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 is my favorite of PEP’s 10 Driving Values. This word was a really big one for me to accept. I have learned that in this life, I have to be accountable and responsible for my choices, good or bad. I have also learned that in my life, I have always played the victim and blamed others, even while knowing that I was the problem. Being here has shown me a lot of reasons to start making myself a better person by listening more than talking. I have also learned that I can only control myself. I have accepted that I am not the only one I hurt, and that I have hurt my family too. It is about moving forward, thinking twice before making a choice and starting to be accountable. (Juan T.)

I can say with certainty that my favorite Driving Value is accountability. The reason I say that is because I have struggled my whole life with a lack of accountability. For years, I have searched for growth in that area but with a failing result because I lacked understanding. Now, I can sincerely say that I have finally found the true meaning of growth, and it is all due to this Driving Value that is instilled in the program. (Ronaldo L.)

My favorite Driving Value is definitely accountability. I chose accountability because it has taught me that holding myself accountable is helping me grow as a person and become a better man. It also helps me to help my PEP brothers become better versions of themselves. Some people may see holding someone accountable as telling on someone, but they don’t understand that holding someone accountable in PEP is not for any kind of criminal intent, but is instead used to help the brother grow. All 10 Driving Values help us grow as men, but to me accountability is the best one. (Calton W.)

Accountability is my favorite Driving Value because without it, you cannot grow. When someone is doing the wrong thing and has no one to hold them accountable, they will continue to do wrong. Accountability is not just for everybody else – it can be for your own growth too so that you can set a standard for yourself. And if you are not meeting the requirements, you have to make the decision to hold yourself accountable. You cannot break the standard, not even a little bit, because everything counts. (Magic M.)

For me, the Driving Value that means the most has to be accountability. For most of my life, I was a very bad actor. I got in a lot of trouble and really didn’t care about what happened next. My mother did her best raising five boys and two girls, and we were a handful. Accountability was something that we knew nothing about. We were all for “yes, go and do it,” when we should have been saying “no, don’t do that – it’s a bad idea.” Now, when I finally make it back home to my family (and while I am still here), I want to work on my accountability. I am doing it not just for me, but also for my brothers and my family so we all can do better when it comes down to thinking first. (Dominique J.)

One of my favorite Driving Values is accountability because it will help me develop a better character. I think that most of us would be less likely to break the rules if we just accept accountability for our actions. Knowing that we have to be accountable for everything we do, we are more likely to be cautious. Accountability requires us to take more responsibility in our lives, and that is why this is my favorite Driving Value. (Tin N.)

Being accountable for all your actions is a major task in and of itself. When you make a mistake in life, don’t try and find a way around it. Find a way to deal with it and make it through. Now, holding those who are close to and around you accountable is totally different, and most would say extremely difficult because in society today, many people call it snitching, and no one wants to be called a snitch. Yet, we have to remember that there is “no wiggle room” in life. We must be accountable, and even be willing to enforce accountability, but we can only provide the opportunities and tools. Your family, friends and participants of the program must want to change before it can even begin to happen. (David J.)

I choose accountability as my favorite Driving Value for a few reasons. It not only teaches you in this class to be a man and do what’s right, but it also prepares you for the world. I believe it’s a must to lead people in the right direction and that holding people accountable for not following the rules is a good thing. It helps build integrity and morals. This is why I chose accountability as my favorite. (Rogelio S.)

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

The Prison Entrepreneurship Program has really pushed me to operate at my highest potential. Throughout this journey, my peers have come to me saying, “you’re doing great, keep it up,” or “it seems like you’re moving effortlessly through the program.” I’ve had times when I was challenged, emotional, or just really wanted to speak my mind. Before I ever gave up or did anything that was harmful to myself, the word “excellence” always popped into my head, reminding me that I not only wanted better for myself but those around me as well. I knew if I approached situations the same way I did in the past, I’d get the same negative results. Instead, I had to look at each situation as a growth opportunity to do better. I looked beyond PEP, asking myself if I was in the world, how would I handle this? So I stopped, thought and figured out the best way to navigate through these situations so I can truly become the best version of myself. I admire each of the 10 Driving Values, and they all have helped me. But if I had to choose only one, I’d say excellence has been incorporated into the other nine, amplifying them, as I continue to grow and become the best man I can be. (Javon B.)

