Join Lerner and Rowe Gives Back and the Hope for Prisoners organization on February 15, 2019 for a special graduation and Valentine’s 4 Spouses celebration. Valentine’s 4 Spouses takes place during this month’s Hope for Prisoners graduation ceremonies, which will make the afternoon even more meaningful.
When: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters
The Valentines 4 Prisoner’s Spouses event will host approximately three hundred family and friends of about eighty prisoners who have been through the Hope For Prisoners training, coaching, and mentoring process. Lerner and Rowe Gives Back will be providing 125 red roses to the mothers and spouses of the graduates, plus 300 cupcakes so that all present can celebrate. Visit the Hope for Prisoner’s website to register now.
Jon Ponder
CEO Jon Ponder was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to the Nevada Sentencing Commission and the Nevada Commision on Postsecondary Education in 2017. For the last ten years, he has overseen all aspects of programs and services provided by Hope for Prisoners. Most recently, he was honored at the White House by President Donald Trump for his work. But, it wasn’t always this way for Jon Ponder.
Look back fifteen years, and you would have seen a completely different Jon Ponder. After growing up in New York and eventually moving to Las Vegas, his life was one without direction- save for his summers away from the city with his aunt. Here, he spent time with family and in church. However, come fall, he headed home—back into crime, gangs, and violence.
In 2004, Jon was arrested on federal charges for a string of armed robberies. He was filled with rage, and quickly realized how little hope he had. A Bible, devotion book, and radio slid through the food flap of his solitary confinement cell gave him peace.
On the day of his sentencing, Jon’s time in prison was cut from decades to 6 years. In those years, he faced many frightening situations and decisions, looking death in the face more than once. After his sentence was complete, he got a job and began planning for what is now Hope for Prisoners.
Hope for Prisoners
Hope for Prisoners is an organization that gives hope to former prisoners who feel that there is no successful way for them to re-enter the community. Founded by Jon Ponder in 2009, they have provided long-term support and services to thousands of individuals. In addition to overseeing operations, he also provides the training, education, tools and mentoring required to help approximately 40 more individuals learn the leadership skills needed to help others.
Hope For Prisoners statistics have the most dramatic recidivism rates within eighteen months, most recently boating 6%. These statistics are what captured the attention of President Trump and several Sheriff’s offices across the country. Through this, Jon and his team have been called to help form similar programs in many different cities.
Graduations for Hope For Prisoners are held each month for those completing the program. Yet, the transformation doesn’t end there. Many of these men and women have families, who suffered as a result of their criminal activity and long time away from the family. So, many of the family member’s lives experience transformation through the new lives and faith.
The graduation ceremonies attract elected officials, judges, and a host of law enforcement as well as many business owners who have hired some of the graduates. Most importantly, families and friends attend to support their loved ones.
More About Lerner and Rowe Gives Back
Lerner and Rowe encourage lawyers and support staff to look for charitable opportunities where the law firm can give back. These opportunities positively affect the communities in which they work, in and near Las Vegas, Pahrump, Chicago, and Merrillville. Through these opportunities, we hope to help at-risk children, families and more.