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 sticks out to me the most because of my kids. I have come to realize that my life is not just about me anymore. I will hold myself accountable for my actions and be responsible, just as a good father should. Whatever doesn’t get done is on me, and how my kids act is on me, which is why I need to be more accountable, because they will follow in my footsteps. (Adam B)

I choose Accountability because first I have to hold myself accountable in order to help others grow into the principles of PEP. Accountability can also be used to humble me and put my own pride aside. Allowing another human being to hold me accountable is great for my growth and makes me an all-around better man. I use it in everyday life so that I can make better choices. (Ivan A-T)

In the past I have made very poor decisions, and I want to learn from those and change my ways. This is why I hold Accountability in such high esteem: it is my foundation. From here on out, I want to hold myself accountable to a higher standard. If I don’t have a solid foundation, everything I am trying to build will crumble, which is why I need to be more accountable every day. (Joshua Be)

Accountability is my favorite Driving Value because it is very important in life. You must hold yourself accountable for your actions to improve and be better. Accountability helps you notice your mistakes so that you won’t have any room to make them again. Being accountable shows that you have grown and that you have changed the way you think. If you want to do better in life, hold yourself accountable. (Joshua Br)

I choose accountability as my favorite Driving Value because of my personal attachment to it. When I started serving my sentence, I hadn’t fully accepted that I was responsible for my actions. Since starting the process of my transformation, I have come to accept accountability for my actions. I have learned that my choices, whether right or wrong, have consequences. Holding myself accountable has played a major role in changing my life, which is why Accountability is my favorite Driving Value. (Rene O)

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

Before coming to PEP, I never really knew what excellence meant, let alone how to apply it to my life. I had become complacent, not really concerned about doing things well but with just getting by: I was okay with being “acceptable.” Now, I understand that excellence is something to reach for every day and in every aspect of life. If someone were to ask me how to strive for excellence, I would recommend asking this question: “What can I do to make tomorrow better?” (Chastin C)

I chose Excellence because I believe it embodies all 10 Driving Values. To me, “excellence” means reaching the pinnacle of achievement, whether the achievement is mental, spiritual, physical or financial. No matter what your achievements are, they cannot be accomplished without all 10 Driving Values – including Wise Stewardship, Innovation, Integrity and Love – all of which combine to create the essence of Excellence. (Alphonso D)

My favorite Driving Value is “Excellence.” I want to surround myself with people I can learn from who also motivate me. I need to be around people who seek growth, not only for personal achievement but so that they can raise the bar for everyone in their community. I want to be able to say at the end of each day that I did the best I could do. (Matthew L)

My favorite Driving Value is excellence. I like it because it means to take wisdom from some of the best people around and apply it. With wisdom, anything is possible. Excellence also means to be the best you can be so that you can positively affect others. You cannot be excellent while you affect others in a negative way because in some way, shape or form, whatever goes around will surely come around. (Thor P)

Excellence is my favorite Driving Value. I believe that it is important to excel at everything we do in life. When we excel, we pursue something we care about with passion, including a program like PEP. It could also include being a parent or doing our job. But whatever it is, if we strive for excellence, then it shows we care. (Joshua 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

Execution is my favorite Driving Value because in the business world – and life in general – two things matter: results and the bottom line. There are no excuses accepted for why things were not done as expected. Also, I believe in honoring one’s commitments, including deadlines pertaining to a person’s business and personal life. A reputation of execution and the ability to get the job done on time is the best way to honor one’s commitments. (Zavier C)

My chosen Driving Value is Execution because I have goals I plan to achieve when I am released to help get my business going, but it is up to me to execute those goals and turn my dream into reality. I cannot let anybody stop me – I have put too much work into planning and studying what I need to do to be successful and get things done without excuses. It is up to me to stay motivated and achieve my goals one step at a time. (Demardia G)

Execution is my favorite Driving Value, because it defines my character and who I am. Execution is a way to get things done – in other words, you can execute what you put your mind to. Execution is being able to take care of the core of what you are doing verbally, mentally and/or physically. (Arnulfo H)

