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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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TRANSITION TO UNLOCKED PURPOSE
Transition to Unlocked Purpose works with teens and young adult's males with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with backgrounds that are indigent and marginalized. Transition to Unlocked Purpose aims to impact student achievement, economic efficiency at the age level of 14-21, dropout rates, participation in extracurricular activities and break the cycle of generational violence and wrong thinking. Transition to Unlock Purpose works to empower ages 14 to 21 to give our youth the success they deserve and to be a part of their
community that includes addressing and promoting the protection of all students from violence, exposure to weapons and threats, theft, bullying and harassment, the sale or use of illegal substances on school grounds, and other emergencies.
​Transition to the Unlocked Purpose program is to build a power base village among those we serve so that we can effectively work for change and see the purpose of being a productive citizen. We engage by supporting and teaching our teens and young adults in a 6-month, six-module program with additional wraparound services. Through our transformational programs, participants build community with each other, develop a sense of leadership and positive identity, and get the opportunity to organize and mobilize each other on issues that affect their lives, teaching them to rewrite their narrative and become outstanding men in their communities and homes.
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.
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.
