By engaging the people in being the source of their own redemption, enlisting people in their own communities, you are healing our culture and our communities at the same time.

What Jon Ponder represents is not only a program that reduces recidivism, a program with excellent results, but he also represents the regeneration of the involvement of the community in a way that can be effective over the long term.

Identify a solution and get others in the community involved and then have the resounding success that they have had, that should be encouraged and facilitated but not controlled by the federal government.

If we can break the cycle of recidivism and poverty, then these people can rebuild their own lives, redeem themselves. Then they are better off, society is better off—and oh, by the way, the taxpayer is better off at the end of the day.

We’ve all made mistakes in our lives. Hope for Prisoners enables graduates to be an active participant in their second chance and their future.

The State of Nevada is pleased to partner with HOPE for Prisoners along with Corrections, Safety, and Department of Training Agencies to ensure the best possible opportunities are available to ex-offenders returning to our community. HOPE for Prisoners is a good partner for Nevada and the State looks forwards to continuing our partnership as we work together to benefit the citizens of our great State.

I believe in second chances. HOPE for Prisoners gives its graduates the tools they need to make the most of their second chance. Their program not only improves the lives of the participants, but also has a far-reaching impact on our community as a whole.

In life there are so many people that encourage and wish us the best, for which we are forever grateful. However, the power and influence of a mentor is priceless. If you don't have a mentor, seek one out. They'll be most appreciative and honored to help you along life's journey. If you have a mentor, embrace them and never take them for granted. They are 'family' forever.

The most important part of programs geared toward helping people change the course of their lives is mentoring. People cannot be expected to be successful doing things they've never done before without someone to walk through those times with them. Jon Ponder and the team at HOPE for Prisoners are helping people achieve sustainable life change by providing skilled, trained, and compassionate mentors to accompany them on the journey.

All of us have lots of people speaking at us during our lives. Mentors bring an experiential perspective to the changes we want to make in our life journeys. It’s fine to have someone speak to us about new ideas, principles, and techniques, but having a mentor who has actually lived these things is invaluable. Their personal touch in our lives not only gives us another’s perspective, but allows a sounding board for how to implement our intended goals. Additionally, the mere fact that someone considers us valuable enough to pour their lives into ours assures us that our lives are worth living and improving.