When I think of Execution, I think of setting a play in motion and seeing it through to the end. I also think, “Okay, we’ve gotten what we were aiming for, so now it’s time to act.” Sometimes we overthink things too much and we miss our target. Execution precisely fits each specific goal in mind. ( Ricardo L)

Execution is my favorite Driving Value because it used to be one of my weaknesses. Any weakness I possess, I have vowed to turn it to a strength, so execution was first on my list. Being able to execute consistently can take you to the next level in life. (Jamieon J-M)

My favorite Driving Value, Execution, represents a way of life. For instance, if you execute in all aspects of your life, you will undoubtedly see success. In my opinion, other Driving Values can be open to interpretation and deciphered in different ways, but Execution is different. It says what it means: to perform! (Anthony P)

Execution is the ability to tap into your personal reservoir, turn on the switch, gather what you have learned and lead when all else has failed. Execution a skill, an art, a craft for such a time as this. It is a quiet strength that marks the moment as “great.” Execution is the ability to adapt and still hit the mark. (Jeramon R)

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 Driving Value because no matter how many times we make mistakes, it is never too late to change our outlook. There are a lot of things we didn’t know, and just by learning new things that we missed learning before gives us a new way to look at life. It has helped me realize how I live from now on reflects what my future holds and how I view life. It gives me hope knowing tomorrow brings new fresh chapters and opportunities, while keeping my wife and kids from going through my own past struggles. I must change my perspective so that they know life is what we make of it and show them what life is supposed to be like. My wife told me that the way that I have changed my behavior and how I’ve been treating her has given her a “Fresh Start” Outlook on life too. This has helped her overcome her past and start to hope again. It is amazing that my actions can make another person want something better for themselves and believe that anything is possible. (Kiondric A)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite Driving Value. Whenever you are trying to grow, or even if you get stuck in a situation, it is good to have a fresh start. “Fresh Start” Outlook means to have another idea on a situation, or to see something clearly in a way that rejuvenates. (      Darron B)

I choose “Fresh Start” Outlook because of the effort I have put into turning my life around. This Driving Value is so important because it builds the foundation of everything I am trying to achieve. “Fresh Start” Outlook is all about change and turning your life around, spinning it into something you can be proud of. I have made the conscious decision to do this and have started taking the necessary steps to change my life both spiritually and physically. Other than success, it shows my family, loved ones and community that I am more than the mistakes of my past. Only through commitment and hard work can all of this be accomplished, but not without having a “Fresh Start” Outlook. (Colten E)

I choose “Fresh Start” Outlook because I know that I must change to be successful. So, I need to have a different view on life and take chances that will make things better for me. “Fresh Start” Outlook sticks out to me the most because I want to have that fresh start, and with PEP’s brotherhood, I know that this will be a good experience for me. (Toby M)

“Fresh Start” Outlook is my favorite of the 10 Driving Values because I believe that people can learn from their mistakes and, if given a second chance, can make a fresh start in a more positive direction and achieve success in their lives. For some people, all they need is for someone to believe in them, which gives them a chance to grow and learn more about life and what needs to be done to be successful in life. This, along with proper guidance and support, can help people achieve great things and be the change they want to see in their life. (Moises M)

My favorite Driving Value is “Fresh Start” Outlook. I believe we are all capable of a fresh start, but I do not believe anyone is owed a fresh start. With hard work and a conscious decision to change, a fresh start is attainable. This may be my favorite Driving Value, but I believe you must incorporate all 10 Driving Values to achieve a true fresh start. (Christopher R)

My favorite Driving Value would be “Fresh Start” Outlook. No one in life is perfect. We all make mistakes in life, some worse than others. But as long as we have a good/right mindset on starting over in life, we can achieve great things. Breaking out of our old habits and moving in another, better direction is how I define “Fresh Start” Outlook. The past is the past, and once we learn how to forgive others and ourselves, we have a clean slate. It takes courage to start over with a fresh start mindset. We are going to make mistakes, but PEP has given me a fresh start to my life, both here and when I am released. (Heath S)                                                                                
I pick “Fresh Start” Outlook as my favorite Driving Value because at first, I didn’t understand it. Now after taking PEP, my understanding of “Fresh Start” Outlook has evolved and grown. I realize now that I can apply it to everything in my life, including plans for going home, character development and building communication skills. These are all very important qualities where a “Fresh Start” Outlook applies, helping me to be a better person for everyone, including myself. (Terrance W)

