P.E.P TALK GROUP & PARTNERS
ORIGIN OF RE-ENTRY MOVEMENT
ORIGIN OF RE-ENTRY MOVEMENT
ORIGIN OF RE-ENTRY MOVEMENT
From 2011 to 2015, there were three Hunger Strikes in California State Prisons. The goal was to end long-term confinement in the Security Housing Unit (SHU). This was accomplished through an agreement among different groups of inmates.
As a result, the Pelican Bay P.E.A.C.E. (Prisoners Embracing Anti-Hostility Cultural Evolution) Agree
From 2011 to 2015, there were three Hunger Strikes in California State Prisons. The goal was to end long-term confinement in the Security Housing Unit (SHU). This was accomplished through an agreement among different groups of inmates.
As a result, the Pelican Bay P.E.A.C.E. (Prisoners Embracing Anti-Hostility Cultural Evolution) Agreement was created, which is better known as the End of All Hostilities.
The Hunger Strikes and the agreements helped to bring our elders back into the general population. This also led to the growth of the Re-Entry Movement in communities across California. Many communities benefited from this movement, but the inmates, where it first started, did not see the same benefits. The Re-Entry Movement has generated billions of dollars for organizations that have forgotten where it began.
Since 2015, there have been no ongoing conflicts among the general prison population. Many prison yards, including entire prisons like Susanville, have closed down. This has allowed thousands of people to return to society, saving the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) millions of dollars.
As a group, we recognize the money saved, but we also understand what makes a difference between an inmate’s success and the likelihood of returning to prison.
PRE-ENTRY PLATFORM
ORIGIN OF RE-ENTRY MOVEMENT
ORIGIN OF RE-ENTRY MOVEMENT
We are focused on pre-entry support into society. The Pre-Entry Platform, commonly referred to as P.E.P. Talk Group, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in Solano Prison and currently based in Oakland, CA.
P.E.P. focuses on addressing the vital needs of individuals who are formally and informally incarcerated, emphasizing person
We are focused on pre-entry support into society. The Pre-Entry Platform, commonly referred to as P.E.P. Talk Group, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in Solano Prison and currently based in Oakland, CA.
P.E.P. focuses on addressing the vital needs of individuals who are formally and informally incarcerated, emphasizing personal development. Our mission is centered around key areas such as mental health, substance abuse, education, employment, and housing. By providing support before individuals are released, we aim to prevent recidivism and offer those with challenging backgrounds a fresh start and a chance at a new beginning.
P.E.P effectively addresses the specific needs critical for personal development, we have established several committees in-prison that reflect a wide range of ethnicities. These include the Executive, Administrative, and General Committees, each focusing on key areas. Each pillar is overseen by an Executive member, with support from an Administrator and a General Body, ensuring shared responsibility for the respective area of focus.
Members of each committee collaborate closely with individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, thereby fostering unity and facilitating the development of transformative relationships.
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORT
ORIGIN OF RE-ENTRY MOVEMENT
OUR PARTNERS & SUPPORT
P.E.P Talk Group is a dynamic community-driven initiative focused on empowering and uplifting marginalized communities through collaboration, education, and action.
P.E.P Talk Group works to advocate for social justice, economic empowerment. Our mission aligns with other nonprofit organizations that share similar goals creating safe, su
P.E.P Talk Group is a dynamic community-driven initiative focused on empowering and uplifting marginalized communities through collaboration, education, and action.
P.E.P Talk Group works to advocate for social justice, economic empowerment. Our mission aligns with other nonprofit organizations that share similar goals creating safe, supportive environments for all, and fostering collective efforts to combat systemic inequities. Together, they work towards liberating communities from the burdens of poverty, displacement, and inequality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
OUR PARTNERS
OUR STAFF
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
DR. MAISHA SCOTT
Dr. Maisha Scott is a Clinical Forensic Psychologist, born and raised in San Francisco, CA. Her clinical experience includes therapeutic interventions at one of the level four prisons within the California Department of Corrections, juvenile detention facilities in San Francisco and Alameda County, and community mental
DR. MAISHA SCOTT
Dr. Maisha Scott is a Clinical Forensic Psychologist, born and raised in San Francisco, CA. Her clinical experience includes therapeutic interventions at one of the level four prisons within the California Department of Corrections, juvenile detention facilities in San Francisco and Alameda County, and community mental health in San Francisco.
Her professional career was greatly solidified with the San Francisco Adult Probation Department (SFAPD) with over 16 years of service, where she spearheaded both the implementation of gender responsive supervision and the Transitional Aged Youth model. From this experience, she gained insight from the perspective of her clients and how most of their pathways into justice involvement was rooted in trauma.
