About

In this program, we formed a large group and discussed how stressful past experiences can continue to impact our lives and our relationships. We talked about developing and practicing coping skills to manage distress related to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), substance abuse and chronic stress. I learned to take some time every day to be silent and turn inward to start the process of healing from my past. Healing from my past involves being sensitive and concerned for others as well as looking at life and people more positively.

This program helped me to come to a greater sense of self and internal balance. Through facilitated discussions around different times and events in my life, I was rewarded with a better ability to perceive, balance and heal myself. I learned to communicate with others about my emotions and make better decisions in my life. This program has taught me how to channel my impulses, thoughts and emotions productively.

Self-forgiveness, like all healing, is a process. It’s not a one-time event that happens overnight. I learned that self-forgiveness is highly individualistic. The first step to self-forgiveness is the act of acknowledging the truth; not only of what I’ve done, but also the truth about my inner feelings and the truth of how my actions have affected others. I learned a lot in this workshop.

This was a very intense program and some of the men who started the program with me didn’t finish with me. We really went deep into our childhoods to uncover some of the unresolved issues that may have contributed to our deep-rooted anger. Please understand that trauma is a very real thing. I witnessed men 50 and 60 years old speak for the first time about being physically, mentally and sexually abused when they were young children. Some of these men had been holding onto these traumas for decades and cried tears of relief after finally releasing all of the pent up anger they had been carrying. This group was very humbling for me and showed me the power of speaking freely about your past in order to heal from anger.

This AVP (Alternatives to Violence Program) workshop was a refresher and renewal class for all of us who had facilitated in prior workshops. We went over a lot of the key terms and concepts of the program: 1) Correctional - learning to correct behaviors and incorrect ideas; 2) Recovery - an ongoing process that involves both abstinence from drugs/alcohol as well as changes in areas of life-functioning; 3) Criminality - the tendency to break the law in order to satisfy your own desires or impulses; and 4) Habit-Self - the part of you ruled by habits. Habit- Self doesn’t think; just reacts on feelings and memory. Habit-Self needs to be restrained so that its grip is loosened and it no longer controls your entire life.

This program taught me many important things about maintaining physical health. I honestly couldn't believe how ignorant I was about health awareness. I didn't know there was a difference between HIV and AIDS. I learned that HIV is a virus which destroys the immune system. When the immune system does not work properly for a long period of time, the results will be the development of opportunistic infections) which gives the diagnosis of AIDS. I also learned that you can be HIV positive and not have AIDS. However, you cannot have AIDS without being HIV positive.

This program was very informative because we had a large group of guys who shared a desire to get out of prison and stay out. Unfortunately, most of us had served jail or prison time in the past so we were honestly striving to leam new and positive ways to adjust in society after spending decades of our lives in prison. Each of us received information and training in skills (e.g. cognitive, emotional, behavioral, self-esteem and self-regulation) to increase our success in living a successful, healthy and crime-free life outside of prison. We all agreed that the youths in our communities need us.

I will never drop out of any program I've signed up to take. I will always complete the mission. I do not involve myself in programs simply to receive a pretty certificate. I participate in order to learn.

I really appreciate what I have learned in this program. I've come to know that long-held self-destructive behaviors, attitudes and self-images involve struggle and even suffering. Becoming personally "it" in the Breaking Barriers program is equal to becoming physically "ft." Developing physical strength, losing weight, increasing stamina and endurance requires focus, effort, discipline, sacrifice, tiring workouts and boring practice. But mainly it involves aches, pain and sometimes fear associated with stretching beyond previous limits. The acceptance of pain as criteria for growth is important for members who have avoided discomfort in its various forms. Seek the courage to change!

The habit-self is the part of you that is ruled by habits. It is the voice in your head that automatically says things about what you like or dislike or what you want to do. The habit-self does not think. It just reacts to feelings and memory. Too often the habit-self reacts with "toughness" or with a "get out of my face" attitude. The inner self is the part of you that is responsible, thoughtful and reasonable.

Given to Devon by Julia Mejia

Awarded to Devon in dedication to his community service and exceptional leadership in supporting the emotional and social well-being of our residents.

From Youth Violence Prevention by Big Hope non-profit

Awarded to Devon by Frank Baker for his work with the youth via his non-profit.