Bell Fall 2025 Weekly Journals

Monday                                                                                                      August 11, 2025

     After we prayed in to start the day, one of our Peer Educators and brother, started the day by presenting a motivational speech with words of encouragement and advice for the upcoming event. We then worked on financial problems called EOUs, where we received pieces of information and tried to figure out how we would still be able to fill out a financial statement without the missing information. This taught us to face our obstacles head-on and to give our all in any given situation or challenge. Even when things are missing, accomplishments can still be made if we only apply ourselves. We learned that being great does not come from a lack of failure, but from learning from our failures and never giving up on ourselves. We are thirty-nine days from accomplishing one of our biggest goals and walking into a future leadership position as a Servant-Leader for PEP.  We will be living examples of the change this program can have. We will strive to guide every man after us in the right direction and to give them the best chance at having a successful future. It is a blessing for us to be given the opportunity to recognize our true purpose, the talents we have within ourselves, and the character that we are all capable of having. It has truly been a life-changing experience, and we know that this has all played a major impact on us, our friends, and our families. We thank you all who never gave up on us and showed us how to not give up on ourselves.

Niemen J.- (AKA “Fudge Fantasy”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      August 12, 2025

     Being a Tuesday, we all dedicated our prayers to the wisdom we all need for our weekly Entrepreneurship tests. It was the last two chapters in our workbook, so everyone gave their absolute best to pick up their Grade-Point-Average. The race to be valedictorian of the class is close and everyone showed excitement for the big reveal coming this Friday. Though we do receive correction sometimes, it is always done with love and the best intentions, and to build character. The brotherhood has never been stronger. As if the day could not get any more exciting, we finally received our feedback from the executives who saw the recorded videos of our team pitches. They were extremely helpful with their knowledge and firsthand experiences, giving each team member the exact touches that were missing in their presentations. Notes were rapidly being written as each executive gave their feedback. Our next event will be on the 29^th of this month, so everyone is working diligently to edit their pitches. Finally, we all prayed out for the day, asking the Lord to be with us on our journey and to be with our families as they support us along the way. Thank you to all the PEP family who have made this all possible.

Jonnell J.- (AKA “Bubble Yum”)

Wednesday                                                                                                August 13, 2025

        We began the day with a prayer to the Lord, which is our strength that motivates us to never give up on ourselves. It was a day to assess our brothers’ character qualities; to allow us to take an outside look at ourselves and know the areas that we may not have noticed and may need improvement. This also lets us know that we are noticed by our brothers and that they do want to invest in our self-growth. It is a process that only works if we are truly honest with our peers and ourselves as well. Growth is not always comfortable, and it is a blessing to have a brotherhood to stand by us. We also had the privilege of hearing one of our alumni give some very solid advice on purchasing a home and the many risks that may come with it. It was amazing to meet a former class participant that has gone out into the world and has decided to give back to the current classes. He is a living example of what this brotherhood is about. Our journey through PEP will be a lifelong experience and we will never be alone. We gave our brother a prayer of continued success and safety to close the day. To all who want to be a part of this family, we welcome you with open arms.

Anthony K.- (AKA “Skittles”)

Thursday                                                                                                    August 14, 2025

     Today we arrived at class early in the morning and were instantly greeted by a very upbeat and positive vibe. It is always amazing to enter an optimistic environment that the PEP family generates, allowing us to get away from our current environment for a brief time. We continued to watch our Marketing workshops to get as much feedback as possible before our big event. In the videos, we got different perspectives of how we can present our pitches more clearly and effectively. Afterwards each team was called up to give their revised pitches and given further feedback from the servant-leaders. During the second half, we participated in another session of “Betterman,” which always grants us a positive outlook on becoming a better person for our families and the society that we will be released to. After the video, we got into groups with the servant- leaders and went over what was discussed in the lesson. Our final hour, one of our peer educators read out praise reports written by our peers for demonstrating one or more of the Ten Driving Values that PEP stands on, also receiving stickers for the value we had demonstrated. One of brothers then volunteered to pray us out for the day, ending another wonderful day here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program.

Yusmel L.- (AKA “Bom Bom”)

Friday                                                                                                          August 15, 2025

     As we entered the class, there was a high sense of excitement in the air. Fridays always have this effect on us, being the last day of the week, we have our Toastmasters sessions. Our public speaking has improved tremendously over the past couple of months, and it shows up in our body language. Every one of us can now go up in front of our group with complete confidence and present our speeches effectively. It also helps to know that we are in a safe space, free of judgement and criticism. Though we do receive correction sometimes, it is always done with love and the best intentions. During the second half, we had another opportunity to get with our teams and make minor changes to our pitches, using the feedback we have received from the executives and the servant-leaders as well. We are less than two weeks from the next big event, where we will present our revised pitches to a new group of executives, and everyone is working on overdrive to perfect their parts. PEP has really been there through the entire process and has given us more than we could have ever dreamed of. We then dedicated our end of the day prayer to all who have supported us and prayed for the continued growth of the PEP family.

Andru L.- (AKA “Chapstick”)

Expressions

“Sometimes life is what gives us the biggest fight; but happiness is not an option. Always fight for your happiness; even if you have to fight the world.”

-Rickanthony Mendez

     This quote that I read as a child has gotten me through some of the worst times in my life. It reminds me that life is not promised, and no one ever said that it would be fair. Happiness is truly the most important thing that one can attain in life and should be sacrificed for absolutely no one or anything. It is no one’s responsibility to make us happy. It is an internal battle that everyone must face for themselves. Once you have found an inner peace and happiness, there is no outside force that can destroy what you have created within.

