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

One of the things that really stood out to me about this program was the accountability process that PEP participants must uphold with each other. Throughout most of my life, I’ve had a hard time taking responsibility for my actions, and to make things worse I never had anybody tell me that what I was doing was wrong. You see, most of the time the people around us can be the ones to help correct our negative behaviors simply by pointing them out. That’s why I joined PEP. I know that the guys around me are going to let me know when my behaviors are not conducive to my development as a better man. More importantly, I know that they will hold themselves to a higher standard as well and be a shoulder that I can lean on in times of need. Together, we will push each other to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. (Phillip A)

Accountability begins with us and the measure to which we hold ourselves responsible. With our awareness comes the necessity to pass it on to others. The only true way to healing is the path of accepting responsibility for one’s actions and being accountable. Sharing my story continues to be a part of my mission in an effort to find the good out of something deeply catastrophic. We are tasked with holding others accountable to live up to all 10 Driving Values. We are made to be uniquely significant and have an impact on the world around us. Part of that stewardship is to hold others accountable, as well as ourselves, simply because it is the right thing to do. (Jeffery L)

Accountability is my favorite Driving Value because being responsible for my actions and the choices I make is key to my growth. It is imperative in moving forward in my life that I be mindful of my decisions and choices I make. I must learn from past mistakes to succeed. Owning my past is necessary for me to transform my life. I must never forget where I have come from and always be accountable for actions I take moving forward, as my greatest desire is to honor God and my family in all that I do. (Gary B)

I chose Accountability because in order to move forward in life, it is very important to take responsibility for any wrongdoing. To be accountable, you have to man up and stand up for anything you have done. When a man holds himself accountable, it helps him sooner or later to become a better man because he will understand the importance of what is right vs. what is wrong. Living life with accountability can help you go far because it shows that you care how others feel about the things you do. These are the reasons why I chose Accountability from our 10 Driving Values. (James L)

I believe that a person’s credibility is the most important thing in life, and that one’s credibility is evaluated based on the level of accountability exhibited in a person’s professional and personal life. Being accountable for your actions shows a level of maturity and responsibility. Having accountability in life will show that you are a reliable person and can be trusted. Accountability means that a person will mean what he says and pay his debts. (James F)

The reason I would say Accountability is my favorite Driving Value is because prior to PEP, a lot of us just did what we wanted to do, when we wanted to do it. Truth be told, that is why a lot of us are incarcerated. The accountability process has put in us the drive to stay true to what we say and complete tasks we set out to do, all while being held accountable for our actions. As PEP brothers, none of us wants to see another brother fail in life, so we must not only hold each other accountable, but ourselves as well. (Britton A)

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 a way of life, and I aspire to achieve my goals and do my best to strive for excellence. Excellence is a constant reminder of my goals, dreams and ambitions. Without striving for excellence, there is no standard to follow. When your goal is to lead with excellence, you will become the leader your community and society so desperately need. (Rafael S)

I chose Excellence as my favorite Driving Value. I have come to strive for excellence in all that I do. If you strive for excellence, all other aspects in life will fall into place. It is a trait of mine to strive for excellence. Everyone should always strive for excellence, and even if you fall short, you can take pride that you tried. (Bryan G)

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 one of my favorite Driving Values. I chose this value because in completing this program, I had to constantly execute assignments while having to cope with a language barrier. I want a better life for my family, and I know Execution is needed to make that possible. With this Driving Value in my life, Execution has helped me focus on the task at hand. In the end, it comes down to getting the job done, and execution is the key. (Johnatan P)

I chose Execution because it’s easy to say what somebody can or will do, but when we say what we “will get done,” we tend to stall or wait. For me, I can put a lot of things on hold, knowing I really have nothing else on my agenda. Since my character is in a shapeshifting, building stage, I know I have extra time to execute what needs to be accomplished, and that is why I practice executing daily tasks that come my way. This is my second main character trait that I will have acquired before I return to society. In the world, temptation is at an all-time high, and it’ll be easier to fall victim to worldly things, so my goal is to execute whatever needs to be accomplished. That’s what execute means to me: do what needs to be done and be ready for the rest to come. (Edward M)

