing to help someone in need, even if that means you have to meet them where they are. A great leader is someone who can listen, learn and guide others to accomplish whatever task is at hand. For me, it’s the helping part that fills my cup. Knowing I was of service to others is the reward of having a Servant-Leader mentality. (Zachary B.)

To be a Servant Leader, you need to possess all the other Driving Values as well. I also like to help people better themselves. I want to push people to be the best they can be. In order to be consistent, I do all I can so that others will trust what I’m saying so that they too can be successful. I like to lead people in the right direction, just as I want people to lead me in the right direction. I love to help people and make them feel good about themselves. Also, when I reach success, I want to be able to lead the youth so that they learn from my mistakes without repeating them. (Jay S.)

I know who I am: “daddy,” “grandpa,” “brother,” “Uncle Jason”; I am a boss and entrepreneur; I’m a steward of land and livestock; and I am a steward and Servant-Leader for all within my sphere of influence. On a deeper level, I realize my life is intricately interwoven with the lives of my loved ones, my PEP peers and all the souls that I impact and influence by my actions. As I persistently overcome the enemies within me, I can more clearly see my purpose. Fundamentally, I am being transformed into the Servant-Leader I am meant to be. I know my why’s, as well as who I am and what matters most in life. I am dedicated to the PEP program, where I utilize the environment to practice virtuous principles and values, making the effort to become a better man and the best version of myself that I can be. I humbly accept constructive criticism and corrections from my peers, empowering and encouraging my fellow peers also to become better men. I am a Servant-Leader. (Jason K.)

I value the Servant-Leader Mentality and the responsibility it entails by being of service to others. In living out this Driving Value, this same mentality can be passed on so others can apply this value in their own lives and be of service to others too. A leader must do everything possible to help develop and improve the performance of individuals on a team. A leader must also understand when someone does not have what it takes to get the job done. When all avenues to help an individual are exhausted without success, then it is the leader’s responsibility to fire that person so he or she does not negatively impact the team. It is always helpful to be able to fellowship with your brothers and make every conversation positive and helpful. With a Servant-Leader Mentality, we will lead by example. (Rene G.)

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader Mentality. I believe that the only way that you can ever be a leader is by serving others. A leader is someone who has people following them, and if they are not doing anything to serve those individuals who are following them, then those individuals will eventually stop showing up. To express a Servant-Leader Mentality, you must be humble, bold and loving. My future goal is to be a good business leader, and I believe living out this quality is the best way to achieve my goals. (Fredrick M.)

“Only when leaders stop focusing on their personal ego’s needs are they able to develop other leaders. They feel less competitive with talented peers and subordinates and are more open to other points of view, enabling them to make better decisions.” This statement, as said best in Bill Georges’ True North, sums up Servant-Leader Mentality in a short but sweet summary. There is a dichotomy in leadership positions, in that hard decisions are weighed out and chosen, but allowing others to take part in developing a solution to an issue creates an atmosphere that everyone wants to be involved in. The idea behind T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) means that you should never be in a position of leadership just to feed your ego. Check that at the door and choose instead to be of service to your community. (David S.)

All men are created as leaders, and in fact will lead, but it’s the direction they choose to lead that matters the most. The Bible teaches that it’s the motives of a man’s heart that will ultimately direct the course of his life and define him. Furthermore, there are only two contending motives in this life: the love of self, and the love of God and others. The self-loving leader is the one who aims to compete within his community in an effort to establish a sense of value. In contrast, the Servant-Leader will seek to recognize and establish value in others, and in doing so will prove them to be the most valuable resources in his community. (Steven J.)

Currently, my favorite Driving Value would have to be Servant-Leader Mentality because as a future leader of my community here in PEP and out there in the world, the only way to be a leader is to lead by example. I have to be able to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, because there is always someone watching and waiting for you to fail. Little do they realize that there isn’t room for failure. (Perfecto C.)

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 those we serve.

Wise Stewardship

Wise Stewardship is my favorite Driving Value because I love making the most out of what I am given. I produce the best quality of work possible with the tools I have. I believe we must utilize the tools we are given. I love earning a person’s trust with my work ethic, and I strive to apply the funds that I am entrusted with and make the donors happy. (Joseph P.)

I have always been a strong advocate for Wise Stewardship with regard to finance, saving money and investing it wisely. Since I’ve been here at PEP, I’ve realized the concept of being a wise steward of my time and freedom. Being a wise steward of my time has allowed me to be able to complete all the tasks set before me in PEP’s curriculum. This Driving Value will translate into the free world and help me realize how important it is to manage my time. Being a wise steward of my freedom means I will no longer be willing to loosely jeopardize my freedom by making poor decisions that could cost me what I’ve already lost so much of. I am very grateful for the new lessons I have learned through pondering what it means to be a wise steward. (Joshua B.)

Wise stewardship is an all-encompassing Driving Value that I absolutely love to work on. To be entrusted with another person’s money, property or affairs is an honor that speaks volumes about their view of you. Wise stewardship is not just about physical wealth of another, it is also how you manage or utilize the gifts God gave you in this life. He tells us in Matthew, “You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.” Throughout the bible, we are given examples of wise stewardship many times. Whether it is Adam given the Garden of Eden or Moses given the entire group of Israelites, God trusted man with his gifts. We either rise to the challenge of being wise stewards or we learn lessons as we fall short. At the end of this life, I pray God will say,” well done, good and faithful servant!”

Jonathan Crossno