Rickanthony M.- (AKA “Patrick Star”)

Monday                                                                                                      August 4, 2025

     Today was another blessed day to be in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. Like every morning, we started with a prayer which is always great. We “turned up”(asked the DJ to play some fun dance music so we could dance down the center aisle) our brothers that finished their “heart checks” (extensive writing assignment to show the participants desire and overall dedication to be in PEP) over the weekend to celebrate their achievement. We all agree that this heart check is a challenge, and even though we struggle a bit juggling everything, we can see it becoming easier to handle as the days go by. We are truly blessed to be able to identify the weaknesses within ourselves and turn them into strengths. Afterwards, we received feedback from the servant leaders on tips to better manage our time and not overwhelm ourselves. We eventually began to record our team financial videos for the business plan competition. We are looking forward to the feedback from the executives on our pitch, and as if the day couldn’t get better, we had our first clubhouse meeting. We really enjoyed the whole environment. Three executives joined our group session and helped us gain a better view of our mission, vision, and values as well. The group shared a lot on their goals and their strategic plan on reaching them. We would like to express how much impact the executives have on us. It’s always a blessing to have the executives and volunteers pour into us with their personal experiences. We are extremely eager for our next session of Clubhouse and the knowledge that lays ahead.          

Charles H.- (AKA “Dr. Pepper”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      August 5, 2025

     We started the day by giving thanks to our heavenly Father for another day of life and the strength to continue on our journey for growth here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. While some of us tested on our next chapters of our entrepreneur workbook, the rest of us went over different forms of compensation that we may offer our future employees. It was useful information, seeing how many of us believed that there was only one form, being a simple hourly wage. It expanded our knowledge and enabled us to create new versions to our overall business plans. We then discussed the roles we will play in the future by becoming servant-leaders for the next class. We learned it is not so much as simply leading, but how to serve in order to lead in the right direction. There was a word of the day given to us to open our minds to new paths as well. Temporary, meaning “to last only for a time”. We realized that the pain of our past is only temporary, but the growth we gain in life can last a lifetime. It encouraged us to let go of the hurt of our past and to look forward to the lives that we are being prepared for. Thanks to everyone who supports us in our growth and futures.

Justin H.- (AKA “Gummy”)

Wednesday                                                                                                August 6, 2025

     We were called into class early today to meet the new Chief Executive Officer of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program, Chris V. He explained to us that he was a Roman Catholic Priest for twenty years and let us know how he came to acquiring the position in PEP. We engaged in a discussion about what the meaning of innovation is to us and how it relates to the scriptures. At the end we concluded that it can relate to improving our thought process and the character that we hold ourselves to. It was a new way to apply the value into our everyday lives and helped us to learn how to create new pathways within our minds. We are grateful to have a new addition to the PEP family. For the second half of class we continued to prepare for our next event coming on September 19^th. The class is highly motivated to work hard to bring out the best in everyone. Most of us have completed the heart check assignment, which is probably the most extensive one we will have, so the pride we feel in our hearts is indescribable. We also learned a little more about the upcoming event and what the organization will look like as we present the pitches we have been working so hard on. We prayed out at the end of the day for our futures and the whole PEP community. 

Joshua H.- (AKA “Vanilla Ice”)

Thursday                                                                                                    August 7, 2025

     We arrived to class full of excitement and enthusiasm. As always, we prayed in with our brothers, asking the good Lord for a blessed day. There was a lot of encouragement being passed between our brothers because some had difficulty completing their heart-checks. It is the most strenuous assignment we have received yet and proved to be a thrilling challenge. There were a couple of volunteers who dedicated some of their time to us, teaching the lessons in our next two chapters in our Entrepreneurship workbook. The lessons themselves had to do with opening a franchise and the many steps that should be taken before deciding to do so. We were given many questions that should be answered before-hand and what to look for as far as support from the franchiser. As a franchisee, we would need to abide by certain requirements from the franchisor, so research was highly recommended to us all. The knowledge that we receive each day is, without question, priceless. It is amazing how far we have all come, not only as individuals, but as a brotherhood as well. We prayed at the end for all the supporters who pour into us each day and prayed that the PEP family will continue to grow for generations to come.

Edgar H.- (AKA “Juicy Fruit”)

Friday                                                                                                          August 8, 2025

     Today was truly a blessed day. The “Heart Check” was due this morning and by the grace of God we were all given the entire morning to finish it up. This assignment basically consists of us copying our PEP study guide three times, as well as our Ten Driving Value definitions five times each. It was a lot of writing, but it was very informative and we are glad that we were tasked with it. It was given to us to prove how much we want this program and the change that comes with it. There is a true bond that is created when a group of people come together to accomplish something and this brotherhood has created that for us. As we were called into class in the second half, we all turned in our assignment and felt a sense of pride for the accomplishment. Every Friday we get to sharpen our public speaking skills in an event called Toastmasters. During Toastmasters we all get the opportunity to give a small three to seven-minute speech a topic assigned for the week. It could be something from our personal lives or a belief that we have about that particular topic. It also gives us the chance to get to know our brothers on a more personal level. At the end, we had a brother pray for us and ask the Lord to bless all those who support us on our journey for change.

Tate I.- (AKA “Caesar Salad”)

Expressions

“I have made fellowships- untold of happy lovers in old song. For love is not the binding of fair lips… But wound with wars hardwire whose stakes are strong…”

-Wilfred Owen

     This quote represents, to me, the bond formed between, not only the brothers who were deployed with me when I was enlisted, but the ones who endured all of the life struggles and challenges that were thrown my way. These may have included simple hardships all the way to deaths of someone close to me. The bonds created within pressuring and uncertain times are one of the strongest a human being can have. It is a simple thing to show love towards someone, but to put aside your own interests, safety and well-being is the highest kind of love. We would all be wise to have these kinds of individuals in our lives.

Tony H.- (AKA “Larry The Cable Guy”)

Monday                                                                                                      July 28, 2025

            We entered the class today and prayed for the day by giving thanks to our brothers and the support we have from all the volunteers, as well as our families. After “turning up” the MCs, clapping along to their dance moves down the aisle, we were told that we were finally receiving our “heart-check.” This is where we can show how much we want this brotherhood by completing an extensive assignment within a week. The class took the challenge with a smile and even made a contest out of it by competing to see who the first participant will be to finish. Despite the amount of work, we turned it into a friendly competitive game. There was also a pop quiz to keep us on our toes. We were given a brief definition of all the Ten Driving Values that we incorporated into our everyday lives and had to match each value to one of the definitions. The opportunity to learn college level material in our current situation is a blessing many could only dream of. The life skills that we learn along the way are the tools we need to apply these lessons. We are grateful for this life-changing experience and plan to take full advantage of this opportunity. Thank you to the PEP family. Always, you are in our prayers.

