Lychner Winter 2026 Weekly Journals

Monday                                                                                                       December 8, 2025

We began the day by practicing our group pitches to prepare for the next big event. The two positions being focused on this week were chief executive officer and chief financial officer. For the teams that felt ready to record, videos were shot to be sent to volunteer executives tasked with providing feedback to each participant. This will allow us to improve our overall presentation and be better prepared for the day when we are in front of a crowd. There have been many courses within this program that have helped us become better public speakers, such as Clubhouse.

It was our first day in this new course, which consisted of participants meeting with a few executives to discuss a given topic and relate it to personal life experiences. The executives engaged with us and shared their own life experiences, making it easier for all of us to open up. The executives were also PEP alumni, meaning they were once incarcerated and went through the program themselves. It was encouraging to witness the fruits that can be borne when someone truly applies himself and commits to the program.

Miguel H.- (AKA “Short Stack”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      December 9, 2025

We had a very eventful day, as it was test day for the Entrepreneurship workbook. We were excited and eager to show how much we had learned. The timer went up, and we were off. Ten minutes later, we were done with smiles on our faces. PEP had done its job so well that no one even worried about failing. The looks we exchanged said more than words could. It was strange for us to be able to share this experience with each other, since there was a time when simply getting this group in the same room would have been a difficult task.

We have truly created a brotherhood, and it is an amazing feeling to no longer have the barriers we once put up against each other. Not a single one of us would hesitate to lend a hand to a brother in need. One of the greatest things PEP has done for us is show us that we are not alone and that help is only a request away. We thank all who have gone out of their way for us and taken the time to show us how not to hinder ourselves. We are blessed to be here and will do our part to give back to those who will follow behind us and continue the PEP legacy.

Adan H.- (AKA “Care Bear”)

Wednesday                                                                                               December 10, 2025

We started the day with a prayer for strength, health, and a day of great success. One of our Servant-Leaders then addressed the class with a few words of encouragement, letting us know how proud he was of the progress we had achieved. It gave us a moment to look back at all the accomplishments we have made. It was amazing to see such a dramatic change that happened in such a subtle way. We have been laughing and learning so much at the same time that the incremental changes were not even noticed. Who would have thought that getting our lives together could be fun?

We went on to practice our team pitches, focusing on the CEO and CFO portions for the videos we planned to record. While Group A did this, Group B was taken to a different room to test on the next chapter of our Entrepreneurship workbook. PEP is truly a wonderful place to learn about time management. Even with the limited space we have, we have found a way to rotate and still execute all of our duties, lessons, and courses. It has been a roller-coaster ride being in this program, but like all roller coasters, we had a blast of excitement and joy. Thank you to everyone for making this ride possible.   

Edgar H.- (AKA “Banana Pudding”)

Thursday                                                                                                   December 11, 2025

We had an amazing day as a true brotherhood, lifting up a prayer for one of our brothers who shared a family situation involving his mother. We asked the good Lord to lay His healing hand on her and protect her from further illness. We let our brother know that no matter what he went through, he had a family here at PEP. There is always genuine love when we need it most, and it is a beautiful thing to know the people around you will not hesitate to get involved as much as you need them to. PEP has created an environment where help is always at arm’s reach.

Once we made sure our brother was OK, we went on to take our next test on our True North workbook. This book has done a lot for us by helping everyone find who they are inside. Knowing ourselves is one of the best ways to learn our core values and understand how we want to lead the people in our lives. This book has shown us how to take an honest look at ourselves and face the demons within. As a wise man once said, “If there is no demon within, there is no demon outside that can stop you.” We have grown so much as men, and we thank all of PEP for making it possible.

Dontee H.- (AKA “Velvet Custard”)

Friday                                                                                                         December 12, 2025

It was a very blessed day, as a few brothers received the great news that they would be allowed to go home soon. We “turned them up,” clapping along to the music as they danced down the aisle of seats. The energy was electric as we celebrated together. Our peers were given time for a Q-and-A session, encouraging our brothers to stay on the right path. The conversation turned to the news and how PEP caught the attention of the media. Word of the life-changing experiences we are having has reached the public, and it showed how much this program does for its participants.

With renewed energy, the class moved forward with the videos we have been recording to receive the financial feedback we are eager to get. It was apparent in everyone’s eyes that we are determined to graduate from this program and show the world that PEP means business. The competition is a good way to show us how to be competitive in a friendly and professional way. Many of us have even received feedback and assistance from the same brothers we were competing against. PEP has shown us a whole new world, and we are ready to share it with everyone we come in contact with. We will continue the PEP dream everywhere we go.

Ryan H.- (AKA “Apple Turnover”)

Expressions                                                                                                                          

“Stay ready to keep from having to get get ready.”

-Donald Jones

This quote speaks volumes about the PEP program in that it teaches us that by staying ready for anything there is nothing that comes our way will be a surprise. This mentality has given me a drive to wake up early and give myself time to be fully prepared for the day ahead of me. I like to have a full schedule of exercise, meditation, and other activities that must be completed before my shift at work. Doing this allows me to truly be ready for whatever the day may bring. PEP has given me a pride in all I do and I will hold this quote in my mind for the rest of my days.

Tevin B.- (AKA “Q-Tip”)

Monday                                                                                                      December 1, 2025

Our goal for the day was to execute our team pitches to the best of our ability. Each team was given a turn in front of the class and was provided feedback at the end to make any necessary changes or improvements. It gave us all a sense of accomplishment to see how far we had come and how far we now see that we can go. We have all found an inner strength that many of us did not know we possessed. Every day there is something new to learn, and despite momentary discomforts, we have learned that the feeling is only the growth happening inside us.