I loved this value of excellence when I first saw it because it let me know that PEP wants the best participants in its program. This gave me a chance to show my God-given skills and talents. By doing this, I feel that I can apply it to myself. I was destined for this while incarcerated and further bettered myself for a new beginning in my life. Working to be my best every day has helped me to do everything in my life to the best of my abilities. (Jermaine M.)

I feel as though the old saying “you’re a product of your environment” is a very insightful message. The people you surround yourself with are key indicators of the type of person you are. If you strive to work with and learn from the best of the best, you will become successful at whatever you’re trying to do. This is a huge reason why I am thankful to be a part of PEP because we are united with business executives who have experience and knowledge to share. I look forward to building a network of successful peers. (Isaac H.)

It took some time for me to choose my favorite of the 10 Driving Values. Each Driving Value holds a special place in my heart, but after much consideration, excellence is the one that most touches my soul because my mother was always excellent with her choice of words. She was always telling me to try to be the best at whatever I was trying to do. Excellence is her way of life, and it’s what I want in my life too. (Sheddran K.)

Out of the 10 Driving Values, my favorite is excellence. I chose this value because it represents my drive to be the very best I can be. I know that if I put my very best into everything I do, I can achieve anything. Incorporating the drive for excellence into my daily life will help me shape a future to be proud of. By striving for excellence, I know that the sky is the limit. (Domanic S.)

When I think of someone who walks and lives in excellence, I think of someone who is respectable and trustworthy, performing with precision in all aspects of life. Someone whose life is marked by excellence has no difficulty executing any other Driving Value in their everyday life and does it to the best of his ability. I personally find the challenge of living and walking in excellence every day to be fun, exhilarating and inspiring to others. It’s one thing to be great, but it’s another thing to excel to the highest degree, exceed expectations, be outstanding and reach that ultimate greatness within yourself with everything you do. This is what I desire for myself and for everyone else. This is why excellence is my favorite of PEP’s 10 Driving Values. (Ronald R.)

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 

I would have to say execution is my favorite Driving Value. Ever since I was a child, I would take things apart and put them back together. I would not stop until it was done right. This was way before I knew what execution was. When I got older and started playing football, the word execution became very clear to me. Before every play, I would tell myself, “Okay Dominique, execute, get in the backfield and get the quarterback.” My definition of execution is when you have an objective, and you come up with a plan on how to not just get it done, but get it done without any mess ups or delays. (Dominique L.)

My favorite Driving Value is execution. I think execution is important in every aspect of life. To execute properly, we first have to put together a plan and follow through on that plan with precision. Execution may one day be the determining factor on whether we are chosen for a raise or promotion – otherwise, without the ability to execute, we will continue to be overlooked. Once we choose to execute at a high level, we no longer limit ourselves in life. People will see our ability to execute, and eventually that will pay off. (John S.)

This value means a lot to me because without execution, everything that you plan or do will not mean anything. No Driving Value will work without the ability to execute them. When you execute on everything you do, you will grow into the person you want to become. (Jose B.)

My favorite of the 10 Driving Values would be execution. Getting things done right and on time is important to me. A top focus of mine has always been the execution of my goals. I believe planning helps to achieve a task. In any and all things, I strive for the best. Like the old saying goes, “if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.” So, I remember to plan and deliver outstanding results every time. (Herbert G.)

I would say execution is my favorite Driving Value. Execution has been a part of my life without me even knowing it. The times I forgot about execution, it affected the way I delivered things and the quality of my work – to me, it seemed like just a mistake. But as I have been going through this program, it has reminded me to implement execution back into my life. Live life with execution and implement this value in every aspect of life, and you’ll get much better results. (Gregorio H.)