Michael E.- (AKA “Fruit Slice”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      July 29, 2025

     We prayed in at the beginning of class for all our PEP family and asked God to bless us with a fruitful day. It was testing day, so we took turns in the computer lab taking our exams for our entrepreneurial course. Seeing our grade point averages steadily climb is one of the many highlights of our week. It is a reminder that we are slowly getting closer to our goals and that we are being equipped for success upon our release. The feeling is indescribable, to know that despite where we are and what we may have done, we have an opportunity for a bright future ahead of us and a new family of brothers to support us along the way. Our third session of “Betterman” was displayed on the projector and captivated us all from the start. We learned about the hurts we may have an impact on with our children just by being an absent father. It spoke a million words with just a few, as many of us had an absent father growing up and realized the impact that it had on us. Together, we helped each other cope and encouraged one another to do better for our children than what we had. PEP has shown us what it means to be a real family and how we can use these new-found skills in our own households. We then prayed for our loved ones back home, thus closing the day for us.

Devante F.- (AKA “Chocolate Crunch”)

Wednesday                                                                                                July 30, 2025

     Today was another glorious day and a positive light illuminated our faces. We prayed in together then our Muslim brothers also prayed an additional prayer for the class and all our families that guide us in a way that pleases Him. Then our brother Michael P. gave us a word on his view of life. We placed an emphasis on the importance of brotherhood and how God has a true purpose for us. It is up to us to find it and share his love for us with the world. We also discussed ideas for how we want our class to be identified at our graduation, Fall of ‘25. We will see how the vote will take place in the coming days. Today was also a true day of life lessons, saying goodbye to Steven S. who is one of our brothers. He is finally going home and always invigorated us to do our best, keep serving God and love the family through it all. PEP is a blessing and an honor to be a part of the program. Our brother Ronnie AKA: “Bernie Mac” gave us a run down on chapters seven and eight for “Living in The Village” and the importance on financial literacy. Our In-House Management, Martin Herrera and Donald Jones, seem to only see the good in us. This brotherhood allows us to shed the years we have spent in prison. These men around us will succeed and the PEP endeavors, by God’s grace, is the reason. We lead by example in a righteous way and give inspiration to our community at large. With PEP, we are aiming for success.

Isiah G.- (AKA “Payday”)

Thursday                                                                                                    July 31, 2025

     Today was a special day, meeting a billionaire and book author named Terry Looper. We were given his book called ‘Sacred Pace’ a couple of weeks back and today we had the opportunity to have a Q and A. He was very down to Earth and even made a point of making us feel like we mattered. Many different points of views were discussed, and he even took notes about our perceptions. We in turn took notes on the advice he offered. Before he left, he took the time to sign our books and write out some words of encouragement. It was an amazing experience for the whole class. During the second half, we discussed the next coming event where we will present our pitches as a team and receive feedback from the volunteering executives. The servant-leaders split us into four quadrants and explained the process of how things would be run. Next, our teams grouped up individually to discuss strategies and restructure our pitches if needed. Servant-leaders walked around the class, helping anyone who asked and made suggestions from an outside point of view. As always, we prayed to close the day and wished our brothers a good afternoon. Thank you, PEP, for bringing us into the family.

Christopher G.- (AKA “Bubblicious”)

Friday                                                                                                          August 1, 2025

     Today after we prayed in, we had another session of Toastmasters, where we prepare a speech about our lives and present it to our class. This helps us to better our public speaking and to be mindful of the body language that we use. We learned that our bodies speak just as much as our mouths do, so we need to be careful of the message that is being sent across. At the same time, we learn more about our brothers with each speech that is given. It has really brought us closer together and helped us to better understand one another. The brotherhood is only going to get stronger with each passing day. When we entered class in the second half, we continued to practice for our next big event. The pitches that we heard have come such a long way from the day we started them. Hardly any mistakes were made, even though some added new lines on the spot to see how they would fit in with the overall presentation. Each day, there is much progress that can be seen in each participant. We continue to encourage one another and give feedback to help each person grow. As always, we ended the day by praying for our PEP family and the family waiting for us when we get released.

Christopher H.- (AKA “Orange Juice”)

Expressions

  “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is true courage to continue that counts.”

-Winston Churchill

     This quote speaks to me on a deep level because it reflects a heart of resilience. Life is full of surprises, some for the worse, but I have learned that setbacks are simply another chance to learn and grow. Whether I succeed or not, what matters is my ability and willingness to keep pushing forward. Having this mindset reminded me daily that perseverance is the true key to success. I encourage everyone to adopt this way of thinking and to never give up. If you take the time to stop and think, things are not as bad as they seem to be.

Austin H.- (aka “Tom Hanks [Cast Away]”)

Monday                                                                                                      July 21, 2025

(Off Day)

Tuesday                                                                                                      July 22, 2025

     Today, we took a test on the next two chapters of our entrepreneurship workbook. Many of us are aiming to be valedictorian of our class, so it has added even more excitement into our studies. We have created study groups amongst ourselves, not only to help ourselves retain the information better, but to help each other with our weak points and give advice on how to improve on them. While some of us tested, others were allowed to work on their team videos for the executives to see and give feedback on. This program has shown us how to work together and know that this is truly a brotherhood where there is always a helping hand. During the second half, the servant-leaders demonstrated their own pitches that they presented during their own journey through the class. We took notes that we thought might work in our own pitches and discussed them between our team members. Even through the mistakes we made in our presentations, we learned to laugh and brush them off. We were taught that as human beings we learn best through trial and error and that if we have fun with it, the process will be one of the best memories we will have in life. It is not all about the goal at the end. How we get there along the way will also have a tremendous impact on our lives and who we become. PEP has really transformed our mindset into something valuable and precious.

