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Our Programs
The Christopher A. Pugh II Center (CPC) delivers transformative programs designed to empower youth and strengthen community resilience. Through our partnership with the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC), our Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Program (CBIP) equips incarcerated individuals with the cognitive and behavioral tools needed to make informed life choices and successfully reintegrate into society. In addition, our Community Intervention Programs focus on mentorship, education, skill development, and practical life skills to address societal challenges, prevent male delinquency, and foster personal growth. Together, these initiatives have positively impacted countless lives—reducing recidivism, strengthening families, and promoting safer, more supportive communities.
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Foundation Development Program /
Transition to Unlocked Purpose
Transition to Unlocked Purpose is a trauma-informed program serving male teens and young adults ages 14–24 from marginalized backgrounds who face behavioral and academic challenges. Through needs assessments, Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Programming, and wraparound support, participants build leadership skills, positive identity, self-advocacy, and pathways to academic and economic success.
Every community participant begins with the 8-week Foundational Development Program, also known as Transition to Unlocked Purpose. It builds personal development, life skills, goal setting, and workforce readiness, with a mentor match, financial literacy, and basic computer skills.
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Click each program to learn more.
FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAMS/TRANSITION TO UNLOCKED PURPOSE
Every community participant begins with the 8-week Foundational Development Program, also known as Transition to Unlocked Purpose. It builds personal development, life skills, goal setting, and workforce readiness, with a mentor match, financial literacy, and basic computer skills.
Transition to Unlocked Purpose is a trauma-informed program serving male teens and young adults ages 14–24 from marginalized backgrounds who face behavioral and academic challenges. Through needs assessments, Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Programming, and wraparound support, participants build leadership skills, positive identity, self-advocacy, and pathways to academic and economic success.
FILM/PRODUCTION PRE-APPRENTICESHIP
CPC, in collaboration with WKNO Channel 10 and Heal the Hood Foundation, offers a unique platform for creative expression, collaboration, and diverse perspectives in film and production. Participants will gain hands-on experience across podcasting, newscasting, production engineering, and social media content creation alongside top industry leaders.
KINGS WHO COOK PROGRAM
Our cooking class immerses participants in culinary experiences so they can become kings in the kitchen. Each session is led by trained chefs who showcase creativity, cultural flavors, and the art of culinary discovery. With a unique monthly theme, participants explore new tastes and perspectives while developing foundational skills. Over time, each class builds on the last, guiding students to master more complex food preparation and presentation techniques. At the culmination of the course, participants receive their ServSafe Food Handler Certification, equipping them for entry-level positions in culinary arts.
POWER FINANCIAL LITERACY
CPC is committed to creating resources through our POWER Financial Literacy Program. We strive to inform our participants to make qualified financial decisions that
create financial stability for themselves, their family, and their community. This program covers banking relationships, personal finance, and financial coaching.
HVAC APPRENTICESHIP
CPC, in partnership with Temperature Control Institute (TCI), offers students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to become Certified HVAC/Commercial Refrigeration Technicians. This collaboration provides students with hands-on and state-of-the-art virtual reality training using an Oculus Headset. These future technicians will be able to diagnose, repair equipment, and gain the skills needed to become Certified Technicians.
CHRISTOPHER'S CLOSET
Christopher's Closet aims to provide interview-appropriate clothing to men entering or reentering the workforce. This program enhances their professional image, boosts confidence, and fosters a polished appearance, enabling them to make positive impressions in social and business settings.
BECOMING HIM MENTORSHIP
Becoming Him mentorship speaks to fatherhood, manhood and how to become the young man and man designed for the family and community. This program reaches ages 12-24 where we walk and do life together. Supportive relationships, including mentoring relationships, foster positive development and can provide significant psychological protection in the face of adverse life circumstances.
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Through Becoming Him mentorship, mentees are equipped with the skills and character necessary for manhood, fatherhood, and leadership in their community. They are paired with mentors familiar with forging paths in the face of adverse life circumstances to foster positive development and resilient mental fortitude.
INTRO TO SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
CPC in partnership with CodeCrew, offers a hands-on six-month course mentoring individuals in AI and computer science, training them to become entry-level software developers with real-world technologies and essential career skills.
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Pre-Apprenticeship Program
CPC, in partnership with Xcelente Training Center, offers a Commercial Driver License (CDL) Pre-Apprenticeship Program designed to support second-chance opportunities and workforce reentry for justice-impacted individuals. This pre-apprenticeship program aligns with U.S. Department of Labor workforce development principles and provides structured classroom instruction,
hands-on training, and supervised behind-the-wheel experience. Participants develop foundational technical, safety, and regulatory knowledge required for CDL license and successful entry into a registered apprenticeship or employment pathway. Through this partnership, CPC and Xcelente are committed to reducing barriers to employment, strengthening the transportation workforce, and creating career pathways that support long-term economic stability.