My favorite Driving Value is execution. I like to get things done as fast as possible. I also like to do things right the first time. The reason I like to get things done quickly is so I can accomplish more daily and still have time for myself. If you deliver outstanding results, you won’t have to redo whatever you were expected to do. You will also be more likely to be chosen next time. Since coming to PEP and applying execution to my life, I have actually been able to accomplish daily tasks without stress. (Steven F.)

The Driving Value execution stands out to me the most. To me, this definition means that you complete something successfully with self-discipline while meeting the highest standard. Overall, it means delivering the best. (Ruben L.)

Execution is my favorite Driving Value because when I think about every part of my life, I’ve always understood the importance of pushing through every obstacle no matter how hard it seemed. Now I may be able to help push others to execute in whatever it is I do in life. I apply this value in my life with every step I take. Understanding execution is a big part of being successful. (James D.)

I believe execution is my favorite because of how effective it is, not only in PEP but in life in general. I believe too many people tend to wait and do things last minute. If people would execute things at a steady pace over time, it would keep them from rushing things at the last minute. Usually, when things are done in a hurry, it results in poor performance and poor production of the task at hand. When time is available, goals and objectives should be valued and taken advantage of, not put off. So take advantage of life’s tasks and execute them in a timely manner. (Jimmy L.)

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 

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook because I believe that every man who has made a mistake should have a second chance to start fresh – a new beginning in a new place with new people to help, support and hold you accountable. This way, you are able to achieve the tasks and dreams that you have. I believe every man can change his mind and heart, but it must start with God. (Kevin C.)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook. I believe this is my favorite because I believe we all deserve a second chance. When someone looks at your background, it automatically puts an opinion in their mind. In addition, most people don’t take advantage of their second chances and start giving half measures. I think everybody should be treated with respect no matter their background. At the same time, I believe the person needs to keep their respect by doing good. (Calvin M.)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite 10 Driving Value because everybody needs a fresh start. Fresh starts are second chances to do or change things you don’t feel you did right the first time. Everybody makes mistakes, as we are only human – but we have to learn from those mistakes and make changes accordingly. Always remember: it’s never too late to change, and it’s never too late to make yourself and the people around you better. (Brandon M.)

I chose to write about “Fresh Start” Outlook as my favorite Driving Value because sometimes we fall into a level of comfort that may not be best for our personal growth. No matter what life throws at us or what problems we face, we will remain at this level of comfort. So, eventually the only way to find a solution or solve these problems in a healthy way is to come at them from a new point of view. When approached from a new angle, we may not only solve the problem but find that we have grown to be better people. In doing this, we can start to see that other problems can be solved with this method, and we will have pulled ourselves out of that comfort zone. If you are comfortable, you are probably not growing. (David G.)

“Fresh Start” Outlook has become my favorite Driving Value. It helps me understand that as life goes on, I will make mistakes and learn from those mistakes. I have to accept my past and let go of the mistakes that have already occurred. Just because I have made mistakes in my life does not mean I can’t change. I have to move forward and be positive in every aspect. Once I get out and start this new chapter in my life, I will be able to wash away all the negative things I have done or said. I will start over with a clean slate and be a positive influencer in my community. My lesson to others will be that people can change and no matter the circumstances, everyone deserves a second chance. (Travion E.)

My favorite 10 Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook for many reasons. One of those reasons is because the definition of it is outstanding to me. In the program, you live by these 10 Driving Values, and this particular value pushes you to be the best version of yourself. Not only that, but it also drives everyone to unite and push each other to be the best they can be. This Driving Value unites us and has helped make us who we are today, and it is the reason why everyone is progressing to be better. (Angel T.)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook. The reason I choose this particular Driving Value is because I truly need a fresh start. I’ve been to jail many times and gotten out doing some of the same things, never really having enough time to sit down and think about my life. During these last 12.5 years, I’ve really taken the time to reflect on my past mistakes. Throughout my incarceration I’ve grown, and choosing to enlist myself in some of the self-help programs has taught me a lot. I’m grateful I was accepted into PEP. It has not only taught me about entrepreneurship, but it has also given me the support and perspective I’ve needed to be successful and stay out of prison. (Eric T.)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite Driving Value. This is the foundation for changing our lives. A “Fresh Start” Outlook is all about capitalizing on the opportunity to start over, kind of like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Also, by helping others adopt this same outlook, you give them a chance to start over and achieve their full potential. (Christian P.)

