Mark A. Williams, Sr. - Co-Founder and Executive Director of Project LPP
Growing up on Chicago's West Side, Project LPP Founder and Executive Director Mark A. Williams witnessed firsthand the devastating impact incarceration has—not only on those sentenced to prison, but on children, families, neighborhoods, employers, and entire communities. Those experiences sparked a lifelong commitment to changing the way we prepare people for life during and after incarceration.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Mark worked in workforce development, helping incarcerated men prepare for employment upon release. It quickly became clear that what was being promoted—and often funded—as "reentry" was falling short. Too many programs focused on certificates and checklists while overlooking the personal transformation, family restoration, emotional readiness, and practical life skills essential for lasting success.
From those experiences came one powerful realization: -Successful reintegration starts with successful incarceration. That belief became the foundation for launching Project LPP.
Project LPP serves incarcerated men preparing for release, individuals who may never be released, justice-involved youth, families affected by incarceration, and the communities that are impacted by the justice system. Our work goes beyond traditional reentry programming. Through education, personal development, mentorship, family engagement, and community partnerships, we prepare individuals for successful reintegration whenever release is possible. For those who may never return home, we help them discover purpose, leadership, accountability, and ways to positively impact those around them.
By investing in people before release—and never giving up on those who may never be released—we strengthen families, reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and build stronger communities.
Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Mark worked in workforce development, helping incarcerated men prepare for employment upon release. It quickly became clear that what was being promoted—and often funded—as "reentry" was falling short. Too many programs focused on certificates and checklists while overlooking the personal transformation, family restoration, emotional readiness, and practical life skills essential for lasting success.
From those experiences came one powerful realization: -Successful reintegration starts with successful incarceration. That belief became the foundation for launching Project LPP.
Project LPP serves incarcerated men preparing for release, individuals who may never be released, justice-involved youth, families affected by incarceration, and the communities that are impacted by the justice system. Our work goes beyond traditional reentry programming. Through education, personal development, mentorship, family engagement, and community partnerships, we prepare individuals for successful reintegration whenever release is possible. For those who may never return home, we help them discover purpose, leadership, accountability, and ways to positively impact those around them.
By investing in people before release—and never giving up on those who may never be released—we strengthen families, reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and build stronger communities.