People of Purpose

Who We Are

People of Purpose is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, community-based organization founded in 2020 by William Freeman.

We exist to support returning citizens- individuals who have completed their prison sentences and are reentering the community- as they rebuild their lives with stability, dignity, and purpose.

Our mission is to help returning citizens build self-sustaining, successful lives rooted in accountability, growth, and meaningful contribution. We believe that a person’s past does not define their future, and that every individual possesses inherent worth and the capacity for transformation.

Our vision is simple yet powerful: to close the door on recidivism by opening pathways to opportunity, responsibility, and community connection.

At the heart of our work are our core values:

Dignity – We recognize and honor the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their history.
Responsibility – We promote accountability, personal responsibility, and positive contribution to society.
Community – We are committed to building strong, supportive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Leadership – We believe leadership is developed through service, growth, and integrity.
Empowerment – We embrace every opportunity to equip and empower individuals to succeed.

Through compassionate support, practical resources, and community collaboration, People of Purpose walks alongside returning citizens as they step into their next chapter, not defined by their past, but driven by purpose.

The Problem

Florida has the 3rd highest incarceration rate in the country.

The average prison sentence in Florida is 5 years and it costs about $20,000 per year to house one adult in prison.

There are racial and ethnic disparities that exist in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Black Americans and Latinx Americans are incarcerated in state prisons 5 times more and 3 times more, respectively, than white Americans. Black men comprise about 13 percent of the U.S. population, but about 35 percent of people incarcerated in the U.S. are black men.

Nationally, about 98 percent of people sentenced to prison for a felony conviction will rejoin society.

In Florida, there are about 80,000 people in prison. Therefore, about 78,400 people will be released back to their community. Locally in Palm Beach County, there are about 1,200 people who are released from prison annually.

Returning citizens face collateral consequences upon return to their community

This includes difficulty obtaining jobs or housing, due to the stigma of having a criminal history. Research shows that helping people return is beneficial for economic and social reasons. Ignoring this population impedes public safety and increases the likelihood of intergenerational incarceration.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.