There will always be new challenges that life throws our way, but PEP has shown us to embrace those challenges and push fear aside so we can strive for the wonderful sensation of overcoming them. Through it all, we had so much fun and learned to laugh again. PEP has a way of teaching us in a manner that captivates us and makes us hunger for more. This is truly an experience we will never forget. We have all gained a sense of what it really means to be a brotherhood, and we will do everything in our power to keep the tradition going.

Brandon G.- (AKA “Crispy Creme”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      December 2, 2025

Today at the PEP program, we went over the next chapters in our Living in the Village workbook, a course focused on financial literacy. The main topic was paying off debts and what to do with your money once you are debt free, such as investing in stocks or bonds. We then moved on to another session of BetterMan, led by a pastor who spoke on ways to better ourselves for the people in our lives. The topic he spoke on was all about confronting our past and not letting them define who we are today. The most important part of this course is when we break into groups afterward and reflect on the lesson with our brothers.

In the group we discussed how our individual upbringings had an effect on our lives and how they slowly molded us into who we are today. It was a deep conversation that helped us get a better understanding of why we are the way we are and what we need to address to be able to change and grow. We were then allowed to meet with our teams and continue practicing our pitches for our next event. We are all very excited and want to thank PEP for the opportunity given to us to make something out of our lives. Every day is a chance to learn something new.

Edwin G.- (AKA “Lil Hot Tamale”)

Wednesday                                                                                                December 3, 2025

We started the day by praying in and then singing happy birthday to one of our brothers. He expressed how much it meant to have the PEP family there for him on a special day when his blood family could not be. We spent some time laughing and goofing off to brighten his day, then we heard a few words of encouragement from our Servant-Leaders. For many in our situation, birthdays can be an emotional time to be away from home, but PEP has always gone out of its way to make us feel like we have family around us. We proceeded with the day by taking our next test on the Entrepreneurship workbook. It goes without saying that we executed that test with ease.

For the second half, we continued practicing our business pitches for the next event, where volunteer executives will choose the next eight teams to go to the following round. To further inform us of what awaits us upon release, we watched several videos about the transitional houses PEP has for its graduates. Many PEP alumni appeared and gave us a feel for what life will be like and some of the things we can expect. They were living proof that this program really works and gave us a massive energy boost to keep moving forward. Thank you, PEP, for this opportunity for a new life.

Jeffery H.- (AKA “Sugar Plum”)

Thursday                                                                                                    December 4, 2025

For today’s class we had a couple of executives volunteer their time to help us go over the next two chapters in our Entrepreneurship workbook and share personal experiences that related to the material being taught. Any concerns or questions were addressed one by one, and everyone had a chance to engage in the conversation. The environment had an air of fun and enjoyment while still maintaining a professional setting. Some of our personal business plans were also used as examples to help us better understand how the material applies to every business. This program really knows how to shake things up and make the learning process fun in a way that may be unconventional but has proven effective for hundreds.

Our Servant-Leaders have always been there on the sidelines to help us along the way as well. Having gone through all that we are currently experiencing, they understand us better than most and constantly encourage us to stay resilient. As a brotherhood, we lean on one another and push each other to take full advantage of this blessing provided to us. We are grateful for the lifelong community we have been accepted into and look forward to being there for the next participants who enter this family behind us. No matter who you are or where you come from, PEP welcomes anyone who shares our values and wants to make a difference in the world.

Montel H.- (AKA “Cappuccino”)

Friday                                                                                                          December 5, 2025

There was a look of eagerness and anticipation on the faces of all our brothers, since it was the day we would take a test on our True North workbook. Many of us have taken a strong liking to this course because it allowed us to learn more about ourselves and the way we may want to lead in the future. Flashcards were made for the study groups prior to the test, and once it was complete, there was a look of accomplishment across the room. The smiles said it all. We all knew that the test was aced, and we owed it to the brothers with whom we studied. We studied as a team and passed as a team.

Next, we had our famous session of Toastmasters, as we do every Friday, and took turns showing our new skills in public speaking. Our character growth, confidence, and structure in the way we speak has improved profoundly. As a collective whole, we are in the midst of a wonderful and positive transformation in our lives. We have shared this transformation and experience as a band of brothers on a mission to excel in all we do to become great men. It is because of PEP that we are accomplishing this, and we know that we have ultimately gained a new family.

Joe H.- (AKA “Pancake”)

Expressions                                                                                                                          

“No one will believe in you as a leader if they do not first believe in themselves; you must empower those around you and in time you will become a true leader.”

-Anthony McKelvie

I have seen many different leadership styles in my life. I can say from the heart that the most successful are the ones who go out of their way to empower others to be the best version of themselves. At the same time, when you help others do this, you also help yourself look deep within, find your true self and bring out the leader you were meant to be. It is a revolving cycle that helps everyone involved grow and learn to lead the ones who may follow in the future. If you want to be great, then teach others to be great.

Anthony M.- (AKA “Glitter and Glissin”)

Monday                                                                                                      November 24, 2025

Our day began by giving thanks to the Lord for another day of life and another opportunity to grow as men. It was the day we finally moved over to the financial aspects of our businesses and began figuring out what it would take to get our dreams off the ground and into the sky. The Servant-Leaders explained how essential it is to account for every expense in order to avoid unpleasant surprises. The class paid extra attention as examples were given of commonly overlooked expenses that have caused many people to struggle in their ventures. Notes were taken at a rapid pace, and questions were asked left and right.