I chose “Fresh Start” Outlook because it made me look at things in a different way. It is never too late to make changes in life. I now see the world differently, and I want to be the person that my family looks up to. I want them to see that I am a changed man and for my kids to be proud of their father. When I come home, I would like to show my little brothers that it is never too late to change and to show them that if I could do it, they can do it too. I am going to be the big brother I should have been and when they see the new me, I will lead by example. (Jesus G.)

My favorite 10 Driving Value would have to be “Fresh Start” Outlook. No man here is better than the next. Every man falls short of the glory of God. Dignity can be restored by treating every man equally, no matter what, and by treating others how we wish to be treated. In this way, permanent change can be achieved. In this way, the future for all our children will be a better place. (Justin L.)

I choose “Fresh Start” Outlook as my favorite value. I’m open to change, mostly by choices. I can adapt to new environments because I see myself as very versatile. I also love to see different points of view so I can have a better understanding. Having a fresh start means you get another chance. Fresh is the mind of someone wanting to grow, and that someone is me, ready as can be to accept the new “Fresh Start” Outlook. (Tyrrence 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

Fun is important for your overall health – even when it comes to working out, part of overall physical fitness includes enjoying what you’re doing. That’s part of the reason why it’s important to celebrate big accomplishments in life. Even when you have a long, important day at work, enjoying the work you do is its own reward. You can’t only have fun all the time, but if you prioritize fun each time you accomplish something or reach a goal, you’ll enjoy the rest of your life. (Exavier B.)

My favorite of the 10 Driving Values is definitely fun. I have had a job since I was 16 years old. One thing I learned over the years is to have fun and make the most out of any situation. Finding humor in the small things makes life easier, not just for you but for everyone else around you. Nobody wants to be around a negative person who never has fun. To truly love life, you must learn to have a good time and have fun. (Ryan L.)

My favorite Driving Value is fun. It is a saying that if you don’t work, you don’t eat – so to work is a necessity. With this being true, it is also said that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I want work to be fun and rewarding, something I enjoy and believe in. So for me, I will find the joy, excitement and fun in doing it. (Rodney W.)

My favorite Driving Value is fun because no matter how hard life gets, you can always make the best of your situation. Don’t take yourself too seriously – lighten up and always share a smile with others, whether at work, in the streets or in prison. Find a way to make your situation positive, because it can always be worse, but if we are still alive, we are beyond blessed. (Israel A.)

Fun is my favorite Driving Value. I always have fun, and I like to have fun when I work. I would love to work and put smiles on people’s faces when they interact with me. We always need to make time for fun to balance out the seriousness of and stress in life. Both work and fun are important, and since fun is a reward for hard work, it’s important to prioritize fun. (Donavan R.)

My favorite of the 10 Driving Values is fun. It goes hand in hand with my job out of prison. I cut trees for a living, and where some people see crazy people with chainsaws high up in a tree, I see a good time. I know I have too much fun sometimes and need to work on finding a balance. Thanks to PEP, I can see that. (Christopher G.)

My favorite Driving Value is fun. Like it says, “work is an important part of life, and it should be fun and rewarding.” I take this to heart because you should always have fun in everything you do. I’ve learned that as long as you are having fun, you will continue to do whatever you are doing. When you become bored in whatever you are doing, you probably won’t do your best, so always have fun and enjoy what life brings, seeing everything as an opportunity to grow. (Donell C.)