It used to be that starting something was a big thing for me; I have started a lot of projects but failed to complete them. Now, I’m taking steps toward a very important time in my life, not only to change my views but also my character. Taking the most valuable actions would be my view of Execution. These actions consist of creating ideas and having a passion to complete them. This is my mark on my life to reprogram myself to prove that I can and will get things done with the best results. We can plan to succeed all we want, but if we don’t take initiative and harness our willpower, these plans will only be thoughts. (Rogelio L)

Execution is my favorite Driving Value because it teaches us as men to finish what we start. This program has helped me understand the word “execution” by doing every task at hand and actually finishing it. This Driving Value can also be used on the outside when we are on the job. We will always execute – not only as hard workers but as sons, brothers, fathers and friends. We plan to execute this program and prove ourselves to be righteous leaders. (Billy R)

My favorite Driving Value is “Execution” because I consider myself to be a person who completes what he starts. I love to work out, but I also enjoy the feeling of accomplishment; I don’t feel good about myself for starting something and not finishing it or doing it right. I’ve made execution of my main values the top priority in my life. All 10 Driving Values are good and valuable, but Execution is the one I live for every day. (Ramon C)

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

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite of the 10 Driving Values. This fresh start is very different for me because now that I have the tools, I will not hesitate to use them in times of need. Although I will have the same decisions to make, the difference is my outlook. My people with whom I’ve chosen to surround myself think and move differently – they are truly God-fearing men who refuse to compromise on the Word of God. My circle is also my accountability partners and mentors. With a “Fresh Start” Outlook, success is my destiny! (Julian O)

My favorite of the 10 Driving Values we utilize here at PEP would definitely be the “Fresh Start” Outlook. I came to prison with a certain mentality that only worsened when I got to TDCJ. I was an alcoholic and addicted to other things as well. I started to embrace this “Fresh Start” Outlook about a year ago after I got a set-off from parole. I knew it was coming, but it was still an eye opener once it happened. Coming to PEP assisted me in deciding to make a change and provided me with the skills and tools to transform myself into an individual I can actually say I am proud of and respect. Thank you to everybody in the program, staff and PEP brothers alike. I needed this program in my life more than I realized at first. Now that I am where I am as a man today, I can take my knowledge into society and help others upon release. (Jefferson C)

My favorite Driving Value is the “Fresh Start” Outlook. I like this Driving Value because it speaks for itself. When you think of “Fresh Start” Outlook, you might think of a new or fresh start. But that’s not the case, because it really means to help others by helping them strive and achieve their full potential in life and in this program. That’s why this is my favorite Driving Value – it applies to everyone in PEP and in the world. (Michael T)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is a big part of PEP and is also my favorite Driving Value. It is interesting to watch the transformation in people who apply this value. We all come to PEP not knowing how to handle our brothers’ eagerness to help us. As time progresses, we all become a family and begin pulling together to push each other to be our best. We all eventually get it and show it by making sure everyone – our classmates, newcomers and Servant-Leaders – has everything that is needed. We develop an attitude that begins here and continues outside, helping us all overcome the world. (Preston H)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook – it is also the most important Driving Value. To all of us in our situation, we are starting our lives over upon release with a “Fresh Start” Outlook. PEP has drastically affected my life by opening my eyes to fully accept accountability and change. Living by these 10 Driving Values means that I will be a successful member of society. I can’t wait to get out and live by these standards. I have grown and transformed into the man I was supposed to be because of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. (Nickolaus S)

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. I feel like in today’s world a lot of us take ourselves too seriously and, in turn, are always stressed out and in a bad mood. If we could all figure out how to have a little fun, I feel confident the world would be a better place. It is both possible and desirable to have fun while still taking care of what needs to be done. Without fun, this world would be a miserable place. (Jordan W)

My favorite Driving Value is, of course, Fun! Not many people can say “I’ve had fun in prison,” but after coming to PEP, I am one that can honestly say it. Having “fun names” is awesome and is a real ice breaker. I love my fun name, “Ace Ventura,” and I love to own it! But what I really like is how every day, everyone gives me an “Allllll-righty then!” – Ace Ventura-style. PEP allows us to express ourselves, and I thank them for that. I almost forgot what fun was, but PEP revived that for me and all of us. So, thanks again PEP – and whenever you’re feeling down, just yell out a good “Allllll-righty then!” and think of me. (Roger H)

