2015 total 3 genesis combined final report genesis with character ed 6 10 2015

2014 ~2015 REPORT

Thank You Arizona Department of Education and Genesis City For Helping Us Realize Our Hopes, Fears, and Most of All, Our Dreams...

RELEASE THE FEAR'S BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES=

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .

Thanks to the foresight Arizona Department of Education

for funding Character Education for Genesis City Academy This being a Final Report of 3 different Bridging Possibilities Character Education workshops making a difference in 27 young lives, plus a Discover U Character Ed. summer camp for 25 additional youth. Tomorrow's leaders in Arizona, experience their they are now Inspiring and empowered find their gifts, know that they matter and lead a more meaningful productive life and a brighter tomorrow.

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hat: Release the Fear, a non-profit health and human services organization, teaches Arizona’s youth the

life skills needed to combat the effects of Peer Pressure, Gang involvement, Bullying, Abuse, and Violence in our society and to make better life choices. Release the Fear (RTF) has worked with thousands of at-risk youth and adults in Arizona and around the world, offering experiential programs that help reverse the paralyzing effects of fear and diminished self-worth. Our programs encourage youth to explore safe and healthy lifestyles and to overcome disabilities through the development of leadership and social skills through evidence-based curriculum that meets National Common Core standards. Arizona Department of Education, accredited Release the Fear program as a Character Education program

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ow: These programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing by utilizing new

and in him and will applied-knowledge teaching methods.figure one These programs demonstrate options that awaken a creative consciousness and expose the unlimited potential of critical thinking and problem solving to help participants develop better cognitive behavioral skills. Our trained facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Release the Fear utilizes inquiry-based learning experiences, an educational practice where the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students towards new understandings. Educational research shows that student retention increases when new learning is discovered through inquiry practices, as the student is able to take ownership of these findings. The teacher/facilitator must act as guide while being an expert questioner, thinking of the end objective at all times and posing questions to allow students to reach objectives on their own. When this is done, students are able to create new thought patterns which connect and build on their applied knowledge and personal life goals. Without these essential life skills, the still- maturing minds of detained youth view their future as bleak with no hope for a “normal” life.

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pproach: Through experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, better critical

problem solving, and a healthy sense of understanding of self and others. Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life. They see why they do matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves.

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ransformation: The Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value of

Inside Out Bridging Possibilities workshops on 357 of their juvenile population. Thirty percent of incarcerated youth recidivate—meaning three out of ten will again find themselves in conflict with law and society and back behind bars. For the incarcerated youth who participated in just one Release the Fear workshop, that recidivism figure dropped by 23 percent. For those who were able to benefit from multiple workshops, it dropped by 16 percent - nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future as well as the community in general..

Release the Fear, Inc. has worked with youth in Arizona and internationally, in such places as Guam and El Salvador, instilling positive life changes for thousands.

Release the Fear Collaboration with ADJC on Recidivism Research Update through December 2014: 27 months - ADJC Report Submitted January 20, 2015 Since September 2012, Release the Fear has participated in an Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) multi-year study of participant recidivism. Recidivism is defined as “a return to custody,” in either the ADJC or the Arizona Department of Corrections. Data from the first 27 months of the study are reported below.

Twenty-nine “Release the Fear” workshops were conducted between September 2012 and the end of December 2014, serving 721 juveniles age 14-18 year of age. Seventeen workshops took place in secure care (562 individuals) and twelve workshops (159 participants) occurred in the community (Release the Fear @ Grace Chapel). ADJC further reports that 19% of participating individuals in secure care attended more than one RTF workshop.

Of the 562 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while in secure care, 66% of the population (370 youth) have been released from custody, while 34% (192 youth) remain in custody. Of those released or discharged from secure care, 31% (116 individuals), have since returned to secure care as a result of violations of their community supervision.

Of the 159 youth who participated in a RTF workshop while on community supervision, 78% (124 individuals) have been released or discharged. The remaining 22% (35 individuals) are still under community supervision. Fortyeight individuals (39%) who participated in one or more RTF workshops during community supervision have been returned to secure care due to violations of the terms of supervision.

