Valjeans Foundation: Providing a second chance to the formerly incarcerated

Paul Pace is a social entrepreneur who recently graduated from the Entrepreneurship program at the David Eccles School of Business. In his professional life, he works as a project manager for Harper Precast. In this role, he has gained valuable experience in taking an idea from concept to execution and adapting when things don’t go according to plan. Sometimes, adapting to a challenging situation yields the best clarity about a project. For Paul, it was a wake-up call when he saw his own conviction in a newspaper headline, which made him realize that he wanted to commit to ensuring that his conviction would not define his story.  “Many people have big ideas about how it’s going to be when they get out…actually carrying [those goals] out means committing to doing the hard things.” His inspiration for his current project, the Valjeans Foundation, draws from the archetypal character Jean Valjean and his journey of confronting his past choices and current moral values. His deep knowledge of the problems faced by those reintegrating into society, coupled with his ability to understand people’s stories led him to use his own resources to imagine a better experience. Paul had the opportunity to put this into practice when he rented his house to two formerly incarcerated individuals, committing to providing housing and services for those reintegrating into society after their release. As a member of the Doman Innovation Studio, Paul wants to expand his knowledge beyond personal experience to learn more deeply what services and supports the clients he’s working with need.

Beyond his project, Paul enjoys learning new skills, whether it’s waltz, bachata, and tango steps, or new social media marketing strategies to promote his project. He understands that changing one’s life requires a true commitment to the process, and he is dedicated to making a positive impact on society.

Reality isn’t usually what we think it is // 4.5.23

Doman’s peer based experience helps its participants stay grounded and see new perspectives. It’s easy to be blinded by the hope of accomplishment, but having other people around to lend new perspective is priceless.

Going to prison is a strength and asset // 4.2.23

It might seem crazy, but going to prison is what gave Paul the insight and empathy to help others following in his shoes. He knows the struggles people face when leaving prison, and his experience guides the process from application to mentoring.

The struggle changes daily // 1.15.23

While the overall strategy for Valjeans is to help the formerly incarcerated, each day brings a new challenge. Monday may be helping someone find an apartment. Wednesday could be simple financial advice, and the weekend the need to get a job for one of their clients.