Business

Exploring the Impact of Education: How PFEF and Inmates Help Support Children of the Incarcerated and Parolees in Education

Published

5 months ago

August 28, 2024

Many people are aware that the United States incarcerates the highest number of inmates worldwide. However, most do not understand the impact this has on their community and society at large.

“The nation’s strict prison sentences are not solving problems; they are creating them,” says Percy Pitzer, founder of the Pitzer Family Education Foundation (PFEF). “Instead of making the world safer, strict incarceration rates breed cycles that perpetuate and even increase crime.”

When 1.8 million incarcerated Americans are released back into the community, more than two-thirds are quickly rearrested for new crimes. What’s more, incarceration breeds a new generation of problems. Compared to their peers, the more than 5 million US boys and girls who have at least one parent in prison are six times more likely to follow their parents into involvement with the criminal justice system.

PFEF believes that education is the key to breaking the cycles of recidivism and intergenerational incarceration. For children of incarcerated parents and former inmates, access to education has the power to alter the course of their lives. For parolees, it provides a path to re-enter society with dignity.

PFEF and the National Children of the Incarcerated Scholarship Program

As a retired warden with over four decades in the US correctional system, Percy Pitzer was no stranger to recidivism and intergenerational incarceration. “I saw the cycle everywhere I looked,” he remembers. “Each time I passed a child sitting with their parents in the visiting room, I knew I was probably looking into the eyes of a future client. Without proactive support, most inmates and their children are bound to be trapped by this powerful cycle.”

Children with a parent in prison are forced to navigate psychological challenges, care deficiencies, and financial hardships. These obstacles notably hinder their educational aspirations and future prospects.

PFEF intervenes through the National Children of the Incarcerated Scholarship Program to provide scholarships that enable these children to pursue higher education. By doing so, PFEF helps to break the cycle of generational incarceration, offering a lifeline to those affected by their parents’ actions.

Applications for the National Children of the Incarcerated Scholarship Program are accepted throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis. PFEF staff assists with financial aid applications, as their primary goal is to ensure applicants receive the resources they need to become successful students.

PFEF’s commitment goes beyond financial support to encompass emotional and logistical assistance that enhances the overall educational experience for these children. To date, their efforts have provided over 190 scholarships to children of parolees and inmates nationwide. Most notably, they have seen 133 successful graduates complete their education.

Inmates join the contributions

An impactful aspect of PFEF’s work is its dedication to involving current inmates in the scholarship program. To date, inmates in 14 state departments of corrections have collectively donated $244,034 towards college tuition costs for children of the incarcerated, which allowed the foundation to award 190 scholarships.

“Even though inmates do not have large amounts of money to contribute individually, most are eager to rally behind this cause,” remarks Pitzer. “Collectively, their contributions can make a huge difference. Best of all, when they take an active role in supporting their children’s education, it fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose.”

Furthermore, Pitzer points out how education can enhance inmates’ mental abilities and diminish the anti-social mindsets linked to criminality.

“Numerous inmates have reported that education fostered their shift away from prison ideologies towards setting constructive goals and finding a significant path in life,” he says. “By contributing to these scholarships, inmates can help develop pro-social values crucial for successful reentry into society. They know that their contributions help break the cycle of generational incarceration and provide educational opportunities that their children would probably not receive otherwise.”

Impacting recidivism with financial aid for parolees

In addition to supporting children, PFEF extends its reach to parolees re-entering society through targeted financial aid programs. The foundation partners with Lamar State College and the ABC Training Academy to provide trade certificate courses that cater to a wide range of interests and skill sets. These include a one-and-a-half-year welding program, a three-year electrical program, a three-year pipe-fitting program, a nine-month course covering industrial carpentry, a three-year course in instrumentation, and a 10-week course in scaffold building.

Since its inception, PFEF has awarded financial aid to 1,328 paroled students for the ABC Training Academy and currently offers funding to 626 students. Over the years, it has assisted 187 graduates in rejoining society with the skills they need to find stable and well-paying jobs.

By breaking the cycle of incarceration through education, PFEF transforms individual lives and contributes to broader societal change. “When we put people behind bars, we do not solve our problems,” Pitzer concludes, “but when we educate them, we can help set inmates and their children on a new path. Education gives them the tools to rise above their circumstances and break the cycles that hold them back.”

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.