One of my favorite Driving Values is fun. The reason I chose fun is that sometimes life is hard, so enjoy the time spent with family and friends when life gives you a break to enjoy yourself. Having fun can change your mindset in any situation – fun can shake off the bad and can also shake the away madness when you are feeling down. So, have fun whenever you can. It is never too late to have fun, no matter what your situation is. (Kendrick S.)

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 is the ability to integrate our past failures, transforming it into positivity. It is also being able to draw from your experiences and make the transition from your former self into the driven, passionate and overall best version of yourself. Daring to take the initiative and pursuing your goals until they come to fruition is an example of innovation lived out, as is having the dedication to persevere and motivate yourself and your family to break generational curses, bringing financial stability for future possibilities. It’s all about taking it upon yourself to ensure that you’re not just talking the talk but also walking the walk. (Vincent G.)

Innovation is my favorite Driving Value. Its meaning describes my hunger for knowledge and the ability to adapt to adverse situations. Innovation makes me think of the future and what it will be. As a core value of entrepreneurship, innovation aligns with my state of mind perfectly. By thinking outside the box, working hard and following my passion, I know a new beginning is right around the corner. (Travis W.)

My favorite Driving Value is innovation. I chose innovation because it gives us the opportunity to express our creativity, try new things and push the limits on what we are truly capable of. In my opinion, we live in a time where innovation is at an all-time high. However, through new technology, innovation is on a sharp decline because a lot of people let computers think for them. Through innovation, we are given the opportunity to pursue the best versions of ourselves while changing the world we live in for the better. (Mann H.)

I have to choose innovation as my absolute favorite of the 10 Driving Values. Innovation is the lifeblood of progress. It is the ability to look at an old problem and find a new and novel solution. It is also looking at the issues we have within and finding a new way to become a better man every day of our lives. To innovate is to make a way where there is no way. (Darcell T.)

Innovation, my favorite Driving Value, means to create or uniquely create. In PEP’s definition, it says PEP expects dramatic change. For someone to change, one must be imaginative and create a unique perspective to see beyond the current reality, especially when it comes to making a dramatic change. In order for someone’s actions to change, they first must change their perceptions and perspective – only then can real change occur. (Darias B.)

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

My favorite Driving Value is Integrity because the definition includes my favorite part of PEP: “We say what needs to be said, not simply what people want to hear.’’ Let’s face it, without integrity, what do we have as human beings? People sit here and say we want a better life, but the moment someone tells us about ourselves, we get all defensive. This value is the one I have always tried to live my life by because the last thing I want to be known for is someone who had no integrity. Especially when we are trying to open a business and build relationships with customers, we must have some kind of integrity. So, I would have to say for sure integrity is my favorite Driving Value. (Drew S.)

My favorite Driving Value would have to be integrity. It is my favorite one because with integrity, an individual can truly grow. “We say what needs to be said, not simply what people want to hear.” People can see where they are wrong or what they need to work on so that they can better themselves. It’s seeing from a different perspective. If we only say what people want to hear, even when they are wrong, then we are not helping them grow and will instead be promoting that negative belief or behavior. (John D.)

My favorite Driving Value is integrity. With integrity, my life upon release will be successful. I will strive to be honest and trustworthy. I will be truthful about any and everything for the rest of my life. I will be someone that can be counted on and relied on. (Larry L.)

My favorite Driving Value is integrity. I always had a problem actually saying what needed to be said. In PEP, I have improved the most in this area, and I want to thank PEP for this. I will aspire to help people have more integrity to make the world better. (Justin L.)

Integrity is my favorite because there are a lot of people in this world who will do things for you, pretend to be your friend and act like they care about you when actually none of that is true. The only reason that they act like this is because they think it will benefit them. They know that you have some real friendships and are jealous of you. So let me say this clearly: if you don’t value integrity, you are not my friend. (Scotty E.)

Of the 10 Driving Values, I chose integrity as my favorite. All 10 Driving Values hold a special place in my heart. However, integrity is the Driving Value that is an important part of my personality. For me, integrity is letting my “yes” mean yes and letting my “no” mean no. Integrity is being able to stand for what is right even if the majority want to do what is wrong. It is my integrity that allows me to sleep well at night, knowing that I’ve conducted myself honorably throughout the day. (Arnell H.)

