INVEST Entrepreneurship Program Builds Confidence and Skills for Formerly Incarcerated Starting New Businesses

We are pleased to introduce you to Josue, a recent graduate of our Incarceration to New Ventures: Elevating Success Together (INVEST) program and resident at the Pioneer Fellowship House (PFH), one of the four federal residential reentry centers in Washington state that Pioneer operates. His self-improvement, determination and quest to build a successful life back in the community has been exemplary.

Josue arrived at PFH in April 2024 after his release from federal prison. Our reentry programs serve as a bridge from incarceration to life in the community. The focus is on helping formerly incarcerated individuals with a successful transition through an array of services focused on finding and retaining employment, reconnecting with families, overcoming any substance use disorders or mental health issues, and becoming productive members of society.

Trinetta Thompkins, PFH director, stated, “Josue had no real direction or drive to do anything different when he first arrived at PFH and his weekly drug tests were testing positive for marijuana. In time, he began to turn his life around and the INVEST program was introduced as an option. Josue decided to accept the challenge, as he wanted to start his own company, and he applied for the program.”

The INVEST program is a partnership between Pioneer and  Vault89. The program is designed to empower formerly incarcerated individuals with the necessary skills and mindset to become successful entrepreneurs. Participants in the program gain the knowledge and tools to successfully start and grow their own business. 

Josue stated that after a time at PFH, he started thinking about where he was and what direction he should head. Someone said to him, “We’re all about progress here - not perfection.” When the INVEST program was introduced to him it opened a new door to see into the future.

Michele Clarke-Mason, program assistant at Vault 89, shared, “In his interview for the class, Josue discussed wanting his own business for not only his fiscal security, but to help others learn a trade and progress to their own business, starting a chain to help the next person. It impressed and touched me.” Ms. Clarke-Mason continued, “He was very reserved at the beginning of the course, but was very committed to learning everything we could offer. At the end of the training, he had found his confidence, voice and stride. To see him lead by example and give thoughtful opinions while smiling the whole time is testimony to his commitment and hard work. I am so proud of him.”

Josue was accepted into the program and began to slowly to engage while he absorbed all the information on how to become a successful entrepreneur. When asked what he liked the best about the INVEST program, Josue shared, “The best part was actually the instructors!” While he admitted that the knowledge and information he gained was very useful, he greatly appreciated that the instructors were always encouraging him. Josue said, “They taught me the most valuable thing – to believe in myself.  If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you will never have a successful business. The instructors in the program gave me that confidence.”

Amber Miller, Pioneer's case manager for INVEST, said, “Josue received the certificate for most improved at the INVEST graduation. He gained his voice and his entrepreneurship embodiment flourished throughout the class.” 

In addition to the INVEST program, Josue also completed the WELD Seattle Digital Literacy program designed to familiarize returning citizens with modern technology and equip them with the vital tools and knowledge that digital competency can provide. Josue engaged in the program to enhance his computer skills knowing that would be one more asset to have in helping to get his business off the ground. 

Queniya Lassiter, director of HR services & entrepreneurship at Vault89, commented, “I echo Ms. Miller’s words that Josue was the most improved individual in the INVEST program. In the beginning, I could not get two words out of him due to his shyness, reservations and lack of confidence.”  Ms. Lassiter added, “Over the weeks of the program, Josue showed perseverance and grew confidence to succeed and learn everything possible to be successful. Josue showed up as a true leader in the program and continues to display leadership and confidence to this date.” 

Now that Josue has graduated from INVEST, he has connected with a mentor and obtained a couple of private investors for his new business, Elite Detailing Studio, a mobile auto detail company. Josue had worked in the auto detailing field previously and is in the process of building up his cliental and creating a new website. He is also working for WELD part-time to help fill in more business skills and experience.

Josue stated, “A few major things Pioneer taught me is to always use logic and reflect on myself, and have hope. They challenged me to be a better person and I’m very thankful to have an amazing case manager and for all the staff in the programs.”

Melinda Vo, PFH case manager, added, “I can attest to the fact that Josue is a changed young man. He is more purposeful, more driven and definitely more confident. I have to say that I am amazed at the difference in him today. As I told him, 'it’s a real pleasure to finally meet the real Josue.' I am confident he will be very successful.”

Josue’s mobile company, Elite Detailing Studio, is open for business serving customers in the Puget Sound region. Join us in supporting a new business owner who has accepted the challenge to make a positive change in his life and in the community. Reach out to Josue at [email protected] for an estimate if your automobile needs a professional cleaning/waxing/detailing service.