We recently connected with William Freeman and have shared our conversation below.

William, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Yes, People of Purpose (PoP) serves returning citizens in Black and Brown communities, addressing the deep inequities they face post-incarceration. One participant, Jamal, returned to his neighborhood with few resources and faced discrimination in housing and employment. His story reflects the systemic barriers many face. PoP provides peer support, job training, and mentorship, ensuring individuals like Jamal have a second chance. These services are critical because they empower individuals to rebuild their lives, strengthening both families and communities. Our commitment is to provide resources and guidance to reduce recidivism and foster long-term success in these underserved populations.

William, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is William Freeman, and I am a returning citizen who has been incarcerated four times, spending a total of 14 years behind bars. After my release, I promised myself that I would help others walking out of incarceration who are serious about transforming their lives. This led me to start my nonprofit, People of Purpose (PoP), which bridges the gap between incarceration and reentry.

What sets us apart is our focus on peer support, offering guidance from people with lived experience, like myself. We understand the struggles of reintegration firsthand. Our services include mentorship, job training, life skills workshops, and emotional support to help returning citizens become productive members of society.

I am most proud of the transformations we’ve witnessed—seeing individuals who were once labeled by their past go on to rebuild their lives. The core of my work is to remind people that they are not defined by their mistakes and that, with the right support, they can thrive. I want potential clients and supporters to know that PoP is here to empower, uplift, and help returning citizens break the cycle of recidivism. Together, we’re changing lives and communities, one step at a time.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My resilience as a “four-time loser,” as some would call me, has been tested repeatedly, but I’ve defeated the odds and barriers placed before me. After my release, I enrolled in Glades Leadership Class, Nonprofit First Advanced Leadership Class, and the Prison Fellowship Cohort, gaining invaluable leadership skills. Despite being labeled by society, I pushed forward, even becoming a certified HIV tester and earning my Level 2 exemption, which cleared major hurdles for employment.

One powerful moment was when I returned to the community and helped someone facing the same struggles I did. Using my training and experience, I guided them through challenges, offering the same support I once desperately needed. That moment reinforced the belief that resilience isn’t just about overcoming personal battles but also helping others conquer theirs.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for People of Purpose has been word of mouth, driven by the trust built through personal connections. Probation officers have played a key role, often referring returning citizens who need support. Community events have also been crucial, where I share my story of overcoming incarceration and rebuilding my life. Hearing my journey firsthand resonates with many, inspiring them to reach out for help. By connecting with individuals directly and through these trusted channels, we’ve been able to create a strong network of support for those seeking transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Peopleofpurposefl.org
• Facebook: People of Purpose
• Linkedin: William Freeman