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 Driving Value I chose as my favorite is love. I believe everything should be done out of love. As a Christian, I am to love God with all my heart and to love my neighbor as I love myself. Doing this would correct many if not all the errors in this world. It is easy to see if someone is acting out of Love. I see love as the foundation which we should use to build up the other nine Driving Values. Without love, none of this would be possible. (Clayton M.)

Love is my favorite Driving Value because when you do anything in love, it comes out good. I cook with love, and my food comes out delicious. When I cut hair, I do it in love and my haircuts come out pretty good. Love is a good thing and gives you a good feeling. You can’t be successful without love. You can’t have integrity, fun or innovation without love. Love is both beautiful and great. (Antwain B.)

My favorite Driving Value is love. The other nine have a much-deserved place within the value system of PEP.  However, it is my opinion that to embody any of the values, you have to have love. Being able to show love with any of the other values is an important thing. (Christopher G.)

Love is my favorite Driving Value because I feel like everyone needs love in their life. It shows that people care about you and what you go through, and that they value you as a person. Also, love is a giving characteristic and a gift that God gave us to show how care about one another. Love is powerful and is the only thing that can overcome hate. I just feel like without love, you will die quicker; like a plant, if you’re not feeding that plant love and care, it will die. (Bryian B.)

My favorite Driving Value is love. It is the one I think has the most value in my life; it is also the one I have improved in the most. I’ve learned to share the love that I have from God with others, and the love that I share with my family is unmatched. I’m excited to go home and share PEP definitions with my children, with the most important one being that “we are committed to service in love.” (Michael M.)

Love is my favorite 10 Driving Value because it is a core emotion that makes us human. Love for my PEP brothers is what drives us to care about someone in need and have empathy for them. I can’t take care of myself or others without first having love because without it, I would just be some careless slob of a monster roaming the earth out to cause harm and destruction like I did in my addiction in the free world. Love can also cause people to do bad things if they choose to love the wrong things, so you really need other values to keep you on the right side of morality – still, it all starts with love. So I choose to let love be my foundation for growth and who I am, and I let the other values like integrity and execution control the trajectory of that growth. I also believe in love so powerfully that I have the word tattooed on my right-hand knuckles so that everyone knows what I’m really about. (Michael D.)

It is difficult to choose only one Driving Value because they all play an important role in our character development. However, since this is the assignment, I would have to choose love. Why love? Well for me it’s simple: nothing beats that warm feeling you get inside from doing God’s will, that satisfaction of seeing others rejoice. You never know what the next person may be going through mentally or emotionally, so be intentional by showing love! Make it a mission to see others through the eyes of Jesus. Be a servant, stay humble, have no pride and make sure that all your actions are rooted in God’s love. (Juan M.)

I’m talking about love – how much I want it and how I haven’t gotten a lot of it in my life. You see, being in PEP, they show love differently. They genuinely want to see me get out and do great things. So, when they hold me accountable, they don’t do it because they don’t love me, but because they do. Before, I put my love in the wrong things and people, and I won’t do that anymore. I love hard, so when I love, I want the same energy back and nothing less. (Joseph H.)

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. I feel as though the Driving Value excellence works hand-in-hand with being a Servant-Leader. We want to equip people to be their best, but the best way to do that is to lead by example. Your leadership can cause a ripple effect in many lives and can last beyond your lifetime. It is just as important to remember to be a servant, as keeping this mentality makes helping others easy on both parties. (Alfred R.)

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader mentality since I try to embody this value the most. Being 47 years old in what has become the younger generations’ environment, I believe that some of the younger individuals, as well as some of the first timers, deserve to see someone like me showing them it is possible to change their mentality and attitude. I lead by example and focus on staying humble as others comment on my walk. I do not just do it for myself – I do it so those around me can grow as well. (John H.)

