Changed lives are changing communities

Program impact is not just limited to its effects on our inmate students. Members of our local community play a vital role in the success of our work. Some have volunteered as teachers, others are family members of prisoners who have shared with us their stories, and others are professionals who have spoken frankly about how CEP is transforming the narrative on prison educational reform.

Charles Lawrence, Assistant Warden, South Bay Correctional, Florida 

Evidence-Based Training:  How CEP is Successfully Transforming Prison Culture. 

 Charles sits down with us to discuss, first-hand, the impact of CEP.  From the program’s inception, he has advocated tirelessly for our work and shares how inmate students are making positive changes behind bars.  With 30 years of experience in both public and private prisons, Charles provides expert analysis and insight on the value of educational training and rehabilitation.

Crystal Kim, Assistant Public Defender, Palm Beach County

Civics Gives Juveniles with Life Sentences a Second Chance

Crystal works in the Office of the Public Defender, 15th Circuit, and describes the shift in thinking concerning life sentences for juvenile capital offenses.  Relying upon landmark Supreme Court decisions, modern science, and current legal theory, she shows why educational courses in CEP are vital for anyone in prison.  

Lydia Henderson and Alex Bruno, Florida Atlantic University Alumni

Building Bridges:  FAU Alumni on Why Teaching Prisoners is Impactful

Lydia and Alex were part of the first team of student volunteers to participate in CEP when it started in 2016.   While finishing master’s degrees at FAU, they led classes, worked as mentors, and spent quality time in the classroom with many inmate students.  Lydia (now in law school) and Alex (a recent Ph.D. candidate) speak about what they were privileged to learn out at South Bay.

Elizabeth and Nathan Keyes, Family Members of a CEP Student.

Families, Victims, and Healing through CEP

Speaking frankly about two incarcerated family members, Nathan tells us about the valuable conversations he is having with his father thanks to our courses in the Civics Education Program and Elizabeth, whose father was tragically gunned down when she was a child, understands pain and suffering thus illustrating the plight of the countless unseen victims of crime.

Daniel Camacho, CEP Literature Instructor

The Consequences of Learning: Inmates Self-Reflect through Literary Analysis

Daniel, an instructor in our literature course, takes an educational approach which is leading inmates to a greater sense of introspection and accountability. He is also compiling data showing CEP's positive impact on inmates' behavior resulting in less disciplinary reports among our students.

“Mr. Eli cared for me and helped me see that I matter.  His passing will not be a waste for in my life his love and care will be fuel for my life.” – Mancito

“Eli was very down-to-earth with all of us here, regardless of who we are and where we come from.  A person like that is invaluable to us here in this environment, especially that the majority of society all writes us off as ‘thugs’ or ‘criminals’ that can never redeem ourselves.  I know Eli did not feel that way and for that we all are greatly appreciative for the time he invested here with us.” – Jeremy

“His smile will live on in my heart, his smile filled the room once in it.” -Angelo

“In the short time I’ve known Eli, he had a tremendous influence on my life.  Not only did he help me to expand my mind and horizons, but he also inspired me to help others do the same.  I know of many others here alone who have been similarly impacted by Eli.  You can rest assured that he left this world a better place.” – Paul

“It spoke priceless words about your blessed son to take time out of his life to come and help us -convicts - to have a better understanding of how the system works.  I love you brothers and will do anything I can to make your and Eli’s and Jim’s work be not in vain.  I will help advance your works even when I am released.” – John

“Eli taught me some wonderful things in the literature class, and I will be forever grateful for his influence in all our lives.  You know he dedicated himself to promoting goodness, civility, mercy, and justice.” – Joseph

“His integrity was pure, his demeanor outstanding.  I have learned so very much from Eli, that have touched my heart and changed my life.” – Tyrone

“Eli has a reputation here as a soldier, but a reputation is what men think…his character is what GOD thinks of him and his character projects – soldier.” – Michael

“With words I was destroyed once when I was given a thirty-year sentence.  But also, with words of encouragement I was built up by volunteers like you who overlook our wrongs and see the best in us.  Your son was an integral part of my education.  He gave me words of strength when I was down.  We shared a few experiences just as we shared dreams and hopes for the future.  He was an exceptional young man.  He was a great inspiration for me, and he will continue to be…” – Jose

“Every time Eli came, I would make it my business to thank him for coming, and he would say ‘I love coming here to see you guys.  I wouldn’t miss it for anything in the world.’” – McLeod

R.I.P.