While in PEP I had to truly self-evaluate – there were a lot of changes I had to make internally. The soul-searching that took place led me to the conclusion that I truly had to shed the tough exterior of my past in order to shape a new future and break old stereotypes. The conclusion I came to was that I could no longer waste time trying to be someone I wasn’t. I found that my true purpose was to spread love and laughter. I found joy and happiness on the inside by having healthy fun and intentionally finding the good in all that comes my way. (Benjamin G)

Fun is my favorite of the 10 Driving Values because I love to have fun. To me, the definition of fun would be that you only live once, so have all the fun you can, while you can. I love to see people laugh and have fun with their families. There are times to be serious, but having fun always does a person good. I love to have fun because no matter what someone is going through, fun is always around and is free – and I want to live life to its fullest, no matter what. Even at work, I like to have fun. This is why Fun is my favorite Driving Value. (Joe R)

You should enjoy your work. Everyone should try and find employment that they consider fun because it gives a person the motivation to come to work. Being happy at work encourages employees to get their job done, and both of those parts are important. Have fun and get the job done with outstanding and timely results. (Donald M)

Everyone has their own definition of fun. Fun means so much more than playing around because the fun we have in class helps us break down barriers. Exploring everyone’s different style of humor is beautiful. Fun is more than just being a class clown – it is a way of life and is something I strive to take full advantage of. (Ivan G)

Fun is my favorite of the 10 Driving Values simply because fun activities are enjoyable and amusing. To me, PEP has been fun. Not only did we have fun, we learned so much while doing so. I also plan to carry what I’ve learned here out into the world. It is the gift that PEP has given me, one that I am so thankful for and will never forget. I plan to spread this value to others, not only in here but when I rejoin the free world also. (Chris C)

I believe you can have fun in life. Treat yourself well and you will be better for having done so. Do the things that you have a passion for and the fun will naturally flow, so have fun and enjoy life. I try to inspire and encourage everyone to have fun. Fun should be the Driving Value everyone focuses on because it makes the rest of the Driving Values easier to follow. It just helps you relax and be yourself. (Anthony 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

I pick this Driving Value because I believe breaking stereotypes is what life consists of when you’re making a change in your life. Everyone has a past. Based on how we grew up, we come with certain perceptions. When I read this Driving Value, it those preconceived ideas – my old life – and moved me to consider the new idea of change and break stereotypes of how I see life and instead start to look at it from the point of view of a greater cause … a greater sight … a greater way. Innovation gives me understanding about how much I need to see life from a wider perspective; tTs is how I see things now. (Lewis O)

I remember the first time I studied for the 10 Driving Values test for “Innovation.” It struck me as precisely matching my new (and even old) belief: Innovation is being able to think outside the box no matter what your situation is, regardless of who is involved or what you have to work with. Innovation tears down walls and rebuilds life, purpose and belief, and this is exactly what has shaped my new self. (Rocky C)

The Driving Value that I personally identify with the most is Innovation, which is the ability to “see beyond the current perception, even current reality” and has always been a keen strength. It is the key element in redemption for men in this season of their lives, just as it is for me. There are cultural norms that have been accepted, and they are especially detrimental to happy and fruitful living, so we must see through them to truly overcome and become better. The ability to create contrary and unique patterns of thought to improve the societal contract is imperative, not only to the reformed prisoner but society as a whole to ensure a truly progressive evolution and not the modern inversion of the word “progressive.” As a PEP alumnus, I will offer the absolute best of me to guide society toward true progression in universal brotherhood through an innovation of the known and understood societal contract, and always in servant leadership. (Thad C)

My favorite Driving Value is Innovation because without it, there will not be any progress at all. Innovation is at the core of finding solutions and a complete change to something better, whether it is your personal growth or a project that lacks evolution. Innovation also means the ability to create and inspire without being afraid of facing the challenges that come with it. (Victor S-C)

My favorite Driving Value is Innovation. Innovation makes me think of the word “future.” Are we going to get out and go back to our old ways, or are we going to get out and take advantage of the mental and tangible tools that PEP has and will provide us for a more productive future? Personally, I’m going to take advantage of the fire that PEP has rekindled inside me. The new, innovative businessman inside me can hardly wait! (Steven M)

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. I chose Integrity because to me it means that people with integrity have values and hold themselves to a standard and keep that standard no matter what. I also believe that someone who does the right thing when no one else is around shows integrity. Integrity and honesty are things that I hold close to me because they show the real you. (Sam K)