Having a Servant-Leader mentality is like one of the golden rules. We should live by “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” By doing this, I can get rid of prideful behaviors and keep us from the rat race, since we are all in this together. This mentality builds a strong bond and foundation. This mentality will help us become better men for our families and communities, but also for ourselves. This mentality births integrity, grows humility, and passes a generation of love to one another. A Servant-Leader mentality should be the goal of mankind to make this world a better place, one of peace and harmony. Each of us can learn from one another while establishing the trust that we desire to have from others (and ourselves). This is an important part of Christ’s mentality, and he’s the best example of true a true Servant-Leader. (Patrick H.)

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader mentality because as brothers, we are to lead people the right way. Most of us learn from watching the next person that is the closest to us, whether good or bad. I have seen people come and go, and they leave with some characteristics through what they’ve seen. I choose to do the right thing so I can lead others to do the right thing as well. This mentality has to become second nature in order to serve and lead without having to think about it. I believe that if we serve and lead, our main motive is to help others without seeking the glory. (Salvador D.)

My favorite Driving Value would have to be Servant-Leader mentality. To me it not only means to serve and lead, but to learn and teach. You have to be able to speak with a leader’s mentality. You also have to be able to teach with the mindset of a leader. The greatest teachers were taught by the greatest teachers, and great leaders were led by a great leader. (Triston W.)

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader mentality. Taking into consideration the purpose of the program, as well as the definition of entrepreneur, all three words hold great significance. As Christians, we are called to have a servant’s heart and state of mind when dealing with other people. If only we could all learn to humble ourselves and be of service to each other with peace and love, equality would prevail. “Leader” coupled with “servant” is the cornerstone that will build stronger relationships between employers and employees, allowing both to prosper, because I don’t think a leader can lead without compassion. And lastly, “mentality” in the sense of being firmly established as a Servant-Leader – not just a servant, or just a leader. When put together correctly, the mindset is that of an equality-driven, purpose-driven life that will be of great benefit to the individual, the people that surround him and society in general. (Michael M.)

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

The Driving Value I chose as my favorite is called “wise stewardship.” Wise stewardship to me means taking care of the things people entrust you with. My grandmother used to tell me that if somebody gives you something, I should take care of it better than if it was my own. That saying has always resonated with me. When you work for somebody and use their equipment, you should always maintain it. This helps build trust with people, which is why wise stewardship is so very important to me. (Leonard G.)

Wise stewardship is my favorite Driving Value because when I came to prison, I had a misconception that I had to break the morals and values I had growing up. Whenever you are entrusted with a task or to do the right thing, you prove to yourself and to everyone else that you can be trusted to be a law-abiding citizen when you are released from prison. The environment in prison is what you make of it. If you start on the wrong path from the time you get to prison, you will soon find out how daunting it can be following in others’ wrong footsteps. The State of Texas entrusts each one of us to behave accordingly as adults to be able to reintegrate back into society as positive members of our community. So remember, when you come to prison, act accordingly and don’t fall victim to the wrong crowd, because everyone everyone is trusting you as an individual to serve your sentence and leave a changed man – especially your family. Remember, everything starts with you, so be a wise steward of your time. (Ezequiel A.)

Wise stewardship is important and tied to God’s blessing. 1 Corinthian 4:2 states, “Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” I have seen how PEP has saved a lot of money by printing their own workbooks and utilizing inmate Servant-Leaders to encourage the current class when its time to memorize pitches and study the textbook. Through their faithful stewardship of donors’ funds, God has blessed them to be a vehicle that He uses to change men’s lives. I hope to emulate their example in my future business, ministry and personal finances. (Cipriano A.)

Wise stewardship is the empowerment of trustworthiness. To be a wise steward, you must project a sincere sense of security and promise. This allows others to know that you will treat anything of value as if it were your own and that it will be used for maximum benefit. This is my favorite Driving Value because I consider myself to be a trustworthy person. I live by the Golden Rule and try to treat others as I want to be treated. If you live by this value, it shows others that you are trustworthy, sincere and understanding of others’ wants and needs. (Jason L.)