The Need
After release, formerly incarcerated people are labeled “felons” for the rest of their lives. It is no surprise that unemployment rates are extremely high among ex-offenders and a criminal record can make it nearly impossible to find a place to live. Without a job and a home, many ex-offenders will commit new crimes within three years. According to the Department of Justice, more than 40% of those released from prison are rearrested in their first year out, 67% within three years, and more than 75% within five years. These statistics can be shattered through comprehensive care and programmatic solutions.
The Vision
Empowered Women of Purpose (EWOP) was formed to transform lives of incarcerated women in the state of Texas through entrepreneurship and leadership programming. EWOP inspires incarcerated women to become aware of their intrinsic worth and take ownership of the knowledge and tools required to transform their lives and reach their full potential. EWOP empowers women to identify their strengths and become confident in the ability to live their best life.
In 2017, a pilot women’s entrepreneurial and leadership program was launched, modeling the curriculum, services, and teachings of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP), a highly successful program for men. In 2018, the first class was recruited and launched at the Lockhart unit in Texas. EWOP was formed in 2019 as a fully separate and whole 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the purpose of serving incarcerated women.
With the help and blessing of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), EWOP embarked on its official re-launch in the spring of 2020. The program curriculum is based on 15 years of knowledge and success that made Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) a revolutionary success for incarcerated men. Ewop has modified the curriculum with a specific focus on meeting the needs of women.
In 2017, a pilot women’s entrepreneurial and leadership program was launched, modeling the curriculum, services, and teachings of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP), a highly successful program for men. In 2018, the first class was recruited and launched at the Lockhart unit in Texas. EWOP was formed in 2019 as a fully separate and whole 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the purpose of serving incarcerated women.
With the help and blessing of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), EWOP embarked on its official re-launch in the spring of 2020. The program curriculum is based on 15 years of knowledge and success that made Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) a revolutionary success for incarcerated men. Ewop has modified the curriculum with a specific focus on meeting the needs of women.
Take Action
Mentor
“You have to believe it’s possible and believe in yourself. Because after you’ve decided what you want, you have to believe it’s possible, and possible for you, not just for other people. Then you need to seek out models, mentors, and coaches.”
- Jack Canfield |
Teach
It must be remembered that the purpose of education is not to fill the minds of students with facts… it is to teach them to think, if that is possible, and always to think for themselves.
- Robert Hutchins |
Hire
By hiring an ex-offender, you have the chance to make a difference in someone's life and help them overcome the systemic obstacles that create these statistics. And since ex-convicts are so badly in need of employment opportunities (and grateful to get them), they often make diligent workers once they're hired.
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Donate
Your financial investment in our program will offer hope, healing, and employment skills to help women become contributing members of society, while making agood living and providing for themselves and their children.
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Volunteer
Becoming an Approved TDCJ/EWOP volunteer is easy and will take less than half a day of training. Time well spent! You will then have opportunities to serve during prison events, leadership academy, and mock interviews.
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EventsEWOP events are FUN and filled with new friends. The highlight of each class is graduation where volunteers, donors, and families gather to support the graduating class. |