*ADJC notes that the follow-up time for this report is limited (ranges from one day to one year and five months), which may result in inaccurate statements of recidivism rates than if the cases could be followed for the preferred 36 months.

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Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Recidivism Rates (%)

April May 2015 RELEASE THE FEAR 2015 Pre/Post Survey Results

Character Education and Genesis Academy OVERALL PERCENTAGES 27 Students (3 PB Workshops) Male 37% Female 63% – Youth Ages 15-20 86% discovered something new about themselves 94.3% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 81% compared to Post 85% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 94.3% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

83.3% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Individual Workshop Percentages 1. April 22-24 2015 Genesis Academy 9 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 11% Female 89% – Youth Ages 16-20 100% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 100% compared to Post 89% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

100% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

2. April 28-30 2015 Genesis Academy 12 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 50% Female 50% – Youth Ages 16-20 75% discovered something new about themselves 83% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 50% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 100% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

83% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

3. May 13-15 2015 Genesis Academy 6 Students (1 IO-BP Workshops) Male 50% Female 50% – Youth Ages 15-19 83% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 83% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 83% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

67% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

100% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

4.DISCOVER U Character Education Summer Camp June 22ed thru the 25, 2015 from 10 am to 2 pm- Results to follow 25 Students

Youth Inspired Over Eight Years Study

For eighteen years, Release the Fear has had the opportunity to interact with over 7,500 troubled youth; these youth now know they have a life purpose. They know their wishes and dreams can come true. They know they are worth it and that they matter!

Our evidence-based curriculum has helped troubled kids in schools, jails, detention, and treatment centers. Through the creative processes of art, music, and communication, we teach kids cognitive behavioral skills to build self-esteem. They learn tools to help them succeed in school, conflict resolution, and to address peer pressure, and bullying.

Between the years 2007 and 2013, Release Fear has shown constant improvement upon youth’s pre- and post-reporting’s learned about perceptions of themselves.

In addition, during the years of 2012 and 2013, Release the Fear has contributed to an overall improvement of youth’s self-reported willingness to assist another if bullied. Despite a decline of reported learning’s about proactive options to prevent being bullied, their learning consistently remained over 78 percent.

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RTF Aggregate % New Survey Questions 2012- 2014 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0

3.2 1.52 Learned Something About Bullying

Stated WOULD Do Something if Witnessed Bullying

RELEASE THE FEAR 2014-15 The Arizona Department of Character Education Program Budget: Bridging Possibilities Workshop: Budget Workshops Instructional Programming: Program Supervisor/Trainer Co-Facilitator / Trainee Reporting and Evaluations: Pre/Post Inventories Final Report Supplies and Other Workshop Exp Art & Printed Supplies / Snacks Recognition for Students, Postage, Mktng Internal Coordination, Support & Workshop Presentation Travel Expenses – Average

Budget for 4 Per Workshop

$680.00 $300.00

$2,720.00 $1,200.00

$150.00 $ 70.00

$ 600.00 $ 280.00

$ 80.00 $ 60.00

$ 320.00 $ 240.00

$260.00 $ 50.00

$1,040.00 $ 200.00

TOTAL FOR 1 WORKSHOP $1,650.00 Total

$ 6,600.00 $6,600.00

April 22, 23, 24th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm $1,650.00 April 28, 29, 30th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm $1,650.00 May 13,14, 15th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm $1,650.00 June 22, 23, 24, 25th from 10:00am - 2:00pm Discover U which includes the fourth character education program -$5,250.00 (Yoga, Zumba , Nutrition RTF Character Education & Primal Fitness) Total $10,200.00 Deposit $3,300.00 Paid 11/2014 Balance Due $6,900.00 Cost Breakdown per workshop with average of 18 youth each: Average cost per daily session: $550.00 Average cost per youth per session $30.55 Per Capita cost per youth workshop:$91.66 Average In-kind donations: The space, equipment and staff oversees participants for the overall evaluation of long term success of workshop. Volunteers coordinate preparation of documents, organize all supplies, and assist facilitators prior to and during workshops.