Of PEP’s 10 Driving Values, my favorite without a doubt has to be Integrity! I believe that being honest and sincere in everything you do will not only make you complete but also trusted by so many. Having integrity will help you tremendously to follow and live by the other important and valuable Driving Values, thus making your very existence have meaning and purpose! (Sergio M)

Integrity is my favorite Driving Value for several reasons. As an authentic leader, it is important to walk in truth – and since a leader sets the tone, it is important that you are being true to your core. When people look to you for answers, guidance and correction, you can only be relied on to fulfill these needs if you are willing to honestly tell others what they need to hear. When you are strong in integrity, you will have a greater and lasting impact on those you connect with as a leader. (Jermoni J)

Integrity to me is simply this: “if it’s not right don’t do it, and if it’s not true don’t say it.” To me, a man’s worth lies not only in his capability but in how true his heart is behind closed doors. Having integrity also means speaking the truth and saying what needs to be said, not just being a “yes man.” I apply this Driving Value to my everyday life, which is why Integrity is a very important value to me. (Otoniel N)

Integrity is my favorite Driving Value for many reasons. I believe that integrity is a key factor in life. Everything we do for any reason involves having integrity. Integrity keeps you honest and right on many levels. Integrity for me is the reason we as felons can reenter society and still be functional! (John K)

The reason I chose Integrity is because without this value implemented in my life, I wouldn’t have made progress. Through integrity, I was able to move forward in life and do the same thing behind closed doors as I would on the other side of the door. Integrity has become a value I now cherish and a tool I use in my everyday life. A life without Integrity is not a life I would want to live. (Caleb S)

Integrity is my favorite Driving Value because it’s the center of my morality. This Driving Value explains exactly who I am and what I expect of myself. Without integrity, a man will fall for anything. If you know me, you will know that I stand for something, thanks to my moral values and the center of my moral foundation: living an upright, righteous life with integrity. (Derrick B)

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

My favorite Driving Value is Love. The reason I chose Love is because, through this program, I’ve been able to be kind and care for others and myself, unlike on other units where I had to constantly be on guard. This Driving Value has truly helped me open up and let down walls I had built up to become closer to my fellow brothers. It’s helping me prepare to go back to the world and become closer with my family and let them in – not just in little pieces, but truly express myself to them and whole-heartedly love my family and friends, as well as my PEP brothers: “It’s easy to love when everything feels easy; it’s the darkness that tests true Love.” (Luis C)

My favorite of the 10 Driving Values is Love. When I was growing up, my parents always told me that I had the biggest heart. I truly love people. I try to see the best parts in others instead of focusing on the negatives. I feel like there is enough of everything in this world for everyone, and I really like it when I see the love being shown by others. (Andrew D)

I chose Love because love to me is one of the most important of the 10 Driving Values. When I see Love, I think of God because God is Love. The word “love” is kind and peaceful. Love defines my character and what I stand on. Living without love in your heart will cause you to be cast into hell. (Ruben H)

My favorite Driving Value is Love. Without Love, all the other Driving Values have no meaning. Without Love, holding someone accountable would just be criticism or harsh discipline. Love is an action and not just a feeling. And last, you have to truly love yourself before you can love anyone else. (Vincent C)

Love is my favorite Driving Value because it’s the most important in life. God designed us all in his image and in his “Love.” Without Love, the world would not be able to function. The feelings and emotions we have are based on the fruit of the Spirit (and others that aren’t so good). “Love” conquers all. Jesus said for us to love one another just as he loved us, and to even love your enemies even though we may feel hatred toward them. How could we love people who have wronged us? Well, we base our lives upon Christ Jesus, repent for our sins, believe he sent his Son to die on the cross, turn from our wicked ways, and seek his face diligently. He will let us experience a different type of peace, love and joy. The Holy Spirit within us will allow us to live out God’s ways. His ways are always righteous and perfect, and he wants us to love before anything else, just as he sent his son Jesus to die for our sins out of “pure love” for us. (Derrick H)

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails. This is the love Jesus gave us all. We cannot live well without it. It takes faith to believe that love is the way. Love will not fail. The natural mind cannot understand that because the natural man and his world are ruled by selfishness. Loving by faith and refusing to seek our own – this is true love. As long as you stay in Love, God the father seeks your own. (Paul C)