This led her to pursue her doctorate degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from Alliant International University. During her employment with SFAPD, she supervised many caseloads including Investigations, Gender Responsive - Transitional Aged Youth, High Risk Male Offenders, and served as the Behavioral Health Court Officer.
She began her teaching career at Saint Mary’s of California as an Adjunct Professor of Graduate Studies in Forensic Psychology. She authored “I am Mai Sister’s Keeper” out of the work she performed with female juvenile offenders in detention. Dr. Scott possesses a wide range of therapeutic experience including working with families, couples, children, group therapy, working with troubled teens, treatment of those with complex trauma, and those with extensive justice involvement.
She firmly believes in breaking the cycles of intergenerational incarceration and by aiding her client bases to transform their lives while becoming the best version of themselves, despite their past. Dr. Scott’s why is because of the family she was born into, the familial and extended family who raised her, the cultural & spiritual community of Bayview-Hunter’s Point that shaped her, and the family including her husband & her five children that push her each and every day. She enjoys avid self-care regime to maintain a healthy balance which includes facials, massages, yoga, and Pilates.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
JOHNDALYN ARMSTRONG
Life Coach, Capacity-Building Consultant, and Spiritual Impact Public Speaker.
Johndalyn Armstrong, M. A., MHRS, is a Ph.D. student at Saybrook University and the founder of Hope and Healing Salon Life/Spiritual Coaching. As a mental health coach and healer who understands how to identify the need for growth and healin
JOHNDALYN ARMSTRONG
Life Coach, Capacity-Building Consultant, and Spiritual Impact Public Speaker.
Johndalyn Armstrong, M. A., MHRS, is a Ph.D. student at Saybrook University and the founder of Hope and Healing Salon Life/Spiritual Coaching. As a mental health coach and healer who understands how to identify the need for growth and healing, Johndalyn is equipped to navigate you onto a trajectory of personal fulfillment.
She holds a master's in counseling psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Saybrook University. Johndalyn has traveled the globe as a practitioner of psychoanalysis, humanistic existentialism, and the humanities.
These opportunities have afforded her
experiences of co-facilitating group therapy sessions in Johannesburg, South
Africa, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Johndalyn has also served as a community
development consultant for Gift of the Givers NGO in Johannesburg, SA.
Lastly, Johndalyn enjoys living and loving unapologetically while standing for the
rights of all marginalized populations.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
LAKEISHA HOPKINS
Lakeisha Hopkins is an Oakland-based entrepreneur, justice reform advocate, and financial strategist with a deep commitment to community empowerment and systems change. A formerly incarcerated individual, she brings firsthand experience and a transformative vision to her work—bridging the gap between underserved communitie
LAKEISHA HOPKINS
Lakeisha Hopkins is an Oakland-based entrepreneur, justice reform advocate, and financial strategist with a deep commitment to community empowerment and systems change. A formerly incarcerated individual, she brings firsthand experience and a transformative vision to her work—bridging the gap between underserved communities and institutional systems that have historically excluded them.
Ms. Hopkins holds a degree in Computer Network Management from American River College and is the owner of several businesses, including a successful venture in the beauty industry. She also possesses extensive knowledge in financial management, which she applies across her business ventures and nonprofit work to ensure sustainable growth and impact.
She helped co-found Pre Entry Platform (P.E.P. Talk Group), with grassroots initiative focused on dismantling systemic barriers and advancing justice for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. With a unique ability to navigate both the corporate sector and grassroots movements, Lakeisha is known for her leadership, collaboration, and people-centered approach.
Her work centers on creating pathways for individuals impacted by poverty, incarceration, and systemic barriers—helping them transition from survival to stability through access, knowledge, and support.
Driven by a belief in second chances and structural accountability.
Lakeisha is committed to educating the uninformed, advocating for those without a voice, and building sustainable systems that prioritize restoration over punishment. Her leadership is rooted in authenticity, lived experience, and an unshakable dedication to building a more just future for all.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Donate to P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Volunteer with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Volunteer with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Your donation will help us to continue our mission of supporting our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Donation Notice
P.E.P. Talk Group is fiscally sponsored by LSPC (Legal Services for Prisoners with Children). All donations are processed through LSPC's secure platform. To ensure your contribution supports P.E.P. Talk Group directly, please make sure to specify "P.E.P. Talk Group" in the donation notes or designation field. We truly appreciate your support!
Volunteer with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Volunteer with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Volunteer with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in the prisons and in the community. Whether you can give a few hours a week or a few hours a month, your time and skills are appreciated.
Attend Our Events
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We host a variety of events throughout the year, including fundraisers, community outreach events, and educational seminars. Check out our calendar to see what's coming up.
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Partner with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Partner with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
Partner with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
We're always looking for new partners to collaborate with on projects and events. If your organization shares our values and mission, let's work together to make a positive impact.
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Partner with P.E.P. TALK GROUP
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