Erik C.- (AKA “Strawberry Shortcake”)

Wednesday                                                                                                July 23, 2025

     We started the day off a little differently than the usual way. After praying in, we all got “turned up” as we danced down the aisle as a class. It was a pleasant change in routine, giving us all a good kick-start to the day. The laughter was so hard that it could be heard over the music playing out of the speakers. Even the shyest of us gravitated towards the crowd, being pulled into the playfulness of it all. It was just another reminder to us how close we have become as brothers. Once the excitement settled down, we got down to business and continued practicing our team pitches. Towards the middle of the class, we switched gears and had another session of Betterman, where we are taught important values that will teach us to be better men to all with whom we meet. Every course we have come across in this program has had a purpose and has shed some light on things we would never have noticed otherwise. PEP has not only shown us the things we need to work on but has also equipped us with the skills and tools we need to make those corrective changes. Success is no longer just a dream, but a goal that has become a real possibility. We now know that together there is nothing that we cannot overcome.

Zacobi D.- (AKA “Pop-Tart”)

Thursday                                                                                                    July 24, 2025

     We began the day by praying in, one of our brothers lead us as we bowed our heads in respect. The MCs then got “turned up” as they danced down the aisle of seats, the class clapping and cheering them along. There were three executives who took the time out of their day to present the next two chapters of our entrepreneurship workbook and explain the material in a way that related to their individual business lives. Everyone listened so attentively that most were leaned forward in their seats. The vast knowledge we receive every day is more than we ever expected. The brotherhood was something we never even thought possible. PEP is a whole new world to us and a haven where help is only a request away. One of the servant-leaders eventually pointed out to us that even the way we speak has begun to transform. The terms we learn and the way the executives communicate with us have slowly changed our speech to a more professional demeanor. This caught us all by surprise as most of us had not even noticed the change. It brought a huge smile to our faces and showed us that we have grown a lot more than we had thought. The process was so much fun that it hardly felt like any work was being done, however, the progress speaks for itself. We gave an extra few minutes to thank the Lord for his help and transformation inside of us. Thank you all who support us. Your time has been more helpful than you may think!

Kelvin D.- (AKA “Chocolate Snickers”)

Friday                                                                                                          July 25, 2025

     Today, we had another session of Toastmasters, where we present speeches, we had prepared for the week. Most of the class was on their second speech and felt a little more comfortable and confident about speaking in front of a crowd. Our choice of words and body language have made significant improvements. We learned that it is usually in our discomfort that most of our growth will come from. Toastmasters is a formal setting, but we always give our brothers feedback and encouragement at the end of our sessions. During these speeches, we not only learn to become better speakers, but we also learn more about the brother who is speaking. For the second half of our day, we practiced our team pitches in front of the class. We laughed and encouraged one another when minor mistakes were made. Most of us have our pitches memorized but saying them in front of a crowd is a game changer. It slowly builds our confidence in ourselves and our ability to execute the challenges ahead of us. The servant-leaders have been a tremendous help to our growth and have shown a genuine love for the brotherhood. We owe a lot to everyone who dedicates their time to show us we are not alone. Thank you all who support the PEP family. We pray for you every day.

Kristopher E.- (AKA “Purple Passion”)

Expressions

“Your gateways are a pipeline to your heart, what you allow in makes you who you are.”

-Nicholas Gutierrez

     I have come to learn that our gateways are our eyes and ears. The things we see, read, and hear, become a part of our knowledge and what shapes us into who we are. The things I used to allow into my heart got me where I am today, and I decided to make a change. I have become careful of the things that I allow to pass through the pipelines into my heart and have slowly begun to see a positive change. Subtle changes, such as my speech and choice of words, have shown me a better man within myself. God has been my guide and mentor through it all. I encourage you all to be mindful of the things you allow into your minds and hearts, for they become what makes us who we are.

Nicholas G.- (AKA “Dexter [Dexter’s Laboratory]”)

Monday          July 14, 2025 

     We started the day off eager and full of excitement. Before our daily prayer, we turned in our assignments from last week, giving us a huge sense of accomplishment. This week we began our lesson on the “startup cost” and “financial summaries” for our business plans. It was something new to us and very intriguing. A lot of great questions were asked, and the servant leaders did an awesome job of answering them in a way that really broke it down for us. We then discussed our marketing videos, which we will start in a few days, and were given the opportunity to watch videos from previous classes to take notes. Mondays have turned out to be the most exciting day of the week for us. We are in a unique position to learn and accomplish something that most people in our position could only dream of doing. We still have a long road ahead of us and plenty of learning and growing to do, but the challenge has been accepted, and we are all in. This program has truly been a blessing to us all. We are now a part of something greater than ourselves, a real brotherhood, where we can all come together and reach for the sky. We ended our day by praying for our future success and the bond we have created with one another. Thank you all who support and believe in us.  

Bobby C.- (AKA “Turkey Bites”) 

Tuesday           July 15, 2025 

     We started the day by praying in and greeting each other for a few minutes. This helps us get to know each other on a deeper level and create a strong bond. We then continued to work on our team pitches and got feedback, not only from the servant leaders, but from our competition as well. Our public speaking skills have grown tremendously since our first day, and it has only gotten increasingly exciting. This program is unlike any other in the prison system. There is genuine care for our well-being and future success. The support we receive on a day-to-day basis is amazing. We have truly found the meaning of brotherhood. The cooperation we have is one of the main tools and skills that push us all forward and is a rare thing to find in our current environment. PEP has shown us that it does not matter where we are, only who we decide to be. We are a family that loves and supports each other, no matter where we come from or who we used to be. We are grateful for all that PEP has done and for showing us a different way to live and learn. We now know that the growth process never stops, and opportunities will always be there for the ones who seek them out. Together we rise and together we pull each other up. 

