Donnie Centers is the first Ambassador of PSPI and is leading the way in the state of Arkansas with our partnering agency Books From Bobby, Inc. He is a native of North East Texas, a father, and a grandfather.  Donnie is a four-year letterman at the University of Arkansas with an extensive background in Sports Development, Marketing, Prison Reform Initiatives, Community Reentry, and Work Therapy Programs.

As a young man, Donnie had several encounters with law enforcement that led to him being in the criminal justice system over a span of twenty years. While incarcerated, Donnie got involved in law and joined the unit’s Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous programs.  He wrote and implemented a Prison Outreach Program that mentored at-risk youth. He worked alongside Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors and later became a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. Donnie facilitated groups and assisted in the development and implementation of drug treatment plans. With a fellow inmate, he opened a Transitional Home and started a Work Therapy Program.

Donnie has experienced first-hand the social, emotional, and economic impact of incarceration on parents, children, families, and communities. He is committed to both providing dedicated support that helps current and formerly incarcerated individuals to acclimate back into mainstream society and the prevention of generational incarceration. Donnie is available for speaking engagements and event appearances. 

Emmanuel Gathrite is the proud owner/founder of Refined Resilience LLC and creator of Choices Transitional Housing.

Emmanuel was born in Los Angeles, California and moved to Tucson, Arizona as a child. He is the second youngest of five children. He was raised in South Tucson, AZ and graduated from Sunnyside High School. While in high school, Emmanuel starred in track and field as well as wrestling. After graduation, Emmanuel joined a local boxing organization with a goal of becoming a professional boxer. Emmanuel’s goal of becoming a boxing professional was halted when he found himself making poor decisions which ultimately led to him being incarcerated in both Arizona State and Federal institutions for over nine and a half years. During his incarceration, Emmanuel resolved to use his faith, creativity, communication, and leadership skills to focus on positive changes for himself and those around him. Upon release, Emmanuel attended culinary school at GAP Ministries where he graduated top of his class while also receiving numerous offers for full time employment with growth opportunities. Emmanuel also earned a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) at HDS Truck Driving Institution. Being no stranger to hard work, he often works seven days a week as an independent contractor, professional driver, and entrepreneur.

In this endeavor while using passion and dedication, Emmanuel’s primary focus is to help those formerly incarcerated to integrate back into their communities as reformed, self-sufficient, and empowered individuals. Emmanuel is currently on the path of mentorship while also attending and participating in speaking engagements sharing an enlightening viewpoint on life after incarceration. He recently had the privilege of speaking to those individuals involved in the Arizona Adult Probation program and at the Federal Correctional Institution – Tucson which consists of both a medium custody unit and a satellite camp.

Emmanuel believes in PSPI’s mission of empowerment to help incarcerated parents reconnect to their children through education and guidance. His goal and mission are to influence and inspire those who have lost focus and to bring forth a positive change in their lives.