In-kind:$250.00-Per = $1,000.00

Thanks to Character Education and Genesis Academy, 9 young lives from Genesis Academy experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on April 22-24, 2015.Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©

“Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment  Awaken Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 16-20.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Not to stereotype or prejudge. Helps you get to know someone. Communication, openminded. Teach by example. / Interaction, don’t judge, get to know peeps. Welcome new kids at school, help out others. Communication, open mind. Learn about other cultures.

Creative Storytelling: Fairness and equality. Same rules apply to everyone. It would prevent it, causing irrigation. Do unto others as you would have done unto you, hold people accountable. / Interacting with others, build character. Work in team. Teamwork. Well make them feel that we care.

To get along with people.

Through the Hoops: Trust and work together. Teaching each other what the other doesn’t know. Not everyone perfect, don’t judge. Network to get what you need, work together. / Teamwork, trust, communication (body language). Doing teamwork helps when cooperating. Let them know that they’re not alone and there is someone there for them. I believe in myself and there are people that support me.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Accept the way you are. Non-judgmental. Confidence not to be a follower. Feel good about yourself. / To find and love our true self. Recognizing people’s true self. I would be less likely to fall into peer pressure. You to help someone else find their inner beauty.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.

Mortified, sad. / Insecure, not confident. / It makes me feel good about myself and have confidence. / Ugly, but pretty also.

Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero?

Mother Teresa. She helped the poor and was very non-judgmental. / My mom is important to me because she is always there for me when I need her no matter how far away she is. She taught that no matter the struggle or pain to always keep my head up and put a smile on. Trust, caring, confident, respectful. / My mom gave me life and she is always helping me and others. She is my best friend. Being able to be responsible and always drawing positive things out of negative. / My mom. Because she raised me. Happy, protective.

Seeing Beyond: Trust, communication, opens the mind. Reading, writing. Be more open to things, non-judgmental. / Seeing positive out of negative situation. Math, reading. We see math as hard and unneeded in life. Judging a book by its cover. Change your thoughts, change your world.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Turns negatives to positives, analyze things. Be determined, hope. Look on the bright side.

Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.

A time where I made a bad situation into good is when my dad left me at four months but then I got a step-dad out of it, a loving dad and mom. / I got divorced and was devastated but then realized it was the best thing for my family. / An experience that I perceived as a negative was going to Mexico to live but as time went I thought was what was best for me.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .

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Release the Fear’s mission, since 1996, is to counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment, bridging endless possibilities through the creative process

Funded By: Character Education and Genesis Academy Location: Genesis Academy %Male 11

%Female 89

Dates: April 22-24, 2015

Ages 16-20

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 100 %NO 0 %Other 0 Post %YES 89 %NO 11 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 22 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 11 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 56 % All the Time 44 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 0 % All the Time 100 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 11 % All the Time 89 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 22 % Leader 78 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 33 % No 67 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 67 % No 33 Did you do anything? % Yes 56 % No 33 % No Answer 11 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Help people prejudge. / How to let others know they are not alone. / To always see the bad thing as good. / Don’t let things get to you. Ignore them. / Stand up for others that can’t. / Not to be afraid of who you are. / They’re not alone. / Stand up no matter what.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I would let them know I’m there to help. / I would stop it. / I would tell them to help themselves out first to be perfect. / Help that person out. / I would stop it. / Tell the person to stop or call someone.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I learned how to draw the positive out of the negative. / I can stand up. / I can stand up. / Say no all the time.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 100% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: It brings me joy like if it was black and white, it would just be simple. / There no color. Everyone equal. There is really no race, we’re all the same color. / Color fills up more life and makes things look different. / I think color gives everything life and happiness. / Color give more joy to the world. It make things look different. / Color brings joy because black and white is boring. / Color bring joy to my life. / It brings joy. / I think color is important so we can tell how it looks. / I don’t actually care about color. It’s about the person’s personality.