Our EOU assignment, (Economics of Unit), was handed out so we could figure out our individual expenses, including overhead and the break-even point required to cover those costs. We then moved back to our team pitches for the next round of the business competition. The improvement in our presentations was clearly evident from the first day we gave our individual pitches. Toward the end, we were given time to meet with our teams and discuss any changes or adjustments we wanted to make. It was a truly blessed day, and we thank everyone for their support.

Marion F.- (AKA “Salsa Verde”)

Tuesday                                                                                                     November 25, 2025

At the start of class, we prayed ourselves in, giving the Lord thanks for the blessed day given to us. We went over the next chapters in our Living in the Village workbook, learning about investing in our future. The discussion moved to the importance of being financially stable and how to avoid living from paycheck to paycheck. We were advised to start a college fund for our children as soon as possible to help them avoid similar burdens, using government-funded agencies that assist in this endeavor. Of all the topics discussed, the one that stood out to us was how to leverage our credit scores to our advantage.

From there we went on to learn the difference between acquiring good and bad debt; there is a difference. Simply put, if you acquire a debt that will bring in a source of income in the future, then it is considered a good form of debt. On the other hand, if you buy a gold necklace you do not need and it simply sits unused, it is not a good investment on your part. The class as a whole agreed that the information provided today was some of the best we have received so far, and we are greatly appreciative of all the effort PEP puts into us.

Joshua F.- (AKA “Lil Tea Cup”)

Wednesday                                                                                               November 26, 2025

Today’s topic was all about values, principles, and morals. Despite the difficulties presented to us during this transition to a different unit, we have managed to keep our morale high. We have leaned on each other for support and brought the same energy we had at Bell over to Pam Lychner. In doing so, we have shown this new unit a new way of living and the change that many people simply need a push to make. Tomorrow will be Thanksgiving, and we constantly remind each other that even though our biological relatives are not with us, our PEP family is here and strong.

PEP is all about being a brotherhood and lifting one another up in times of need. It is exactly what we strive to do with our business competition, giving each other encouraging words to put our best foot forward and represent PEP to the best of our abilities. With spirits lifted, we executed our pitches with excellence and gained the confidence to continue being what PEP is all about no matter where we may be. Some of the things we learn throughout the day are not even part of the course, but when you open yourself to the brothers around you, it is impossible not to gain wisdom from them.

Brandon G.- (AKA “Pumpkin Spice”)

Thursday                                                                                                    November 27, 2025

(Thanksgiving Holiday)

Friday                                                                                                          November 28, 2025

(Thanksgiving Holiday)

Expressions                                                                                                                          

           “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.”

-Aristotle Onassis

Whenever you feel overwhelmed and it seems like you can no longer go on, you should remind yourself that this momentary challenge will pass. Stress can often stop us from seeing the bigger picture, allowing us to see only the current situation. It is at these times that it is most important to push yourself and persevere. In the end, the reward you receive will be far greater than the struggle you have to overcome. As long as you stay focused, disciplined, and committed, your purpose in life will prove to be far more bountiful than you imagined.

Justin H.- (AKA “Gummy”)

Monday                                                                                                      November 17, 2025

 It is a strange thing for us to feel happiness inside these walls. This program gives us the feel of a school or college campus and gives us just as much education as if it were one. It is ultimately up to us to use the tools being provided for us. We learn not only entrepreneurship but also how to be better men by working on our character. We moved to a new unit this week, and it has been a challenge, but we worked together as a brotherhood and a family to make it a home. We had our first day of class today in this new setting, and despite the drastic change, we found a good system to make it all work.

The schedule is different because of the smaller space, and the class had to be divided into two groups, A and B. The Servant-Leaders have been allowed to go from dorm to dorm to assist us in any way they can. This experience was used as an example to show how sudden changes may occur in life and how we will need to come together to adapt to the wrench thrown into our system and routines. This program provides us a new way of thinking and the strength and courage to face the challenges that present themselves to us. We look forward to becoming the men we need to be in order to succeed in life and show the world what PEP is all about.

Juan D.- (AKA “Passion Fruit”)

Tuesday                                                                                                     November 18, 2025

 We have all been presented with a new challenge this week. PEP was transferred to a new unit, and we have all been working together to create a new schedule with the limited space we were given. As always, the brotherhood has found ways to make this new environment work and still keep the PEP community the same as before, if not better. One of the challenges we encountered was having to take our entrepreneurship tests on paper instead of on the computers. Another was having our class split into two different groups. If there is one thing that PEP shows us, it is how to adapt and use change to our advantage.

We continued shooting our videos for the executives to watch and provide feedback on for the next round of the business competition. We also had our next lesson on the following two chapters in the Entrepreneurship workbook. It covered the different partnerships within a business and the various forms a business can take, such as an LLC. PEP continues to amaze us with the material being taught and the amount of support given to us each day. We thank the Lord and all the PEP family for giving us this opportunity.

Mark D.- (AKA “Pringles”)

Wednesday                                                                                               November 19, 2025

Today we learned more about the different legal forms of business. Among the forms we studied were sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, and limited liability companies. The main focus was on LLCs, since they act as their own entities and limit the liability of their owners or members. We were taught that sole proprietorships are easy to create and dissolve but come with much more risk, the owner being responsible for all legal issues and debts that the company incurs. In the case of partnerships, we were strongly advised to have a legal contract or agreement on how to handle any disagreements that may arise concerning operations or financial decisions.

The amount of information being provided to us has proven invaluable. It has given us a lot to think about before deciding which form of business we should open and the many obstacles we may encounter in the process. We are very grateful to the Lord and to all of PEP for this opportunity. The time and energy being invested in us is a blessing in every way. Thank you to all who believed in us and saw the potential inside us, even when we did not see it in ourselves. We know that with the support we are receiving, we will not only succeed in life but prosper as well.