Gilbert C.- (AKA “Smores”) 

Wednesday           July 16, 2025 

     Today, we learned about the third Ten Driving Value, which just so happened to be “Love.” This driving value is particularly important in changing our mindset and becoming a real brotherhood. As we build our minds and character, every thought is another ingredient added to our personalities, so it is our responsibility to be mindful of the things we entertain inside of, not only our minds, but our hearts as well. It is together that we will be able to endure the storms of life and together that we will celebrate our victories. PEP has given us a fresh-start outlook on life, plus a community of brothers to help when our days get difficult. The different challenges we face daily cannot compare to the strength we have found in one another.  We then got together with our teams and continued to work on our pitches to prepare for our next big event where we will present our pitches to the executives again. It was an exciting experience, and it taught us all a lot, plus it boosted our confidence. It is always rewarding to be able to work as a team. We are extremely grateful to be a part of this program. It has shown us how to overcome whatever obstacles may come our way through discipline and hard work. Soon we will eat the fruit of our labor, and we owe it all to PEP and everyone who supported us along the way. At the end of the day, we prayed for strength to grow, wisdom to learn and patience to wait for God’s perfect timing. 

Kevin C.- (AKA “Cupcake”) 

Thursday           July 17, 2025 

     Today, we had a couple of executives take time out of their day to teach us the next couple of chapters in our entrepreneurship textbook. The lesson was about “income statements” and the different methods to obtain the finances needed to start your business. For example, we learned the different forms of loans and how crowd funding may be used for start-up capital. We also talked about the importance of bookkeeping and how certain apps like quick books can help you maintain the proper records. The importance of accountability was then discussed and how it affects us in our everyday business relationships and operations. Accountability builds trust and loyalty with your clients/customers and the other businesses you work with to keep your company afloat. During the second half, we took our first look at the team logos that we designed. Each team had the opportunity to make changes. The entire process gave us all a solid view of the progress we have been making together. The talent that we have seen in this class has been a wonderful inspiration and gives us the fuel to keep pushing forward. To close the day, we took the time to pray for our families back home and the new family that we created with each other. Thank you all who are a part of this journey and we welcome anyone else who wants to be a part of this family. 

Isaiah D.- (AKA “Little Mermaid”) 

Friday           July 18, 2025 

     We had another session of Toastmasters today, where we are allowed to present a speech about our lives to help us with our public speaking and body language, which is paramount to our overall growth as aspiring professionals. This has been a great course that has brought us closer together as brothers, getting to know one another on a deeper level. The stories that were told allowed us to see how not so different we really are despite how different our stories may be. We all went through some sort of struggle in life that led us up to this point and, even though our stories differ, the hurt was much of the same. Together, we have started to heal and know that we are not alone. During the second half, we continued to record our team pitches and received feedback from the servant-leaders along the way. It has been a fun experience that has created more unity within our class and supporters. Every day brings us new hope and inspiration. Our progress is constantly shown to us to remind us how far we have come and how much we have grown as a family. We learn a lot, but we also laugh and play along the way. Thank you all who dedicate your time to making this experience as exciting and enjoyable as it has been. We pray for all of you daily as our way of ending the day. 

Kenneth D.- (AKA “Sweet Potato Pie”) 

Expressions 

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought down to desolation; every city or house divided against itself is brought down to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself cannot stand.”  

-Jesus Christ 

     This quote was spoken by one of the greatest Mentors I have in life. It has shown me to know myself better and to do away with the demons within, for how can I stand up if I am divided against myself? It has also given me a better understanding of how I need to stand together with my brothers, for we all have the same goal in mind. Just because our paths may not look the same does not mean we cannot support one another. PEP is a house, and we must be united, or we will fall. Love conquers all. 

Eric C.- (AKA “Kenny [South Park]”) 

Monday                                                                                                      July 7, 2025

     Today in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program we focused our studies on market strategies, which consisted of the four Ps, also known as product, price, place, and promotion. The objective was to align our vision statements with our goals for our business, beginning from two months prior to start up, all the way to five years after opening day. The startup cost was explained to us in a way that allowed us to understand the numerous factors that need to be considered and how having an exit plan is just as important to have. Sales goals were discussed as well, and we learned how they will keep us on track to reaching our future goals for the company itself. We then discussed “Fresh-Start Outlook,” one of the Ten Driving Values that PEP instills into us throughout our growth. This one teaches us that we all deserve a second chance and that our past does not define us or where we are heading. Our teams were then allowed to make an introductory video where we present our team business, our positions within the team, and where we are from. Every contribution that has been made to us and our future is appreciated. Every day we are given tools for success. At the end of the day, we prayed for all the PEP family and the families extended through us. Together we succeed, one day at a time.

Roosevelt B.- (AKA “Donut”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      July 8, 2025

     Today was a great and productive day. We began with a quick prayer, giving thanks and gratitude to our Lord and Savior. We then broke off into our business teams and recorded a short introductory video of who we are and what our positions are within the business. While some of us were recording, the rest of us were allowed to take our Entrepreneurship test. The material we learned has elevated our understanding of what it takes to start and run a business. As we came together in teams, we also understood how to work in groups and the importance of having the right people by our side. We all need members who can strengthen our weaknesses and support us in our dreams and journeys. During the second half, Mr. Jones gave us all a much-needed inspirational speech explaining how we are all held to a high standard because of his belief in us and in this program. We were told how the change starts now in this classroom, not when we are released. This program has given us the opportunity to really analyze ourselves and learn how to respond differently to difficult situations than we used to. We learned that having a mentor will help us a great deal and our job when we graduate will be to be just that for others. We then began our first session of Betterman, a course that teaches us all about being a better person overall for everyone that we meet. At the end of the day, we prayed for each other and wished for all our brothers’ strength and wisdom.

Ter’Ron C.- (AKA “Cinnamon Roll”)

Wednesday                                                                                                July 9, 2025

     Today we started our class with a prayer, giving thanks to the Lord for another precious day. For most of us it was a “Fresh Start Outlook” kind of day. We all want to amend the bridges that have been damaged in our lives and that starts with us building ourselves with our daily dose of character development. We proceeded with the day with a summary of our “Living in the Village” workbook. Our objective was to compare our answers to the master-sheet and correct any mistakes. For most of us it has been many years since we left school. It is a challenge to kickstart our brains again, but with a positive attitude the challenge has been accepted. During the second half, we described each of our duties, which will be in our new positions for the teams we created. We expect this experience to be challenging but also fun and exciting. We all strive to be men of integrity, love and to learn as much as possible in the following months. We practice our Ten Driving Values daily to prepare us to become the best version of ourselves and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We strongly believe God has given us this opportunity to help us restore our lives and reach our full potential. With the help of the Lord, one day we will fulfill our goals and dreams. Thank you, PEP, for believing in us. 

