BOWIE, Md. – Yvette Lewis, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party and her husband Ed, have launched Fresh Start, a new program created to assist formerly incarcerated citizens by providing financial support for them to attend Bowie State University. Combined with other gifts, their initial donation of $25,000 was announced at the program’s recent launch at the University.
“We have one goal in mind and that is to impact the lives of former incarcerated men and women,” said Yvette Lewis. “The statistics tell the story. Forty percent of the individuals who serve time in our penal institutions end up returning within three years after being released. That’s sobering and we believe our program can help change the narrative and help turn things around going forward.”
The Fresh Start program will encourage former incarcerated citizens to build new lives through higher education and develop a more positive outlook on life. Ed Lewis says the name Fresh Start has a special meaning for him.
“We did not want to use the words second chance,” he said. “That phrase does not have the impact of Fresh Start. Returning citizens need to know that we want them to view this opportunity as a totally new beginning for them and their families.”
The founders of Fresh Start also said it is very important that returning citizens secure their drivers’ license and stressed that registering to vote to have a voice in our nation’s democracy is an absolute necessity
Returning students who enroll at Bowie State will be eligible to apply for scholarships funded by gifts to the Fresh Start program.
“This is just the beginning,” said Yvette Lewis. “It’s our belief in the power of education to change a person’s life that guides us as we expand the Fresh Start program. Every dollar we raise will go to support the students at Bowie State University.”
Lewis served two terms as chair of the Maryland Democratic Party from 2011-2015 and 2019-2023 transforming the organization into a powerful political force in the state and nationally.
Yvette and Ed Lewis are HBCU graduates, Prince George’s County Maryland residents and avid Bowie State University supporters.
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