Charlotte Nonprofit Gives Underserved And Incarcerated People Second Chances

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte nonprofit is giving underserved and incarcerated people a second chance. Peace 4 Poverty hosted a graduated ceremony over the weekend for students who learned to build their own business.

WCCB Charlotte’s Zane Cina was there as graduates received their diplomas. Sixty-six graduates received their diploma for finishing Peace 4 Poverty’s Next Great 50 Program.

The 16-week program focuses on giving the impoverished and incarcerated the tools needed to start their own business. To date more than 200 businesses were created thanks to this program.

The Next Great 50 isn’t only for adults. Shirley Hines enrolled her 11-year-old because he wanted to start his own business.

The mother-son duo learned everything together and now they’ve graduated together.

Shirley runs a clothing boutique. And her son Quentin helps his neighbors with his lawn care company.

Shirley says she’s proud of herself and her son. She says the program really changed their lives. Now that all 66 graduates have a diploma equivalent to an associates degree they’ll join an alumni mentorship program to help guide the next class.