Empowering Women Out of Prison

EWOP's innovative program is designed to transform the lives of women in prison, so that when they leave, they are prepared both for a job search and an alternate path to success: self-employment.

EWOP grew out of a long-standing and successful entrepreneurship program for men: the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) in Texas. In 2017, a pilot program was launched to modify PEP’s curriculum, services, and teachings to meet the specific needs of women. The next year, a class of 44 women was selected to participate in the pilot at the Gregory S. Coleman Unit (previously known as Lockhart Correctional Facility). In partnership with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Management Training Corporation, EWOP was launched in the fall of 2019 as a fully separate and whole 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specifically serves women.

Building on the strength of that foundation, EWOP's inside-out process is strategically designed for long-term life change and success.

Our mission begins inside the prison system with a rigorous application and screening process of eligible women in the prison. Currently all women incarcerated in Texas are invited to apply. The application process is in-depth, including details of past life decisions, desire for transformation, plans for reentry and an expressed need to change.

All participants are expected to “live out” EWOP’s Ten Driving Values: Integrity, Accountability, Wise Stewardship, Love, Fun, Fresh Start Outlook, Servant-Leader Mentality, Innovation, Implementation, and Excellence. We work with each client to identify and remove barriers and behaviors that stand in the way of a positive life transformation.

​Programming includes character development, starting with values-based decision making for emotional growth and healing, defining personal values and setting attainable goals for reentry and life change. Team Building and conflict resolution are key elements that are studied and practiced within the program. Entrepreneurship, financial planning, project management, business strategy and career building classes help participants identify areas of interest, focus their skills, and learn new expertise. Executive volunteers and business students volunteer their time to help participants hone their business skills and create their business plan.

After completing the immersive and intense in-prison program, participants graduate in a cap-and-gown ceremony held within the prison. They receive a certificate of entrepreneurship from the University of Houston's Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, which provides our curriculum. Princeton Review ranks the Wolff Center as the #1 undergraduate entrepreneurship program in the U.S.

In addition to transition housing referrals, EWOP provides extensive post-release services to its women, including help with finding transportation, second chance employment, clothing, food resources, a peer support network and online education classes. Moreover, participants have access to bus passes, phone cards, reduced-cost dental services, medical services, and eye exams/glasses through partnerships with other service providers. The goal is to provide participants with a comprehensive solution to re-entry in a structured environment.