Launching the PGP into 2024

It is hard for me to believe that I accepted the role of CEO of the Petey Greene Program only one year ago. Since then, I have been a student myself as I witnessed the great work of the PGP around the country. Through its staff, volunteer network, partner organizations, students behind and beyond the walls of our prisons and jails, and of course, generous supporters like you, the Petey Greene Program has taught me that it takes a strong community to make change happen. 

We know that education holds the key to the solutions for many of the challenges we face in our criminal legal system. Our programs support learners in achieving their academic goals, whether that be a high school diploma, career certification, or a future in higher education - all of which could have once felt unimaginable to the student, their family, and their community. That shift in belief and confidence can come about with an act as simple as a tutor sitting down with a student, acknowledging their humanity, and working through a challenge together. 

And yet, the impact of the Petey Greene Program goes far beyond the educational achievements of our students. We are changing families and communities by supporting people reentering society to dream bigger, and we are showing a generation of volunteer tutors the injustices of the criminal legal system while equipping them with the knowledge to become advocates in the field. Ensuring educational access and support for system-impacted people makes us all better. 

As we head into 2024, the Petey Greene Program embarks on a journey to grow our community and expand our impact. We envision a world where all incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students will have access to the necessary educational resources and support to thrive. 

We know that we cannot achieve this important goal without your unwavering support, dedication, and generosity. You give us the opportunity to make the world a better place for system-impacted people and their communities. There is no contribution too small, and each dollar will tangibly change the life of a currently or formerly incarcerated student. 

The greatest lesson I have learned over the past year at the Petey Greene Program is that we still have a lot to learn. I hope that you will join me in the belief that change happens one student and volunteer at a time. Thank you for your support. 

Happy Holidays,

Jeffrey Abramowitz, JD 

Chief Executive Officer