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 my favorite of the 10 Driving Values and the one I most relate to. I am just like anyone else, in that I have been through a lot of hard times. Being able to have fun during the hard times helps you so much to be able to get through them. Connecting with others in a positive way rather than feeding on negativity makes a situation bearable. Even in daily situations, having fun is very important to enjoy work and have good relationships. (Alejandro C)

My favorite Driving Value would have to be Fun. Work is not just work to me. I have fun painting vehicles all day, every day and I get paid for it. It motivates me to go every day and be creative, using my imagination as I come up with new ideas. It is also very important to me that I can be successful at something I have fun doing while also laughing and getting along with co-workers who enjoy working as a team. (Gustavo C)

My favorite Driving Value is Fun. I picked Fun because it is very important to make sure you capture all the fun memories. I did not know how much I was missing out on until I went to prison. The fun that I am used to having includes hanging around with friends at the corner store and mostly doing a lot of nothing. Now, I have come to realize that this was not fun at all, but only the time and opportunity to get myself into trouble. Since I came to prison, I have realized that there are many different ways to truly have fun, such as family outings, family game night, going camping and so much more. That is truly what it means to have fun. (John M)

Out of all the 10 Driving Values, my favorite one would have to be Fun. The reason I chose Fun is because I am a funny and outgoing person. I like to be silly and make people laugh. It brings joy to my spirit to have fun and live life to the fullest. I like having fun, and I like for people to enjoy being around me having fun as well. To me, Fun is a very important part of life. No matter how old you are, you should have fun in life, because tomorrow is not promised, so be happy and have fun. (Darius M)

Fun to me is a very important part of life that involves laughter, energy and quality time with others. Playing sports, going out with friends and traveling to different places are all things that I consider fun and enjoy very much. With all the stresses involved in the world today and the fast pace at which it runs, it is necessary to save time, enjoy life and have fun. I used to think Fun meant doing drugs and drinking with friends, but I now realize it was all just wasted time – time I could have spent with family enjoying life to the fullest. (Albert S)

What fun means to me is that you have to stop taking things so seriously and smile. You need to have a good time everywhere you go because your energy rubs off on other people. What we put into this world is what we get in return, so always remember to have fun because I’m not here for a long time – I am here for a good time. (Blayze S)

My favorite Driving Value is Fun. You must be able to have fun and enjoy your work. You cannot achieve your full potential if you can’t enjoy the work you are doing, so work hard and have fun to unlock your potential. This is why I chose Fun as the most important Driving Value. (Kyle W)

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 my favorite Driving Value because there is no limit to shaping new futures and helping others who are lost. Knowing the feeling of being lost is why I strive to help others innovate their lives. My way of helping others could be spiritually, physically or educationally. As long as I am able to help others transform their lives, I will do everything to help them achieve their goals. (Adrian A)

I choose Innovation as my favorite Driving Value because it makes you think. When it comes to life, you have to see the big picture with all of its chances and choices to make. Innovation makes you view life in the present while also planning for the future. It also makes you look at and correct flaws. I like Innovation so much because it instills passion, drive and purpose in your heart to help develop the desire to transform your life. This Driving Value will make you think outside the box and possibly achieve something great. (Christopher C)

I choose Innovation because not only is it a great attitude to have but also a way of life. Seeing beyond the “here and now” will help in so many ways, whether in prison or the free world. If we can see beyond what society may label us as, we break stereotypes and shape successful futures. Take a look at yourself in the mirror and ask, “Who am I? And what do I want out of life?” Use Innovation in your daily life to push you to live progressively to create an exemplary life. (Peter L)

My favorite Driving Value is Innovation because truly, where would I be without it? What if ancient humans had never picked up that flexible piece of wood, tied a piece of sinew to it, pulled back that primitive arrow and let it rip? Without innovation, we could kiss our La-Z-Boy recliners and DoorDash deliveries goodbye. All modern comforts and conveniences we enjoy would be nowhere to be found, not to mention the lifesaving medical advances we rely on today. Innovation keeps life interesting and keeps society moving forward. (Zachariah C)