Andrew D.- (AKA “Sugar Bear”)

Thursday                                                                                                   November 20, 2025

We started the day with another session of BetterMan, a religious-based course where we learn to be better men for everyone we come into contact with. In today’s session we learned about the misconception of being a “self-made man.” The pastor explained how we are all molded by the people around us, even when we do not notice it at the time. We have all come to really enjoy the last half hour of the course when we break into groups and discuss the material we learned that day. It gives us an opportunity to speak and share our opinions and beliefs in a safe environment.

During the second half we sat in rows to take our next test on Living in the Village, a book that explains the ins and outs of the financial challenges we will face upon our release. We also took our next test on True North, a book about finding our own forms of authentic leadership. PEP has addressed every area of our lives that we need to work on in order to be successful in life and be productive members of society. The Bell Unit will truly miss us, and we know that Pam Lychner will come to love us. We are PEP and have come to innovate the world.

Joe E.- (AKA “Fruity Pebbles”)

Friday                                                                                               November 21, 2025

We had another wonderful session of Toastmasters today, the course that teaches us how to prepare a speech and use our body language properly when speaking in public. This part of the PEP program has brought us together as a brotherhood, giving us a chance to learn more about our peers with each speech that is given. In the process we have learned to open our hearts not only to the PEP family but also to the people we come into contact with in our everyday lives. We thrive each day to continue our growth and become better men for our families back home and the communities we will soon be part of. Growth is a never-ending pursuit for PEP, and we do all we can to progress each day, for each day is a new opportunity.

Toastmasters has become one of the many highlights we look forward to at the end of the week. Many of the stories we hear open our minds to new perceptions of life and give us a new understanding of the brother presenting the speech. We have learned how much alike we all are in the struggles we faced in our past lives, and it has shown us how much stronger we are together. PEP is not a lone journey; it is a journey made for a family, and we will succeed in all we do because of it. The fun we have along the way is a major plus for us. Thank you all for your support

Bobby F.- (AKA “Tucan Sam”)

 Expressions                                                                                                                          

“Vision without traction is hallucination.”

-Christian T.

These words were commonly used in our everyday conversations, but when put together like this, something unique happened in my mind. Like a moth to a flame, this quote called on my subconscious mind and brought it to a state of enlightenment. It brought forth a perception that aligned with, as well as expanded, my understanding. These words can be traced back to scripture, although they may have been reiterated. “Faith without works is dead.” We would do well to heed the advice given centuries before our time. It has helped me grow to new heights, and I strongly believe the world needs to keep this at the forefront of its mind.

Devante F.- (AKA “Chocolate Crunch”)

Monday                                                                                                       October 27, 2025

The brotherhood was full of positive energy and love as we walked in today. We began by “turning up” our brothers as they danced to the music, putting everyone in a good mood. We all raced to our seats, and the last one to sit had to go to the back of the room to dance, reminding us of a Soul Train line. After we prayed in and gave God thanks and glory, the tone was set for a positive day. Our brother Anthony, also known as “Glitter-n-Glisten,” started the day by getting us to practice our pitches for the first event in the Business Competition. We were all excited to present our ideas and see who would be chosen as the CEOs for the next round.

We learned about market competition, market strategy, and differentiation within our business industries—all important concepts to consider when creating an accurate business plan. One of our brothers had a birthday, and we celebrated by singing him happy birthday in true PEP fashion. He then shared a few words about how much he appreciated the brotherhood and the support being given to him. The Servant-Leaders gave us a few pointers on how to sell our ideas to the executives and even added a little fun to our pitches. We closed the day in prayer, thanking the Lord for another blessing-filled day

Alex B.- (AKA “Sugar Cube”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      October 28, 2025

Today we had a guest speaker who talked about execution and wise stewardship and how to apply those values in real-life situations. We use these values daily, from small tasks to larger responsibilities. The speaker also shared his personal experiences in and out of prison. We were given a new book called Sacred Pace by Terry Looper, which teaches how to align our will with God’s Will. This book fits well with our other reading, True North, which focuses on finding our own leadership style.

During the second half, we pitched our business plans in front of the class to practice for the upcoming event on Friday. Presenting in front of a crowd helped us overcome the nerves we felt when we first began the class. The Servant-Leaders did a great job providing feedback and helping us make small improvements. We learned to condense a lot of information into a short time while still presenting our ideas clearly. We are excited for the opportunity given to us and pray each day for the people supporting us along the way.

Jason B.- (AKA “Empanada”)

Wednesday                                                                                                October 29, 2025

        Today began with a quick prayer and a few minutes of a fellowship seminar from our devotional team. Our two MCs then got “turned up”, dancing down the aisle while the class clapped along to the beat of the music, cheering them on. It allows us to get the fun flowing and the blood pumping to prepare us for the day. It also allows us to get used to having fun again in a positive way that unites us as a brotherhood. We then had a couple of words of encouragement from the last class’ valedictorian. Our first event is only a couple of days away and he made it a point to let us know that he believes in us all and wishes us all the best of luck.

     While some of us gave our pitches to the class, others were escorted to the computer room to take their first test on our Entrepreneurship workbook. Many of us had formed study groups and felt very well prepared for the test because of it. Each brother went in and came out with a smile, telling us all that he aced his own test. There have been many accomplishments in this first month, like overcoming the nerves that usually accompany public speaking, and we cannot wait to see what PEP has in store for us in the coming months. We ended the day by giving thanks to God for this awesome opportunity.

