2020 has brought challenges none of us were anticipating. Prison lockdowns, the threat of COVID spreading to incarcerated EITs in confined spaces, a difficult job market for those reentering society, and the social isolation for people with criminal histories in need of community. But because of your support, we have so much to be grateful for this year. Defy Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in prison received dozens of encouraging letters from volunteers like you. We sent in textbooks to EITs so they could continue with Defy’s program. Defy supporters and authors donated copies of their books for EITs in prison to read. Our post-release program went virtual and every EIT who came home got a Chromebook. We connected EITs to jobs and many were hired. All of this happened because of YOU and your generosity. We put your dollars to work for Defy EITs. The time and energy you spent volunteering with us paid off for EITs in many ways. Without you, there wouldn’t be us, and Defy EITs would not have the support they do. Thank you. (photo credit: @nancyrothsteinphotography) 
Many times after being released from prison, individuals face additional restrictions while they are on parole. Quan Huynh—Defy graduate, staff member, and author—has some exciting news to share about his own parole, and he explains what parole has meant for him and others like him. Read on to learn more (and please join us in congratulating @quanxhuynh on this great news!) 🌟 “Last Tuesday, my parole agent called and informed me that I was discharged from parole! 🎉 What does it all mean to be off parole after 5 years? I have been asking myself this for the past few days. Off the top of my mind, it means I can now travel anywhere without having to ask for permission from my parole agent. Before, if I traveled anywhere outside a 50 mile radius, I would need permission. To get permission granted, I would have to detail the routes I am taking if driving, receipts of plane tickets if flying, addresses of homes or hotels I am staying at, contact numbers for people I am meeting, etc. ✈️ I do not have to fill out an extra form to go into prison for work now, and I look forward to going back in once everything settles back down from COVID. ✍️ My house is now completely mine, whereas before, any authorities could come at any time without a warrant and search my home for any reason. While on parole, if I was to ever get pulled over for anything, I would have to disclose right away I was on parole, and inevitably, the officer will of course ask what for. They would not need a warrant or permission to search my car while on parole. 🏡 🚗 Next time there is an election, I will be able to contribute with my vote too. That’s not only because I am off parole, but also because the voters here in California recently passed Prop 17, which allows people with felonies who are on parole the right to vote. 🗳 My first arrest was at 17, and I have either been incarcerated or on some form of parole since then. But now, for the first time in 29 years, I no longer am considered property of the state of California. That cloud is no longer hovering over me. ⛅️” 
Beautiful words from Deft EIT Nhut about his journey and how the Defy community has been a part of it. Check out his post for all the great photos and his feed for his gorgeous artwork! #defytheodds #repost @art_noumenon ・・・ For most of us, we were incarcerated at a young age and yet to form a concept of entrepreneurship. I myself had never dressed in a suit or attended a business meeting and would have a hard time identifying with such a crowd. This program teaches us character building, employment readiness, business ideation, and even social etiquette. Many men and women, through the help of @defy_ventures and their volunteers, have successfully owned businesses and provide pathways for future E.I.T (Entrepreneur in training), men, and women who were formerly incarcerated. The idea behind transforming your hustle and become an entrepreneur is unique to this program. Since I have been home, this program has provided me with peer supports, coaching from @Novus.global, and mentorship from well-established entrepreneurs. In these photos, I pitched my dog training business at the Defy competition at Soledad, 2019. I actually made it to the semifinal, a proud moment for me. 🙂The last photo is @quanxhuynh, southern post-release manager of Defy, who I consider a brother. My goal is to own a tattoo and art business one day and provide employment opportunities for others like myself. I'm grateful for this program and the contribution it has in life. #prison #prisonbreak #rehabilitation#secondchange#prisonlife #love #prisonreform #inmate #defyventures #prisoner#entrepreneurship #justice #inmates #covid #scofield #saratancredi #incarceration #tbag #handcuffs #lincolnburrows #prisonwifelife #dominicpurcell #foxriver #prisonlove #art #prisongirlfriend #freedom #bhfyp 
In partnership with @etcnyorg, Defy Tri-State launched their first Entrepreneurship Bootcamp cohort in September! This week, they held a Business Coaching Night with volunteers from @thisismangroup who provided feedback on the EITs' business ideas. ✨ EIT Raul said, “The coaches gave sound advice on how to start my business and gradually get it off the ground, as opposed to just jumping right in without a solid plan.” ✨ EITs left the event feeling more confident that their hard work would pay off given the support from the Defy community. Thank you to the incredible Defy EITs, mentors, donors, and staff who made this event a success! ✨ #defytheodds #entrepreneur