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

By far, my favorite of the 10 Driving Values is Integrity. Integrity is the epitome of being a man. There is much to be said about an individual who lacks this Driving Value, because I believe that Integrity is the root of all positive traits. Honesty goes a long way, and without Integrity we would have no trust; and without trust, we have nothing. (Wesley A)

My personal favorite would have to be Integrity. While my downfall originates from not doing what I should have been doing, today I live according to what is right. Anytime I veer toward a wrong decision or path, my conscious mind will not allow me to follow through with it. I have come too far to look back now. (Brayan C)

We say what needs to be said, not simply what people want to hear. That is PEP’s definition of Integrity. I would define it as honesty. Being honest has taken me far in life. My family and close friends are very big on Integrity, so I love it. Integrity is one of the most important things in life because honesty means the world to me and mine. (Kalun C)

My favorite of the 10 Driving Values is Integrity. I live my life on a path of honor, and to do this you must have Integrity. I am who I am with or without anyone watching, out in the open or behind closed doors. With me, what you see is what you get. To have integrity, we have to do the right thing regardless of the situation. I have a strong foundation that I build my life on. Without Integrity, my foundation would become cracked and my life shaky. I would not be able to live my life of honor without this Driving Value. Integrity is a very important part of life for me. I encourage all to learn, practice, adhere to and teach Integrity. (Channing D)

Integrity would have to be my favorite Driving Value because Integrity is being honest with yourself and others. It is important to hear the honest truth and not simply something we want to hear. Without integrity, how do we expect to improve in ourselves? That is why I place an emphasis on Integrity in my life and expect others to show Integrity with me. Honesty, transparency and effective communication play major roles that show Integrity. Doing what needs to be done when no one is watching is another important form of Integrity. These are the reasons why I hold this as a key value in my life. (Annthony D)

If you do what you know to be right even when no one is watching, then you have Integrity. This Driving Value also means that you must treat everyone the same, regardless of the person’s attitude, skin color, religious preference or background. People in position must not abuse their power to either help or hurt anyone. Helping people to achieve their best might mean that they could end up being better than you in the long run. (Marty E)

My favorite Driving Value has to be Integrity. Integrity is being disciplined enough to uphold a certain standard in our morals and values, doing what is right (especially when no one is around). This is a character trait I want to exhibit mostly because I want everyone else to see what I already know now about myself. I know there is only one perfect human, Jesus, but I strive to be a man led by his character and righteousness so I can show my family the love they deserve. (Albert G)

I picked Integrity because it holds personal value. I would rather tell someone the truth and take a chance of not being liked than lie to gain a friend. Respect means more to me than friendship. Anyone can be a “yes man,” but not everyone has what it takes to be honest. Honesty and integrity are both morals and character traits I value in people. It is not always easy being truthful, but I believe it is the only way. (Joe J)

Integrity is by far my favorite Driving Value, as I am a realist and believe in unapologetic, brutal honesty. People who know me would agree: I say what is on my mind, right now, without a filter. I treat others as I would want to be treated, and I would prefer to have my heart broken with truth than deal with sugarcoated lies. People like me can get over the pain of truth, but never forget or let go of a lie. (Jeffery L)

I choose Integrity as my favorite Driving Value. Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking. I feel like I need people around me who will not sugarcoat any advice they provide. I would like to surround myself with people who will not lie or steal from me, as these are people of integrity. To have Integrity, we will always go the extra mile to do what is right. (Tommie L)

I have worked on my integrity for many years. Integrity is doing what you say you will do. It is also being the same every day, no matter the circumstances. Most people do not have Integrity and have no idea what it is or looks like. For myself, I work every day on my Integrity. (Julius P)

Integrity is my favorite of all the Driving Values. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. It also improves other character traits in a person, like accountability. Others may see it as telling on yourself, but you are really building yourself up and holding yourself to a higher standard. You are learning to be honest, not just with others but also yourself. With Integrity, you build up loyalty, honesty, respect, love, responsibility, trust and so many other positive traits that every person wants. (Christopher T)