Today began with a quick prayer and a few minutes of fellowship led by our devotional team. Our two MCs then got us “turned up,” dancing down the aisle while the class clapped along to the beat of the music, cheering them on. It helped get the energy flowing and the blood pumping to prepare us for the day. It also reminded us how to have fun again in a positive way that unite us as a brotherhood. We then heard a few words of encouragement from the valedictorian of the last class. With our first event only a few days away, he made it a point to let us know that he believed in us all and wished us the best of luck.

While some of us gave our pitches to the class, others were escorted to the computer room to take their first test on our Entrepreneurship workbook. Many of us had formed study groups and felt well prepared because of them. Each brother went in and came out smiling, proudly telling us he had aced his test. There had been many accomplishments in this first month, including overcoming the nerves that usually accompany public speaking, and we could not wait to see what PEP had in store for us in the coming months. We ended the day by giving thanks to God for this incredible opportunity.

Gilbert C.- (AKA “Bubbles”)

Thursday                                                                                                    October 30, 2025

     We had a few volunteers come in and teach us the next two chapters in our Entrepreneurship workbook today. The lessons consisted of generating business ideas and initial evaluations on the industry they belong to. Many ideas were thrown around as an exercise and were tasked with coming up with suggestions on how to develop a working system for it. We learned how to create a skills analysis and identify gaps that we may be able to fill. All this had to do with the internal workings of the business and what it would take to, not only start the business, but to keep it growing and moving towards prosperity. The information was absolutely priceless.

     Next, we discussed the external workings of the business, such as marketing and networking to get the news of our business out to the public. We were then given time to practice our pitches once more in front of the class to get ready for the big event tomorrow. It is truly amazing how many obstacles we have already overcome in such a short time, many of us now speaking in front of a crowd like we have done it our entire lives. We are thankful for all the PEP brothers and staff who push us every day to be the best version of ourselves. Every day we learn something new and every day we grow a little more.

Gary C.- (AKA “Snoozy Sweet”)

Friday                                                                                                          October 31, 2025

     PEP has us on a new mission and we all came for a friendly competition. Our morning began by meeting our “Impact Champions”, volunteers who have decided to go through the entire journey of this course with us. They not only volunteer their time, but their expertise as well, giving advice and encouragement along the way. For the past month we have prepared for this day, learning to speak in public and use our body language to emphasize the message we are trying to get across. We have learned to project our voices and to enunciate the proper business terms, all the while having fun with it all.

     After lunch, we were blessed with a large group of executives who volunteered to come in and rate our individual business pitches on their viability, presentation, and passion that was demonstrated behind the pitch. They took the time to meet with us afterwards and give us further advice on how to improve our pitches and answered any questions that we may have had for them. This opportunity has been a true blessing to us all and we are all excited to see what PEP has in store for us in the coming months.

     We have all come to acknowledge that God is working in our lives through the executives who volunteer, the PEP staff, and the servant-leaders who have already graduated and spend their days guiding us through this new experience. The proof of the hard work we have all been putting in was visible today and we are all proud to say that it is because of this brotherhood that we have grown so much. We ended a wonderful day by praying for this family we have entered and for its continued growth. Thank you, PEP.

Participant Name (AKA “Fun Name”)

Expressions                                                                                                                          

“Rest at the end, not in the middle.”

-Unknown

     I love this quote because it helps me understand there will be a time to rest and that there should be no room for procrastination. It takes perseverance and dedication to get to the finish line. It brings satisfaction to know that there is a reward at the finish line, but we should not rest too long where it becomes a pause in the journey. PEP has shown us how to keep the momentum going and how to be self-driven. It is a power within yourself that only you can bring out, others can only show you how to do it.

Donald M.- (AKA “Lemon Drop”)

Monday                                                                                                       October 20, 2025

We were given our assignments for personal fit and our leadership statement guidelines, a worksheet designed to help our business plans become clearer not only to the consumer but to ourselves as well. It also helped improve development by putting certain things into perspective. Each of these assignments began to get the gears turning as each man wrote out his story and résumé. We learned to use our backgrounds to our advantage and not to our hindrance. Whether we realized it or not, the Ten Driving Values were being learned and embedded into our mindset, giving us a fresh outlook on life. For most of us, it was a new perspective after years of chasing frivolous things.

Having a Servant-Leader mentality means realizing we needed to be the men we were meant to be—not just for ourselves but for the families waiting for our return. This program is more than just another course; it is a new chance and a new way of life that gives us an identity we can be proud of. Above all, in the Class of Winter 2026, we are changing men; working hard to strengthen our minds and sow seeds for the future. It is through PEP that this is possible, and we thank the Good Lord for placing this new opportunity in our path.

Jiovanni B.- (AKA “Similac”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      October 21, 2025

      We started today by doing our “Code of Arms” (which is basically a vision board of identification for the class). It was a real fun activity for us to do, giving us an opportunity to look into the future and see what it is that we want for our lives. We also worked on our pitches for the upcoming event that will be coming up on Halloween day. You can most definitely see positive transformations within the brothers in our class. This program has really helped us to come out of our shells, leaving the old negative mentality we had in the past and developing a new way of thinking. The challenge of public speaking has now been overcome and we are ready to take this Business Competition into stride.

      We have already accomplished several goals and it has been a wonderful experience for us all here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. Not only have we been given the opportunity to be great and transform our lives, but we will also learn to be a major positive influence to our loved ones, friends, and anyone we come in contact with. The class of Winter 26’ thanks you all who support us on our journey and welcome anyone who wants to join the PEP team with open arms.

