I have focused my 26 years of experience in Recruiting, HR and Management into my career counseling business. It is an honor, pleasure and a joy to volunteer and participate in the Resume Writing and Mock Interview sessions at the women's prison. The experience is rewarding not only to the inmates but to myself. There is nothing better than empowering someone with the skills they need to move on with their lives and make a positive difference to society and themselves when they are released. I recommend everyone I know to experience the level of professionalism from Arouet Foundation and the fulfillment of giving.
Through a business relationship with Televerde, our company has had the opportunity to work closely with the women being served by the Arouet Foundation. The Arouet Foundation provides incarcerated women with marketable job skills, life skills and the education that facilitates their transition to productive lives in society, significantly reducing the rate of recidivism. I have personally worked with many women in the program and those who have “graduated" and am immensely impressed with their commitment to succeed, dedication to performing their jobs in a professional manner and their positive attitudes. The Foundation is dedicated to providing many relevant life-skills that enable and empower these women who want to change their lives for the better. I am proud to be part of the program that contributes to their success. Congratulations to Shawn Lamb on her great leadership of this life changing program. Richard Brock
I was introduced to this nonprofit through a business consultant in my business. She talked frequently about the volunteer work she does there and what a worthy cause it is. Eventually she got me involved in doing volunteer work for them. It is very rewarding! The women that we work with are so appreciative of our time to help them build their life skills. And the statistics show that we're making a great contribution their lives. While they've experienced a tough break in life, it's my pleasure to give back. The foundation is so appreciate of my time as well.
The Arouet foundation is a fabulous non profit, this non profit helps people who have made poor choices in life to have found themselves in trouble and ultimately landing in prison. The commitment of this organization has helped many women transition back into society successfully. The people who run this non profit are absolutely amazing, never once making me feel like I am less than the best. Encouragement and passion go a long way with someone who has struggled to get through life, they also provide a solid foundation to help mentor you through real life situations.
I have worked as a professional volunteer with the Arouet Foundation for about 10 years. My primary activities have been providing about to released inmates financial management skills and tools, behavioral management to avoid repeating bad habits and mock interviews with coaching to prepare them to obtain a job. It is extremely important work to help them transition to productive lives and be a benefit to society. Through Arouets's program, their preparation for that transition is amazing. You can experience it in their language; willingness to learn; commitment and gratitude. Their are few programs that make that claim - but Arouet can!
The Arouet Foundation has not only changed my life, but it has saved my life as well. When I reflect on the career guidance I've received in my past, the only honest and effective assistance came from Arouet and the TOPS program. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet inspiring women who had changed their lives with the assistance of Arouet. They have provided me the realization that it’s never too late to start over. It has been almost 2 years since attending the TOPS program, and I have not forgotten the building blocks of knowledge and skills I received from the program. I was given the confidence and hope needed to stay on a positive and promising path to a better future.
Another important piece of the Arouet Foundation is their Scholarship program. My education has always been important to me, but because of the Arouet Scholarship program, my education became a priority. I am now on track and planning to pursue my Bachelor degree in the near future and
I want to give my sincere thanks to Shawn Lamb who has always been a person of wisdom and great advice. She is considered a mentor for many and for good reason. I also want to thank Bill Branson for all of his continued help and guidance. His referral to a quit smoking program helped me to quit my 25 year habit. I am now one year smoke free and there is no going back. I will forever be thankful to Bill for his part in helping me live a healthier life.
Thank you Arouet, TOPS and the entire team that have brought these programs to fruition. Thank you to those who dedicate their lives to keeping these programs available to so many people in need. Arouet is something very special and should be recognized as such.
Arouet in my personal experience has been fundamental. The staff and volunteers have passion and are very resourceful. They provide guidance on a personal, professional and educational level. Advocate for furthering education, empowering all they interact with and providing the support and strength many need. Arouet is continuously seeking opportunities to grow and expand the help to all in need.
