People Encouraging People is a non-profit behavioral healthcare corporation dedicated to providing life-transforming rehabilitation and support services to people in Baltimore who are disabled or disadvantaged. PEP services are values-based and designed specifically for each individual’s challenges. PEP is committed to helping our clients become accepted and productive members of our community.
People Encouraging People is an organization driven by our core values. Our programs provide a wide range of services, from rehabilitation, to assistance for the deaf and blind, to residential and vocational ventures aimed at assimilating our clients into the community.
Our clients face various challenges, from schizophrenia to drug addiction to homelessness. They represent the full diversity of our community. What they have in common is they are treated with respect and decency and shown that through hard work and encouragement, they can improve the quality of their lives and the quality of our community.
PEP continues to grow to best meet community needs. Its dedicated employees work around the clock to make a difference in hundreds of lives in our communities. We provide services in Maryland, in the community and in the clients homes.
Our leadership team brings together professionals from diverse fields who share a deep commitment to service, accountability, and community impact.
People Encouraging People was founded by businessman/philanthropist Bernard Schapiro in 1979. Working in conjunction with Sinai Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry, Schapiro infused a set of values in PEP that have endured from its humble beginnings as a bargain outlet store to the thriving organization that today serves more than a thousand clients through dozens of programs.
While PEP’s growth has been remarkable, the organization still subscribes to Schapiro’s original vision, to identify the untapped resources in individuals and help them to live a fulfilling life.
Through public partnerships and grants, private contributions and the tireless efforts of PEP’s board, employees and volunteers, PEP continues to reach new milestones and expand its capacity to serve.
Our efforts will resonate throughout the community for many years to come. Over 87 percent of the clients employed through PEP Vocational Services have stayed on the job for more than a year. Our work with youth is turning around lives and creating opportunities never thought possible. And our dedication to strengthening and sustaining families provides a sound foundation for thousands of our citizens once caught in lives of chaos and despair.
PEP provides hope and dignity to hundreds of individuals and families who are facing significant barriers in their lives.
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