We started the day by working on our “Coat of Arms,” which is like an individual vision board of identification for the class. It was a fun and meaningful activity that gave us the opportunity to look into the future and see what we wanted for our lives. We also worked on our pitches for the upcoming event on Halloween. You could clearly see positive transformations taking place within the brothers/classmates. This program truly helped us come out of our shells, leave behind the negative mentality of the past, and develop a new way of thinking. The challenge of public speaking is being overcome, and we are ready to take the Business Competition in stride.

We have already accomplished several goals, and so far, it has been a wonderful experience for us all at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. Not only have we been given the opportunity to transform our lives, but we have also learned to become a positive influence on our loved ones, friends and everyone we came in contact with. The Class of Winter 2026 thanks all who support us on our journey and welcome anyone who wanted to join the PEP team with open arms.

Clifton B.- (AKA “Sour Patch Kid”)

Wednesday                                                                                                October 22, 2025

It was another day filled with positivity at PEP. The atmosphere that has been created is truly welcoming, giving us all a sense of belonging. Every day is a learning experience and another step toward creating a business for us and for the generations that will come after us. Getting down to business, we reviewed our worksheets for the Living in the Village workbook we are studying. This book taught us how to be financially prepared for a variety of scenarios that most of us face at some point in our lives and how to give back to the community to help improve it for everyone.

We were also given the opportunity to celebrate with some of our brothers who were getting ready to go home and begin the next phase of their new lives. We are incredibly grateful for these men who stayed in PEP to be Servant Leaders. We work hard each day, uplifting one another to stay focused and believe in ourselves and in the brotherhood we share. It is a true blessing to be in the company of great men who are all working to improve themselves and those around them. It is here at PEP that legacies are being born.

Malcolm B.- (AKA “Peach Cobbler”)

Thursday                                                                                                    October 23, 2025

Today was different from the others. We had the opportunity to listen to executives and professors who run million-dollar companies as they taught us the first two chapters of our Entrepreneurship workbook. We also listened to one of our alumni, who explained what it was like to go through the program when it first started, the difficulties of making a change on the inside, and how he took everything he had learned home. He described the many challenges he faced while starting his business. Diana was the first to speak, explaining the common challenges most people face and prompting us to think of ways to work around them. Some questions were real brain teasers that made us think outside the box, but we were all up to the challenge.

The next speaker was Dougal C., who encouraged us to put ourselves in a successful position and “impact the world,” because we knew what it felt like to be counted out and tossed aside by society. A powerful phrase was shared with us that day: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This struck deeply within us because many of us had been hardwired the other way. Having people come into prison just to share knowledge that had taken them years to learn—there was no better way for them to show that they cared. We ended the day with a test and prayed for the continued growth of not only ourselves but also this program and those who support it. Thank you, PEP, for providing a true second chance.

Brandon B.- (AKA “Peanut Butter”)

Friday                                                                                                          October 24, 202

At the start of the day, our grades were posted on the wall, and we were given the chance to check our scores. We then moved into our next session of Toastmasters, the course that focuses on public speaking and speech presentation. Many of us had shown great improvement since the first day of the program and could now speak almost fluently without showing any nerves. We learned to prepare our speeches, so the information flowed naturally. We also learned to express ourselves through body language, adding emphasis when needed. Practice truly made perfect.

PEP gives us the drive to set goals for ourselves and helps us overcome the fear of failure. Failures are simply steppingstones to progress, and we take them in stride. We are not alone on this journey, supported not only by the PEP staff but also by the Servant-Leaders who had graduated from the program. All the help and expertise we need to succeed is always just a simple request away. It is a privilege to have such a strong network of people behind us who believe in us and want to see us prevail. We thank all our peers, staff, and volunteers for investing in our future.

Daviounghn B.- (AKA “T.B.D.”)

Expressions                                                                                                                          

“Once you learn to love and accept yourself for who you are there is nothing that anyone can say to hurt you.”

-Rickanthony Mendez

Many of us could agree that we can be our own worst enemy. The things we told ourselves created the tolerance we had for what others told us and what we chose to believe. A body divided from its mind had already defeated itself; where the mind went, the body would ultimately follow. Our minds were the most important things we needed to strengthen. This is where we generate self-discipline, self-worth, self-respect, drive, and the will to keep going when times get rough. When we learned to see the beauty in who we were, it allowed the world to see it as well. That was the power of self-love.

Rickanthony M.- (AKA “Patrick Star”)

Monday                                                                                                       October 13, 2025

     Every day here at the PEP program we start and end each day with a prayer to the Lord. We were fortunate enough to celebrate one of our brother’s birthday and encourage him on his path to a better life. Afterwards, we were introduced to another stage of the business plans we are creating called “product/service offering”. A bullet point presentation was provided for us to grasp the information more accurately and to make the instructions on how to complete the assignment clear. The servant-leaders did a wonderful job of getting the information across and answering any questions that were not addressed. As always, we were not left alone to figure it out.

     Today was also the day we finally received our “Heart-check”, an extensive assignment (that usually takes about a week to complete) giving us the opportunity to prove how committed we are to the program and ourselves. A few brothers were also given a chance to practice their business pitches, showing that they have made the initiative to get ahead of the game and setting an example for us all to follow. There will be some tough competition, so this has given us a whole new drive to move forward and give it our all. It was great to show our dedication, and we plan to execute all our duties with excellence. We thank PEP for instilling a self-driving force into us and believing in us all.