My favorite Driving Value is Love. What is love? It’s more than just a feeling of affection. I believe it’s a spiritual connection, not just a four-letter word. To me, it’s the sacrificial verb without conditions attached; it’s UNconditional. Love is not an emotion. It is the highest form of understanding for each other. We are born with the understanding of love. It crosses space and time. Love is unity because it makes two become one. (Joshua F)

Love is my favorite Driving Value. I chose Love because we need that in our life, and without love we are not going to succeed and help others in our circle. With Love, we can accomplish so many things, and because it gives us that heart to help friends and family, life will be so much easer. Love is something important that we need in order to be truly happy. (Angel 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

This Driving Value is my favorite because I pride myself on being a leader. I understand that with leading, you have to set the standard. You also have to be humble and self-aware. Leading is not easy. You have to be mentally fit for the job. This is because your job as a leader is not only to lead yourself, but also lead your people by helping people make the best decision while also leading by example. The key is to serve, and a true leader serves! (Isiah R)

It has been an experience being a part of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. I did not know what to expect upon arriving. The best Driving Value that has helped me in my growth process is Servant-Leader Mentality. PEP has given me a new approach to being a helping hand to others, rather than being so self-centered. This change in my life has made me a better person. I know I can make a difference in the world simply by being of service to others. (Daniel F)

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader Mentality because helping others selflessly adds greater meaning to life than simply helping myself. I believe this is the core value of being a leader. Leadership through serving others is more rewarding and fulfilling than any other leadership style. A leader is only as strong as the weakest in his group, and a leader has the responsibility to strengthen the meek. This leadership style calls for serving all who I come into contact with. (Tommy A)

One thing this program has instilled in the men is that a Servant-Leader leads to see others succeed. Upon my arrival at this program, the current Servant Leaders went out of their way to show us a part of this program that embodies the Servant-Leader Mentality. Even while being a current class participant, some of us were being groomed to step into these leadership roles when the opportunity presented itself. The PEP curriculum runs so well because of the strong sense of purpose and direction from the Servant-Leader team. One thing we learn is to put others before ourselves and to genuinely see others’ interests as more important than our own agendas. (Jesse O)

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader Mentality because it is the very reason PEP exists. I have found it brings me joy to help others. When we lead by example with humility, we can put our egos aside and begin to see the humanity in each individual. It is when I have done this that the most meaningful friendships were born. When we put others before ourselves, it creates true compassion, and I believe this is what the world needs most. Being able to make a positive contribution in someone else’s life has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my entire life. (Chris N)

I picked Servant-Leader Mentality as my favorite Driving Value, and it fits me well because I love to serve others and lead them in positive ways. I’ve always had leadership skills and have led in some capacity my whole life (sometimes positive, other times negative). Now as I’ve come near to completing PEP’s coursework, I’ve grown so much in my leadership skills and my character development. PEP has taught me how to become both an effective leader and an effective communicator; PEP has also helped me define my core values as a leader. As a team leader/accountability leader in the program, I’ve also learned how to speak to all types of people from different walks of life on all levels and provide them with the tools they can use to be successful and achieve their goals. The point of Servant-Leader Mentality is learning how best to guide and lead people who follow and look up to you along the path of growth and development while empowering them to achieve their full potential. (Devin 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

I would have to say Wise Stewardship is a culmination of all of PEP’s 10 Driving Values. Being a steward is to be entrusted with something, whether it be money, knowledge or time. We should apply what we are given accordingly, not only to achieve greatness but also maintain a strong foundation which will overflow into our personal, professional and family life. Affecting these key areas of our lives will affect our community and thereby create a legacy! (Devon G)

When I think of a Wise Steward, I think of proper use of time management. I think to myself, “What can I do to be productive with the time I have?” and “How can I help somebody else?” There is always a brother around who could use a hand or a boost, or maybe even a little guidance on breaking down their tasks at hand to manage what they have going on so that it’s not so overwhelming. I also think, “How can I share what I have learned here with the next man so he can apply the knowledge to his time early on to help him?” These are some of the reasons why Wise Stewardship is my favorite of the 10 Driving Values that we live by in PEP. (Alex C)

To have Wise Stewardship, you have to be trusted with someone else’s resources. I feel that to have Wise Stewardship, you have to be responsible and have great leadership skills. Wise Stewardship also means one has to be wise and very aware of the importance of the task at hand. This is why Wise Stewardship is an important value to me. (Luis M)