Sean Hosman, once imprisoned due to addiction-related crimes, is now using his experience to redefine rehabilitation. After multiple arrests, Hosman managed to get sober and subsequently turned his life around. Today, Hosman is not just another former inmate. He is the founder and CEO of Persevere Now, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society with marketable skills. His mission extends beyond personal redemption, aiming to disrupt the recurring cycle of incarceration and societal re-entry failure.
Hosman’s life once seemed the epitome of success. He had a beautiful family, owned a company, and enjoyed a prosperous life. However, personal tragedies led to a downward spiral into substance abuse. His life changed drastically as he found himself arrested repeatedly and eventually imprisoned.
Persevere Now: A New Chance
Persevere Now offers a one-year boot camp on computer programming for the formerly incarcerated. According to Julie Landers, the program manager for Virginia, participants leave with a strong set of skills and entry into a high-demand industry.
The program’s success is not just anecdotal. Hosman stated that while the national recidivism rate for ex-inmates hovers between 45% and 70%, Persevere’s rate of reoffense is a mere 1.8%. Additionally, 93% of Persevere graduates find jobs, and 85% retain those jobs. The benefits extend beyond the individuals. By providing marketable skills to former inmates, Persevere Now is indirectly contributing to breaking cycles of poverty and criminality in the next generation.
Hosman firmly believes in the power of rehabilitation and the potential for change. He says,
“If you do it right, you’re going to create less victims.”
Persevere’s Expansion and Impact
Founded in 2012, Persevere has since expanded its presence across six states, with plans to extend its reach even further. The nonprofit provides engineering and coding training, aiming to increase the chance of gainful employment for those released from prison. The program addresses a major hurdle for the formerly incarcerated – securing employment that enables them to support themselves and their families, thus reducing the chance of returning to the prison system.
The nonprofit has also teamed up with the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) to establish the Unlock Potential employment program (UP). This initiative, funded through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, aims to provide meaningful employment opportunities to a statistically at-risk group of young people.
The initiative is not limited to adults. The 2 Gen program in Tennessee teaches the children of incarcerated parents, aged between 10 and 18, how to become technologists, thus lifting the social capital of entire families.
Tackling Racial Inequities
Persevere also targets racial inequities in the criminal justice system, focusing on black and brown communities. A September 2020 Deutsche Bank study warned of a digital divide that could leave large sections of minority communities with little or no access to jobs. By providing tech training, Persevere works to counter this trend and provide hope, skills, and opportunities to these communities.
Beyond the Classroom
Persevere’s work extends far beyond the classroom. Besides imparting technical skills, it also provides life skills and financial literacy courses. The nonprofit also offers transitional living, mental health, and substance abuse treatment services. The inclusive and holistic approach aims to equip formerly incarcerated individuals with the essential tools they need for a stable and sustainable transition back into society.
Testimonials
Persevere’s real impact is best exemplified by the lives it has touched. Jabarre Jarrett, a case manager and facilitator for Persevere, joined the program after serving five years in prison. Jarrett initially joined for the free laptop and financial incentives offered, but he quickly recognized the transformative power of the program. When a personal crisis struck, Persevere stepped in with support and assistance, embodying the spirit of a true family. Now, Jarrett is proud to be part of the nonprofit and the valuable work it does.
Conclusion
Persevere now embodies the spirit of redemption, proving that the formerly incarcerated can, with the right support, not only reintegrate into society but also contribute positively to it. The nonprofit uses tech skills as a means to disrupt the cycle of recidivism, poverty, and inequality, providing hope and opportunities to those who need it most. As the organization continues to expand, it promises a brighter future not just for the individuals it serves but for their families and communities as well.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about Persevere Now and would like to volunteer or donate, you can do so here.
