Teen Program Gives Hope

This week I made a trip to Cleveland, Texas to visit the Cleveland Correction Center which houses 550 convicted felons.

The purpose of my trip was to observe PEP founder, Catherine Rohr. The Prison Entrepreneurship Program, which began in 2004 by Ms. Rohr is a Godsend for the inmates who enroll in her program.

My intention was to be a "fly on the wall" and simply observe Ms. Rohr's communication with her students. This was important to me as I prepare to teach the content of Tools 4 Teens to a group at at-risk kids beginning Oct. 24th.

Ms. Rohr was delayed several hours so I was asked if I wanted to spend some time with the inmates.

There began the most incredible two-hour journey I have had in a long time. I was able to ask many questions of the inmates who were all considered at-risk teens at one time.

I faced a room full of gangsters, robbers, murderers and drug dealers and was truly blessed by their respect towards me.

Every inmate had a piece of advice or comment which enriched me beyond words. I feel like I gained incredible insight which I will use in my upcoming program at the Paul Revere Middle School.

It is easy to look past the human being to the crime committed, but I will tell you with complete certainty that 90% of the inmates I met would NEVER have landed in prison had they been loved, respected, protected and guided as children.

I was profoundly blessed by this experience. These inmates don't want our pity. They want hope that they can turn from all the negative and painful experiences of their lives and become what God intended.

-Kelly (co-author of Tools4Teens)