Sam A.- (AKA “Genie”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      October 14, 2025

     We started the day with a prayer and then sang happy birthday to one of our brothers/classmates. The Servant-Leaders joined in the fun and gave the birthday man a chance to speak a few words. He encouraged us to continue working on our “Heart-Check,” the assignment we received Monday that involved a lot of writing and attention to punctuation. Afterward, we watched a video about how the family liaison reaches out to our families and helps us reconnect with them. For those who have children, we were allowed to take a silly picture to send home for their birthdays. PEP goes the extra mile to help us in every aspect of our lives, a blessing that many of us had long desired.

Getting us out of our comfort zones and out of our shells was one of the best things PEP did for us. Change was always needed, even though it could be a little scary at times, but overcoming those fears helped us hurdle the obstacles ahead. We were then given a new seating arrangement to encourage us to interact with more of our brothers, teaching us how to adapt to different personalities, as we will have to do in the world of entrepreneurs. It was encouraging to also create study groups to further our interactions and help us better understand the material through many points of view. We closed with a prayer of thanks and a request for success in our futures. Thank you everyone!

Angel A.- (AKA “Strawberry Shortcake”)

Wednesday                                                                                                October 15, 2025

       Today, the devotional team came to share a few words of encouragement along with scriptures to reinforce the message being given. It was exactly what we needed and gave us the extra fuel to keep pushing forward with vigor and dedication. The Servant-Leaders then went over the first two chapters of our Living in the Village workbook, a book describing the financial aspects we will encounter in life. We were given time to ask for clarification on certain topics, which the Servant-Leaders were well prepared to answer. They did a wonderful job making the material easy to understand, using everyday examples from our lives to paint a clearer picture. The information inside was invaluable and will truly help us prepare for success.

We then watched a video on the first book we read, Who Moved My Cheese, which explained how fast the world changes and the need for us to adapt to those changes. It showed that change can sometimes be fearful but also that the end of something often means a new beginning for something else. Toward the end, we continued giving out sweet names—nicknames that help brush off the tough exteriors we have all created—to the brothers who had not yet received one. It was a great way to close the day with laughter and joy.

Ernesto B.- (AKA “Twix”)

Thursday                                                                                                    October 16, 2025

     Today started with a prayer, followed by a presentation from the media team, who continued taking photos for our children’s birthdays. At the same time, we celebrated a few of our brothers who had made parole and were on their way back into society. They shared words of encouragement with the rest of the class, reminding us not to give up and to keep waiting for God’s blessing. In turn, the class encouraged them to stay committed to the promise we made when joining the PEP family and wished them success in life.

In the second half, we had the opportunity to go before the class and present our first pitches to receive feedback from the pitch coaches. This Halloween will be our first pitch event, where we will present our business ideas to volunteer executives (people who come to the unit and work with our class and help them with their business ideas) who will give us further feedback. We then took a test on the Living in the Village workbook, doing our best to keep our grade point averages up. The lessons taught spoke to us on a deeper level, showing us the importance of being active members of our communities and how many of us would not be where we are if we had done so before. PEP opened our eyes to new things every day. We cannot wait to see what was in store next.

Baylon B.- (AKA “Cheese Cake”)

Friday                                                                                                          October 17, 2025

    We started the day by giving thanks to God for this blessed opportunity and the wonderful brotherhood He has forged for us. We then moved into our next session of Toastmasters, a course on public speaking and speech preparation. Each brother took a turn standing in front of the class to give a brief speech about his life, giving us new insight into who he truly is and what he aspires to be. Each story brought us closer together and gave us a better understanding of what it means to be a brotherhood. We learned that even though we are all different people with different backgrounds, many of our struggles are the same, and together we will overcome them.

This course is also a good way to overcome other obstacles, such as the fear of public speaking and learning to use body language to captivate an audience. To some, this may come naturally, but for the rest, this course was specifically tailored to help us improve in every area related to public speaking. The changes in the way we speak have already begun to show, and many of us have already shed our nervousness, speaking in front of a crowd as if we had been doing it our entire lives. We thank everyone who supports this program and encourage others to join the journey.

Jalen B.- (AKA “Moon Pie”)

 Expressions                                                                                                                          

“Judging a person does not define who they are; it defines who you are.”

-Wayne Dyer

When we look in the mirror, who do we see? This is a serious question we should all be asking ourselves. We tend to look at others and always have something in mind, whether good or bad. Sometimes we only see the flaws in others, and other times we see only the good. Either extreme can lead to jealousy or even dislike, which can grow into bitterness within us because we are not truly happy with who we are inside. We sometimes judge unfairly, even when the other person does not deserve it.

PEP helps break down this damaging mentality and teaches us to accept people for who they are. We should look for the good in everyone we encounter, regardless of how they make us feel about ourselves. We must look within before judging another and try to see them through the same lens the Lord would.

Anthony K.- (AKA “Skittles”)

Monday                                                                                                       October 6, 2025

     Wow is the word that came to mind when we thought about our first PEP (Prison Entrepreneurship Program) experience. It was the first day of class, and PEP did not disappoint, giving us more than we could have ever imagined.

To start the day, some of the Servant-Leaders (men who have graduated from and earlier PEP class) went over the curriculum that we would be learning throughout the program. We were introduced to the Ten Driving Values that PEP stands on, the BetterMan course (a course designed to remind us how to be excellent men) and the different topics covered in our entrepreneurship workbook. We also learned how the Toastmasters setting would work, a course designed to help us improve our public speaking and speech presentation, and what we could expect to learn from ourselves and our brothers.

