What do Employers Say about Our R.E.E.P. Graduates?
The Power of People Leadership Institute (POPLI) has hosted 10 cohorts of R.E.E.P. (Re-Planting Employment Expansion Program), graduating over 200 individuals to reenter the workforce.
Over the past 20 years, POPLI’s Re-Planting program has mentored over 6,000 men and women with a criminal record, all of whom are incarcerated or previously incarcerated. In 2023, R.E.E.P. launched to focus on leadership training that equips individuals with the mindset and skills necessary for stable, meaningful employment
In 2023, REEP launched to address the exponential need for employment in the second-chance community. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2024), 60% of formerly incarcerated individuals are unemployed. Over the last 10 cohorts, employers have partnered with our mission, many attending every event to hire R.E.E.P. graduates, helping employ over 50% of R.E.E.P. graduates.
Nationally, 60% of previously incarcerated individuals re-offend within three years of release. But Re-Planting’s recidivism rate is only 4.9%. Job discrimination, housing barriers, technological hurdles, and transportation difficulties often culminate in financial insecurity and/or homelessness for previously incarcerated individuals. POPLI and forward-thinking employers recognize the transformative power of second-chance employment.
The value of hiring second-chance individuals extends far beyond simple acts of charity. It's a strategic investment in both individuals and communities.
People Ready
Remington Lanegna Speaking to a R.E.E.P. Graduate
Remington Lanegna, Branch Manager at People Ready, heard about R.E.E.P. from a simple invitation to the program's graduation. However, his commitment quickly deepened, leading him to attend weekly group meetings and actively participate in the program. This firsthand experience provided a profound understanding of the program's impact.
“I think the most important thing POPLI does is work on their mindset,” Remington said. “We really like working with POP guys and gals because we know they’re going to have a good mindset, they’re going to show up to work on time, they’re going to be nice, they’re gonna try, they’re gonna be held accountable, all that kind of stuff.”
He notes that R.E.E.P. graduates, armed with a strong mindset and a commitment to accountability, consistently demonstrate a level of dedication that benefits employers.
“From an employee-employer standpoint, I can't stress it enough, is the mindset like the ones that are genuinely putting the effort that want to better themselves - we want to hire,” Remington said.
People Ready has supported R.E.E.P. graduates through temporary and temp-to-hire positions, which have mutually benefitted the second-chance community and People Ready’s job sites. “I'm a big huge believer in time served is time served,” said Remington, “Like they served. Their punishment was worse than anything I could imagine, so like, why continue the punishment?”
People Ready's business model is focused on placing individuals in entry-level and skilled trade positions. These jobs, often involving physical labor and unpredictable schedules, require resilience and a strong work ethic.
"The reliability factor is higher with second-chance individuals in these particular jobs," Remington notes. "As oxymoronic as it may sound, the reliability factor is higher because there aren't a whole lot of other options, so they really have to take advantage of this option and opportunity."
Re-Powered
Jay Grossman, Director of Talent at Re-Powered
Jay Grossman, Director of Talent at Re-Powered, offers a unique perspective as both a graduate of POPLI’s Re-Planting program and an employer of R.E.E.P. graduates. His journey, from release in 2019 to his current leadership role, underscores the transformative potential of support and opportunity.
"Upon release in 2019, I stayed connected with the POPLI group and would go to the Tuesday night community events and just stay connected that way to maintain support, maintain connections to the community, and be able to share and gather resources to help in that re-entry transition," Jay recounts. His commitment to staying connected led to opportunities to support others, first as a residence director for transitional housing and then as an employer at Re-Powered.
His personal experience informs his approach to hiring second-chance individuals. "Part of that is giving back to the community who supported me upon my release after serving 20 years of incarceration," Jay stated. He understands the challenges of re-entry firsthand, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives.
"I looked at it as the ABCs of job hunting," Jay said. "You just need that Any job, so that you can move to the Better job, and then more towards a Career opportunity."
When asked about the R.E.E.P. graduates hired at Re-Powered Jay said, "They're all success stories.”
Jay Grossman Speaking with a R.E.E.P. Graduate
He recounted the journey of Ellis, a R.E.E.P. graduate who started at Re-Powered then transitioned into a community outreach case manager role, and Jose, who, after facing initial struggles, secured a trucking job with Re-Powered's support.
“The biggest misconception is that they're going to be unreliable. They're untrustworthy. They're risk-averse," he stated. He counters these misconceptions with his own experience, noting that second-chance individuals are often "more dedicated" and "more grateful" for employment opportunities.
He emphasized the "pool of untapped potential and untapped talent" within the second-chance community, highlighting individuals with diverse skills and experiences. "I've worked with individuals who have their PhD, individuals who worked as nurses in the medical field, individuals with 20 years of IT programming and IT security data management," he shared.
Jay's personal journey and professional experience underscore the transformative power of second-chance employment. "I just think it’s amazing to be able to go back as somebody who’s been involved in the Power of People Leadership Institute, went through the same class that they did, sat with Brother Shane and listened to his advice and his teachings, and be able to internalize that and be able to use that networking," he reflected.
Marsden
Joy Nguyen, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for Marsden Services
Joy Nguyen, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for Marsden Services, has attended every R.E.E.P. graduation, even on one of her personal days off. Marsden has supported R.E.E.P. through employment, hiring at least one graduate from every cohort.
“I believe everybody deserves a second chance,” Joy said. “And for Marsden to contribute in terms of providing funding through the Marsden Fund, as well as through our giving committee, we’re saying that we want to be able to help your community members be able to be successful in whatever they want to do next. So they may have had an offense in the past, but that should not define them for the rest of their lives. At Marsden, we want to be able to ensure that people are able to care for themselves, for their family, and then pay back and provide support to the community as well.”
“So supporting the REEP program is a great way for us to be able to say, we are here with you. Anything we can do to support, you know, there’s no promises that we can make, but we can advocate for you. If we can, you know, hire people who can succeed in our organization, we will do it.”
Joy Nguyen with a Cohort of R.E.E.P. Graduates
These stories aren’t just anecdotes; they’re evidence of a fundamental truth: second chances work. When we invest in people, we invest in our communities. We reduce recidivism, create safer neighborhoods, and stimulate economic growth. And for the individuals themselves, the benefits are transformative. They gain financial security, a sense of purpose, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
At POPLI, we’re not just changing lives; we’re changing the narrative. Employment for the second-chance community empowers the individual and builds a stronger, more resilient community for all.
Support Our Work as we motivate, mentor, empower, and educate youth and adults to positively transform their lives.