Antonio C.- (AKA “Horchata”)

Thursday                                                                                                    July 10, 2025

     We began the day with a pray in, giving God his glory and thanking him for blessing our families. There were a couple of volunteer executives who came in to help teach us the material covered in chapters nine and ten in our Entrepreneurship workbooks. We were taught all about the different forms of insurance we will need to protect our businesses and the team of employees. It was an uplifting experience to learn of the tools at our disposal to overcome adversity when it comes. The executives really made the lesson simple to understand and showed us that we all have potential within us waiting to be unlocked. During the second half, we began to present our pitches as a group and got feedback from our servant leaders on how to improve as a team. Every day we get stronger and wiser as a brotherhood. We are very thankful for the executives, staff, and graduates who take the time to invest in our education and future. Everyone was extremely excited to hear that our videos will be seen by entrepreneurs out in the world and feedback will be given to each team. We ended the day by praying for each team and the executives who made this all possible. Thank you to all who are supporting us.

Randall C.- (AKA “White Purge”)

Friday                                                                                                          July 11, 2025

    We started the day with a prayer to bless all our brothers and all the people who support us on our journey. The class was split into two groups for our second Toastmasters session where we practice our public speaking and speech presentation. During these sessions, we learned to pay attention to body language, proper pronunciation, and making eye contact with the crowd to create a connection. At the same time, we got to know our brothers better as they spoke about themselves and their lives. It is a connection that we can only grow by being attentive to one another. Apart from the speakers, we also had what we call evaluators who listened to our speeches at a deeper level to give us feedback on how to improve our overall presentation. Each person on the panel had a different job as far as looking for certain areas we needed to work on. It is a group effort to help each other. We were given a word and theme of the day that we are asked to incorporate into our speeches to help improve our improvisation and to help expand our vocabulary as well. With each speech we become better public speakers, and it helps us to prepare for the next one to come. We then prayed out for the growth of our brotherhood and the safety of all our families.

“Martin C.” (AKA “Tajin”)

Expressions

“We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us now commit it to life.”

-Edwin Mark

            The “Golden Rule” is universally important and taken into consideration by the vast demographics in the world. Although vital for one person’s life, it means nothing if it is only pondered upon and not applied to the daily choices that a person makes. That is equally true about all the wisdom and knowledge that can be gleaned from the information. To think and then do is the most crucial step to treating people accordingly and it cannot be passed over. Anyone can think, or even say anything, but to execute by sheer will is what can make this world a better place. It is up to us to not just think, but to act.

Ramon V.- (AKA “Lord Farquad”)

Monday                                                                                                      June 30, 2025

     In the first half of class, we prayed-in, being thankful for one another and being part of something that is much bigger than ourselves. The servant-leaders (men that have graduated from PEP and are waiting for their release) expressed to us how proud they are for how well we did at our first event on Friday. We were allowed to write thank you cards to the executives that we spoke with, and they will be given to the executives. We also turned in our networking cards so that they could be scanned onto the computer and then had them returned to us. The networking cards are an effective way for us to keep track of the executives with whom we speak and what was spoken about. We will meet the executives again, so to be able to keep the personal record of all the people who supported us is an immense help. During the second half, we were given our next assignments called the “Market, Competition, Differentiator” Or MCD for short. This assignment will help us figure out who our target market is, who our direct and indirect competitors will be, as well as what we can do to set us apart from the other businesses in the same industry as ours. We then watched a short film that was based on a book we read called “Who Moved My Cheese.” It showed us the importance of being able to adapt with the times as they change and not stay stuck in our old ways of doing things when they no longer work. At the end of the day, we were told who was chosen to be the CEOs in the next round of the Business Competition. It was a mound of excitement for our brothers. Thank you, PEP, for the love and support!

Tevin B.- (AKA “Q-Tip”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      July 1, 2025

     Today we walked into the Prison Entrepreneurship classroom and there was a wave of positivity in the air as everybody exchanged handshakes accompanied by genuine smiles. We made our way to our seats, captivated by cultural hip-hop music coming through the speakers. There was an inspiring quote displayed across the screen by the main projector that caught our attention: “Nothing can destroy iron, but its own rust can.” The words were complimented by a picture of an iron ore being one part in a state of perfection, while it decayed rust within its mid-section. We prayed for the day taking the words of wisdom into account. The importance of the Ten Driving Values (PEP has 10 values that the program is based on). We gained a better understanding of what they mean and how they were put in place to help us grow, reaching our goals for the future. Then we had the privilege of watching a video that gave us a taste for what awaits us on the outside. We saw what the transitional homes (PEP has housing for only graduates of our program) were like and how some of our brothers were. It gave us a huge moral boost and a deeper drive to move forward. We then prayed out for the day and for our loved ones waiting for our return to society. We are grateful for the opportunity PEP gave us.                                                                    Justin B.- (AKA “Cinnamon Roll”)

Wednesday                                                                                                July 2, 2025

     Today was a wonderful day here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. We learned who the new CEOs are and their new roles in the next round of the business competition. Teams were assigned and positions were filled to meet the new team’s needs. We then had some special guests, consisting of several alumni who are now in charge of the re-entry program. We received much useful information about transitional houses and what E-school (continuing education program offered once a participant is released) is and what it is about. After a group presentation, our brothers allowed us individual assistance. They assisted us with any additional questions we had that may not have been answered to the best of their ability. We are constantly being encouraged and supported by our brothers, volunteers, and executives who take the time out of their day to be with us. Every day, we receive the tools that we need to succeed in society and within our business. This program has been a life changing experience for us all and we are so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity. To end the day, we prayed out and for all volunteers who helped us in our journey. Thank you, PEP, for all the support that you have given us!