We could feel that the Servant-Leaders leading our class did a great job conveying what kind of opportunity and blessing this is and how God works in our lives to lead us to become leaders. The floor was open for all of us to ask questions that may not have been addressed, which made us feel that time was being taken to truly prepare us for the journey ahead. Our pictures were taken for the “Coat of Arms” we would create later that week, something similar to a vision board showing where we wanted to see ourselves in the future.

We then took turns getting “turned up,” dancing down the aisle as our brothers clapped along, encouraging us to break out of our shells and brush off the prison mentality. It was an experience we were not used to and helped us shake off any fears. We could not wait to see what tomorrow would bring.

Anthony A.- (AKA “Muffin”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      October 7, 2025

    We started the day by praying in, giving thanks to the Lord for the opportunity given to each of us. Our first test was on the book we read called Who Moved My Cheese? This taught us that adapting to changing times is a necessary part of life. We were then given our next assignment, called the “Four Box,” where we worked on a solution that our businesses would provide for the communities we will be released to. This was broken into four sections: opportunity, solution, customer, and differentiator. These four concepts became the foundation for the first pitch we will present to the volunteer executives (these are people who have business knowledge that come and work with our classes) in the Big Idea Pitch Event on the 31st.

Our next assignment was to propose possible business names for the companies we plan to open upon release. This gave us the opportunity to see how people would respond to the names and whether they gave an idea of what we do. We then continued the day by giving each other our very own “sweet names,” a tradition in PEP where we give our brothers nicknames to help brush off the prison mentality. It was a lot more fun than we expected. There was so much laughter that for a moment we all forgot where we were. Not everyone received a sweet name, but we were reassured there will be another day to continue the fun.

John A.- (AKA “Pixie Stick”)

Wednesday                                                                                                October 8, 2025

The first thing we did upon entering class was pray in. The word of the day was “faith,” meaning unflagging trust or belief without firm or concrete proof. This gave us something to think about, not only in our religious beliefs but in the faith we have in ourselves as well. The daily phrase we were given was “The pain of today is the victory of tomorrow.” This gave our devotional team the theme of the sermon and helped them explain how we can apply it to our daily lives. They performed original songs and shared life experiences that were related to the sermon topic. Later, Martin H., also known as Oompah Loompa, delivered the PEP acceptance letters that the Manager of Prison Initiatives, Gerald D., personally signed.

In the second half, Devante F., the Fall 2025 Business Plan Competition winner, gave excellent advice and wisdom to encourage us all to give our best in our own pitches. “A bad plan is one that’s not planned.” Devante is a knowledgeable and positive person. Lastly, we learned how to write a “Praise Report,” a way to acknowledge one of our brothers for showing growth and excellence in the work they do. Then two of our brothers left us with this reminder: be ready—if a brother asks you to go a mile, then go two. One of our brothers then prayed us out to conclude a wonderful day in the PEP program

 Kevin A.- (AKA “T.B.D.”)

Thursday                                                                                                    October 9, 2025

     For some of us, the cycle of coming in and out of prison had left us lost. It had put us in a shell that we were forced to create, where we refused to let people in. PEP slowly but surely broke down those walls, whether through the nicknames we received or the dancing we did to loosen up. PEP has an atmosphere that teaches us it was okay to smile again, to laugh and have fun. One of our leaders, Martin H., shared his story with us and showed that even through adversity we could overcome and succeed in all we set our minds to.

Leading by example was exactly what we needed, and it was exactly what this program provided on a daily basis. We were taught that our past paths were not the paths that God intended for us, and it was through His Work that our lives would prosper. We were also taught the importance of sharing those blessings with our community and giving back to those who may need a helping hand. As promised, we continued giving our brothers “sweet names,” nicknames that helped brush off the tough prison mentality. It was a blessed day, and we ended it with a prayer for our families back home and for the PEP family we had gained.

Leland A.- (AKA “Penny Candy”)

Friday                                                                                                          October 10, 2025

    We began the day by giving thanks and Glory to God for the doors He opened for us, giving us new hope and immeasurable opportunities for the future. It was our first day of Toastmasters, where we gave a speech called the “Ice Breaker.” We spoke about ourselves and what brought us to PEP. There were so many stories and backgrounds that made us realize we were not so different from each other. On top of it all, it gave us the chance to work on our public speaking, an opportunity many of us had never had. It was a great way to prepare us for the pitches we would eventually give in front of the executives who would be present at our first pitch event this Halloween.

It was an awakening kind of day that showed us skills within ourselves we did not know we possessed. We now had a taste of the potential inside us and what it felt like to execute in front of a captivated audience. We learned how to structure a speech and work around the nervousness of being under the spotlight. We thanked PEP for instilling a sense of confidence in us and pushing us closer to our goals. We knew that we were not alone on this journey, which for us meant that the opportunities that would present themselves to us would be limitless.

Shaun A.- (AKA “Watermelon”)

  Expressions                                                                                                                          

“The avoidance of conflict only reinforces irrational fears.”

-Unknown

     This is the most memorable quote I have heard, coming out of a textbook. The course was ‘Healthy Argumentation’ and the quote came from a chapter titled Healthy Conflict. When a person refuses to speak up because he or she is afraid of getting shot down, it creates a habit of silencing their own voice, thus reinforcing irrational fears within themselves. Thoughts such as “if I speak up people will think I’m stupid” or “if I say something, I’ll be humiliated” will only make a person believe their thoughts. In reality, most people will respect that you decided to speak up. Conflict is a normal part of life and healthy conflicts end up turning out to be what resolves most issues peacefully. Do not be afraid to speak your mind. Your voice needs to be heard.

Justin M.- (AKA “Cool Whip”) PEP Graduate