To whom it may concern,
I cannot say enough good things about the Arouet Foundation and would also like to say them in person or give a speech. This organization has helped me achieve what I like to call a "normal" lifestyle which has been my main goal for the past 15 years. I was never able to achieve this status on my own as I did not possess the correct tools and thinking patterns that are necessary to move into a world that I did not know and now I am living free and loving life and so blessed to have met Ms. Shawn Lamb and her team. I live with a new thinking pattern that I share on a daily basis to anyone who will listen and that is "Thinking with the end in mind". This pattern is imperative if you want to succeed and remain free. All you have to do is stop for a minute while making a decision and see how important or where this decision would affect you in the end. If the affect is nominal to zero, then take the time to see if it will impact your normal life in any way, shape, form, or fashion. In the end, I will not look back and think of the day I decided to commit a crime, but I may look back and think how my behavior affected all the people that are dear to me. I also want to mention that I would still be in Federal Prison if it were not for Arouet, Televerde, Ms. Lamb, and Mr. Boothe. They supported me through 6 rough years and even came to my court date to speak on my behalf. I would not have been released without them and I know that I am living a life that they can be proud of by lending a helping hand. The program also got me prepared to re-enter society and have up to date current methods of communicating and working with others that had been stagnant for so many years. I could never live long enough to repay Arouet. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to let everyone know how special this organization is and how much they have helped me.
Mia M. Lona
The Arouet Foundation has been instrumental in assisting not only myself but many women achieve goals that otherwise would not have been afforded to us. Mentors, volunteers and previous clients that were part of the Arouet Foundation have made themselves available to learn about continuing education and personal finances.
The Arouet Foundation has helped me with my life, career and educational goals. I am currently attending NAU and working on my bachelors in humanities which I would not have been able to do if it had not been for the scholarships, advice and mentoring I have received. It is because of the people who run this foundation that I am able to have a great support system in place and I know whatever problems I may be experiencing I can talk to them and they are there to help. The program is amazing and is one of the reasons why I am where I am today.
The Arouet Foundation helped bridge that gap between life inside and life outside. I had the pleasure of learning new copping skills, as well as learning new ways to nurture healthy relationships. I have taken all the great tools provided in this program to find a healthy balance in life and life a wonderful life I could have never imagined before.
I took part in the TOPS program early 2013 and was released in 8/2013. Prior to this I went to prison multiple times and did not think I could or would have a future ahead of me. The program made me think and see things differently. I have been out of prison for almost 3 years now and because of the TOPS program am able to make better decisions for myself. TOPS and Televerde as a whole have given me a reason to move forward and a reason to believe in myself. Without TOPS, I don't know where I would be today.
I was fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to participate in the TOPs program, which is one of the numerous things that the Arouet Foundation does to support the community. TOPs is the acronym for "Transforming Our Possibilities" and is a re-integration program offered to female inmates to help them with every aspect of transitioning back into society. This program includes resume writing, how to answer questions and be professional in an interview, managing finances, learning and living "The 7 Habits", and how to build and nurture the relationships with your family, children, and friends. Without the tools and experiences that this program afforded me, I have no doubt that I would not have become as successful as I am. This foundation and what they stand for are an integral part of my success.
Arouet has been instrumental in my success. Prior to my release I participated in our TOPS program which includes a variety of workshops from resume writing and interviewing to finances and reunification with your family. Since my release, I have built my credit, I have become responsible with managing my finances and just recently bought a house in December of last year! I have both of my children living with me and couldn't be happier. Also, thanks to the help of Bill Branson who is part of the Arouet foundation I am 4 classes away from graduating with my degree. Arouet helps change lives and the people who have benefited from this foundation are the change that you see.
Arouet has helped me in many ways. I acquired their services to begin changing my career and returning to school. I would not have been able to accomplish this or pay for school if It were not for the scholarships I received from them. I was also attempting to get my RN license back and they helped me with schooling and testing for that!! I am so grateful for having an organization that helps women who are trying to better their lives. Their services are life changing. Thank you so very much!!