Robert B.- (AKA “Lemon Cake”)

Thursday                                                                                                    July 3, 2025

     Today Ms. Diana, our special Rice University volunteer, showed up to give us our lesson on entrepreneurship. She went over chapters five and eleven, which included “Business Mission and Strategy.” Ms. Diana is a college professor specializing in marketing and a director of marketing and has a degree in computer security. She is also a CEO as well. The lesson included how to create a mission statement and understand our business capabilities, so we can comprehend what sustainable competitive advantages and customer needs are. We also learned what tangible and intangible assets are and how to evaluate competitive resources with a strategic plan analysis, and how to apply this into our business. It is such a privilege to have incredibly talented successful people that really care about us, take the time out of their valuable day, and make so many meaningful contributions for us. Our professors are rock stars in the business world! The Prison Entrepreneurship Program is making an enormous impact in our lives so that we can accomplish all our goals, become better men, and really unlock our potential to become successful and positive role models in our community. Today was truly a very productive day, we cannot wait to see what is in store for tomorrow. We finished our day off true PEP fashion with one of our brothers sharing a prayer with us.        

Glenn B.- (AKA “Lucky Charm”)

Friday                                                                                                          July 4, 2025

                                                  (OUT FOR VACATION)

Expressions

“The present belongs to them, and the future for whom I work for, belongs to me.”

-Nikola Tesla

     This quote is a very meaningful reminder to me and was said by a visionary of his generation. A vision was always set in front of him that dictated his goals and made many innovative changes to the world. This has set a bar for me to always see what I want for my life and set daily goals that will get me there. It has shown me that the most effective way to reach those goals is to empower others along the way with likeminded goals and passions. It is the unimportant things you do throughout your days that will add up and get you where you want to be in life.

Amilcar G.- (AKA “Beverly Hills Chihuahua”)

Monday                                                                                                      June 23, 2025

     We started our day with a prayer for strength and wisdom. Our In-Prison Manager then gave the class some words of encouragement and firsthand experiences in his own business. We learned about pitfalls and barriers that we may encounter upon opening a new business and were given advice on how to overcome those obstacles. We were also cautioned on the importance of patience and how little steps will eventually build a staircase to where we want to be in life. This program is only one of the few steps in our journey to success in life. We just need to keep moving forward. In the second half of class, we continued working on our coat-of-arms, a personal vision board. Once done we placed them on the wall for all to see. Some of us got “turned up” where we danced down the aisle as the class clapped and cheered us along. The energy was boosted to a high level. It was a new experience for many of us and showed us how to have fun again as we used to when we were younger. Towards the end, some of us were given the opportunity to present our business pitches and receive feedback. We then prayed for the day and wished each other a good evening.

                                    Bolanle A.- (AKA “Honey Glaze”)

Tuesday                                                                                                      June 24, 2025

     In the first half, we entered the room with some music playing in the background to get the energy flowing. We then greeted one another and proceeded to pray for the day. To get the energy flowing even further, we created a soul train line and danced down the aisle. This program has been a wonderful experience for us, not only helping us in an academic way, but also with our state of mind. Our first entrepreneurial test was given shortly after, and it was amazing how simply starting the day on a good note helped our self-esteem and confidence taking our first test. During the second half, we presented our pitches once again, preparing for the big day this coming Friday. We have all been working so hard on our presentations and have come a long way from our first day. Many of us have already mastered it and the competition will be one to remember for years to come. We have already begun to see the change with our class ourselves, and we know that it is preparing us for success. PEP is a community of people who care deeply for us. As always, we ended the day by praying out for our brothers, staff, and volunteers. Thank you, PEP you, PEP!

Kevin A.- (AKA “Candy Man”)

Wednesday                                                                                                June 25, 2025

     We started the day by praying in and “turning up our class MCs as they danced down the aisle. It was the first day that we had a test run of how the event would go on Friday and the excitement was almost tangible. We were split into groups of four and walked through the process in a step-by-step order. The importance of being able to sell our ideas themselves was emphasized to us and advice on how to stand out was given to us as a whole and on an individualized basis if it was asked for. In the second half, we all presented our pitches again and encouraged one another to give our best. PEP is an opportunity for us all, and we have all learned to come together to lift each other up. It is a chance to show our growth and worth to the rest of the world and is not something that we take lightly. We have come a long way from the first day of class and our public speaking skills have improved dramatically. This is truly a brotherhood and has exceeded all our expectations. We ended our day by praying for strength to execute our pitches with excellence in the upcoming event.

Jorronn B.- (AKA “Swiss Roll”)

Thursday                                                                                                    June 26, 2025

     We began the day with our daily pray-in and were introduced to the instructors who were teaching us chapter 3 of our entrepreneur book. Mr. Dougal, one of the instructors, gave us the best advice that anyone could ever get. “Never, never, never, never, never, never give up.” The way it was said to us came with power and meaning. It really gave us a new drive to move forward and to never let the difficulties of life stop us. The volunteers showed us that they genuinely care and are not here for selfish reasons. The chapter for this week was about synergy and how important it is to balance work and social life. Time management was the key factor expressed. Mr. Dougal gave us examples of times when he did not have a good balance and how it affected his judgement, leading to some bad investments. If you want to learn from others, the best way is not to learn from what people did right, but from their mistakes. It gave us encouragement to know that even though we will make mistakes in life, as long as we keep pushing, success is always within our grasp. We prayed for the day and gave each other last minute advice on how to make our big event tomorrow the best.

                                          Erik B.- (AKA “Mashed Potato”)

Friday                                                                                                          June 27, 2025

     Today was the big day that we have been waiting for for over a month. We prayed-in and prepared ourselves to pitch in front of real executives (men and women who come to the unit to volunteer their time to work with our class) who took the time out of their day to be here for us. We broke off into our assigned quadrants and proceeded to the gym where all the executives were waiting for us. One by one, we stood in front of them, presented our business ideas to the best of our abilities, and received individual feedback. The excitement that we felt could not be put into words. After each of us had the opportunity to present our pitch, we were allowed to network with the executive and got to pick their minds for further information and advice on how to present our ideas better. We were told that this program is on the level of a college course that if taken at a university would cost thousands of dollars. PEP is investing in our personal growth for us to have a brighter futures. The environment was amazing and so different from what we expected. We really have people who care about us and are willing to help us better our lives. At the end of the event, we prayed-out together with the executives and said our goodbyes until the next big event. Thank you, PEP, for believing in us!