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 would have to be Love. I am a big family man, and I hold family and friends very near and dear. I am a firm believer in the Golden Rule: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” By loving your fellow peers, it will be reciprocated. Love is also hugely important to show in our relationships so that others can continue to grow in a healthy manner. I could have shown a lot more love in a few of my past relationships, and that fact hurts me now, so I make it a point to show true love when I feel it. (Steven B)

The Bible teaches that you should love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. This is the first great commandment and the second is like it: love your neighbor as you love yourself. So if I love my Lord Jesus Christ, I will follow his commandments. This means I must love my brother and treat him as I would want to be treated. (Cody C)

Love comes from our great Creator God. The deep love we see in healthy living is what keeps us going in life. Understanding what true love is brings power and meaning to our lives. We need to know what real love is and how to live it out so we can put it into action and share it with others. We cannot say we love someone else without first loving ourselves. (William H)

My favorite Driving Value is Love. Love is the most powerful force in the world. When people feel loved, they can overcome a variety of obstacles. One person that comes to mind when I think of love is Bob Marley. He exemplified the idea that love was so powerful that it could overcome and defeat hate, and with love he was able to unify people all over the world. His famous expression “One Love” reminds us that he and all God’s people, no matter our background, race or financial status deserve to be loved well. (Lonte H)

The Driving Value I am going to write about is Love because of my family. I love them, and my kids know that I love them despite my shortcomings. Forgiveness is a form of love, and I have had to forgive myself to love myself.  I also love God, and I know the blessings I get from Him daily. (Douglas H)

Love to me is loyalty and being able to trust others; it is a quality or feeling of strong or constant affection for and dedication to one another. If you are there for someone, that is what a real relationship needs – it’s when you neglect to put in the effort that things don’t work out. If you put in that extra effort for someone who can reciprocate it, love can be the greatest feeling. (Cruz M)

Love is a quality I had to learn thanks to PEP. I know Love is the most important thing you need to be a successful person in life. This is why I’m now taking Love to the next step and applying it to my life so I can have the best of success. (Terrel M)

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

I chose to write about Servant-Leader Mentality because as men, we have been blessed with wives and children and have therefore been called to be leaders. This does not mean simply giving orders but instead having compassion for the wellbeing and needs of the group you are leading. Jesus Christ had the best Servant-Leader Mentality and is our role model. He came in the flesh and died at the hands of the Father’s creation, and yet still Jesus said, “Bless them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus knew he was going to put himself through this – and why? So that we would have a way to heaven. (Raymond H)

My favorite Driving Value is Servant-Leader Mentality because I’ve learned that to make a better society, you must be able to lead a group of vulnerable people and show them that there is more to life than what they have been led to believe. To lead well, you have to know who you are leading, where you are leading people to and help those you are leading be prepared for their ultimate destination. You also need to live out what you are saying; you can’t say one thing and then turn around and do the opposite, or else you will lose people’s trust and respect. (Dakota T)

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 it has a lot to do with loyalty, both to your brother and yourself. At the end of the day, how many people could you drop a million dollars off with and return later to find nothing is missing? Could you trust someone that much? Being entrusted with someone’s wealth or property is important, and the trustworthy person is a wise steward. (Augustus F)

Our heavenly Father has made an investment in every person. We were all born with gifts and talents. These were given to assist people in fulfilling their call and purpose. A wise person who obeys and administers his gifts well is a wise steward. PEP gives each participant the opportunity to exercise his gifts to assist his brother. (Derrick B)

I want to be a manager of a large home, community and organization – the person people can trust with their wealth. I will be a well-organized team manager with a staff one day, and I will be that person people call upon to get the job done in a timely manner. I will use intelligence and efficiency to get the best possible results. I will be a wise steward of my life and the time I have. (Joshua C)

The reason I choose this Driving Value is because we should always think about the next person and acknowledge God as our provider. Stewardship is being responsible to manage all the resources of life while giving thanks to God. Being considerate of your usage of supplies that we get is important as well because you should think of others. I love Wise Stewardship and will apply it to my life from now on. (Xan O)