|
MEDIA
DISPATCH
Outside The Wire, part 2
Lance Manning | September 2009 Jason, one of the younger PEP members, began prison life at age 15. He met Ms. Rohr during her information gathering visit to the Texas Youth Commission. With an intent to expand the reach of PEP, her influence educated Jason and others on how to qualify for the program in the free world. Jason became involved post-release in Entrepreneurship School (eSchool) and has visited the Cleveland Unit to show support for other participants. Near the midpoint of his eight years on parole, Jason is thriving. As an eSchool graduate, he started a legal research company and is working at internships while attending college part-time. As his schedule permits, he accompanies Ms. Rohr to tell audiences of the success he’s achieved through the PEP brotherhood. He recalls his teenage spiral into trouble as a result of wanting acceptance among his peers. Today, he is more responsible and able to say no to those things not indicative of his new-found maturity. He says the greatest benefit he’s received from the program is the ability to relate to others. The danger he sees for his generation is that many have no one to relate to. He’s grateful that Ms. Rohr helped him overcome barriers, and he hopes he can do the same for others. |