Aelohim B.- (AKA “Butterfinger”)

Expressions

                                 “Allow your imperfection to be your perfection.”

-Unknown

     To me this means that you should allow the things that are not so perfect to be the things you strive to improve on. At the same time, we should always remember that only God is perfect, and our imperfections are simply what makes us different from one another. We live in a complex world where many perspectives differ and change over time. We are complex beings and should cherish our differences. Failures and shortcomings shape us into who we are and allow us to grow into the best version of ourselves. This gives me the acceptance that not everything will go my way but will also be a learning experience for me to grow. This quote reminds me to take it one day at a time and never stop moving towards my goals.

Christopher A.- (AKA “Bobby [The Proud Family]”)

Monday                                                                                                      June 16, 2025

     It was a great and exciting day for us here in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. We started off by praying together as brothers, and we took time to “show some love” to one another by greeting ourselves with handshakes, fist bumps, and hugs. Afterwards, we “turned up” our class MCs by clapping along to some positive music as they danced down the aisle. This shows us how to get out of the shells that we have developed over the years and to have fun in a different environment than we are used to. We then got down to business and went over an introduction for creating a business plan and names for the various ideas we generated. We were also given the opportunity to request market research and were given examples of what kind of information we should be seeking. A few servant-leaders took it upon themselves to show us their versions of their “elevator pitches,” which are quick business ideas and gave us some solid advice on how to write our own. Before closing the day by praying out, we got to sing happy birthday for a few of our brothers in our own PEP version of the song. The experience was one of unity and love!

Johnny C. – AKA “Sopapilla [Panchos]”

Tuesday                                                                                                      June 17, 2025

     Today was a wonderful day here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program! We worked on what is called a “coat-of arms” where we got to put our pictures on construction paper and decorate the surrounding area with things that portray a little of ourselves and our personalities. Next, we got to practice our “elevator pitches,” which are quick business ideas in front of the class to get them condensed into a minute. Our first event will be on June 27th, which will determine who gets to become a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the teams that will be assigned to those who won the positions. For those who spoke Spanish as a first language, we were taken aside and helped to better understand how to proceed and were given advice on how to overcome this barrier. This process helps us to become more confident public speakers in a fun and enjoyable way and to help us become influential leaders in life and our businesses. We are grateful for the opportunity granted to us by PEP. It has given us a new perspective on life and a chance to become better men. Lastly, we prayed out for the day and for strength to progress.

Leart A. – AKA “Mr. Clean”

Wednesday                                                                                                June 18, 2025

        Before beginning the class, we did a routine prayer for the brothers and staff. It reminds us daily that we are in this together and no longer alone. Afterwards, we “turned up” our class MCs and clapped as they danced to some upbeat music. A couple of the servant-leaders then spoke about the program and what is expected of us as far as conduct and effort. They encouraged us to push through and seek a better way of life through the change offered to us. Information was provided on the program curriculum, and we received tips on how to execute the work that will lie ahead. The support shown has given us a real sense of brotherhood and the love that is created for one another. Next, we worked on our boards/coat of arms and our business pitches in front of the class. Feedback was given on how we could improve and how body language can add to the overall presentation. There was a huge sense of gratitude for the confidence that we are building. Our servant leaders were there to guide us along the journey. We ended the day with a prayer for wisdom and confidence to strive for and achieve our dreams.

Joe A. – AKA “Licorice Stick”

Thursday                                                                                                    June 19, 2025

     Today in the first half of class we started by praying in and “showing love” to our brothers. This is where we walk around and introduce ourselves to our classmates. It allows us to get acquainted with one another and create trust. Our instructors then came in and began to give us an introduction to what business looks like from the inside out. The way they spoke to us gave us the sense of a real brotherhood and not just another class to push participants through. There was a connection and support in helping us understand the material being taught to us. It gave us not only hope for a second chance in life, but for a successful future in ways we could only imagen before. In the second half, we continued to work on our business pitches for the “Big Idea” Event next Friday. The excitement that we feel cannot be put into words. The opportunity being offered to us is a blessing and not available to everyone. After we all had a chance to do our pitches to the class we were told that our first day of “Toastmasters” would be tomorrow and were given a crash course of how it will be run. This course will be focused on helping us with public speaking and presenting speeches. We were given examples of icebreaker speeches from the servant-leaders and  then we prayed out for the day.

Juan A. – AKA “Pancake

Friday                                                                                                          June 20, 2025

     We started the day by praying in and began our first day of “Toastmasters.” This is a course where we learn to improve our public speaking and how to properly present a speech. The format was given to us, and we were instructed on what our first speech will be about. Each participant was given the opportunity to give an “icebreaker” speech where we spoke about who we are and how we came to be here at the Prison Entrepreneurship Program. This provided us with a greater view of who our brothers are and moved us further from the classmate mindset and closer to a brotherhood. Next, the in-prison management gave us a little of his background and how he had to overcome some struggles to achieve success in his life. It was a highly motivating story for us and helped us to see the strength that lies within us all. It was amazing how everyone showed one another respect as each person spoke about their lives and shared with the class about their personal struggles and past mistakes. The stories were captivating and showed us the person beneath each surface. We ended the day by praying out for our brothers and wishing everyone a wonderful day.

Juan A.

Expressions

    “In order to have what you really want; you must first be who you really are.”

-Tim Grover

     I believe one of my biggest problems throughout my life was my need to be who everyone else wanted me to be. Through my journey in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program I have learned how not to try and fit in so much that it changed who I am. PEP has shown me how to become my authentic self and by doing this I have begun to receive the results that I have always wanted out of my life. This quote reminds me daily to remain true to myself in every circumstance. The result will be that I will always have contentment in my life because I will not be living a lie.

Dalton B. – AKA “French Vanilla”