Post: I think the same. / I learned that color is amazing. Music even has color. / Color bring happiness. / That color is beautiful and means many things. / We need color in life or else life would be boring. / Color can define art by how you see it. / It expresses things.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My most important dream is to become a midwife. / Is to be more confident in myself. / I dream that I can become a nurse. / My most important hope/dream is to have my family reunited. / My most important dream is to come a cosmetologist. / One of my dreams is to help my mom get her residency.

Another one is to become a cosmetologist and pediatric. / My most important dream is to become someone in life (finish school and be someone). / Is to have my family together again. / My dream is to go to the Army. / A dream of mine is to help other kids in care from the government.

Post: For my son to have a better life. / To become a doctor. / To become a cosmetologist. / To become a nurse. / Be someone in life. / To become an attorney or a forensic anthropologist. / To become a vet. / To graduate.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Be respectful. / How to interact with others and help them. / To trust people. / To don’t let negativity get to me. / Trust people. / See thing in other light. / Good communication skills. / Communication skills.

The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it?

Post 100% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count.

Thoughts Shared: I will care more about people. / Public speaking. It helped me by building confidence. / We had to practice to speak in public. / On trust, know being able to connect with others. / Same connections. / Accept myself. / Expressing feelings. / Trust more people, be more open.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: To help them out and let them know you are there for them and that they have your support. / We all have the same fear. / We all have the same connections. / We might have the same fears. / People have fears just like others. / We all have the same connection. / That they have the same fear as me.

Thanks to Character Education and Genesis Academy, 12 young lives from Genesis Academy experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on April 28-30, 2015.

Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©

“Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment  Awaken Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 15-19.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Express yourself. Show you how many people have the same problem. Once you open it and read it different, it might be ugly on the outside but beautiful on the inside. Communication skills. / A lot of people go through the same stuff. Know in compassion for others. Compassion to others.

Helps to land a job.

Creative Storytelling: By memorizing things. Remembering classes and lectures. Not taking the bad path. By helping you remember for presentations. / How creative other people are. Memory, communicating, perspective. Communication. Creativity, how to look at things differently.

Through the Hoops: Trust teamwork. Helping out others. Help out people that are in trouble. Learn to trust. / Trust. Going through hoops to obstacles. Friends helping with struggles. Help others.

Prepared to go through obstacles.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: We felt connections. That we would get along. It would help to trust people. I would learn to help out my self. / See yourself in your own eyes. Learn not to judge others. Don’t be a follower, the way you carry yourself. Grateful for others in your/our lives.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.

Happy. / Makes me look beautiful. / I love my self. / Sick and happy. / It makes me feel confidence.

Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero?

My aunt. They are a huge impact on my life. Thoughtfulness. / My mom. She’s important because she’s always there for me. / Anthony Davis. Favorite NBA player. He has unibrow. / Joshua Ponce. He was my son. He makes me want to be a better person. / I don’t have a hero.

Seeing Beyond: Helping. It’s helping us by working with each other. Reading class. It would teach me in life that you very descriptive. / Realizes on sense of touch and your descriptive skills. Being open minded to new opportunities. Math – you can focus on something else. Trust your senses.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To express yourself. Dreams. Dreams help by standing up for yourself. Help receive fairness, respectfulness. / To identify your goals and your fears to overcome. Helps you reach success. Yes because it puts confidence in people knowing their goals and hopes and memories. Yes knowing where you are going in life.

Describe a time when you had an experience that you perceived (thought/saw) as negative, but through time or something you did, you perceived (thought/saw) the experience as a positive one.

A time when I perceived something coming to Genesis. / Talking to new people and helping them when they felt down. / You feel good about helping people. Sometimes I don’t because girls get mad.

I hate being nice because it backfires. / I would be excited and happy and make me cry. / When my son died, but in both way it would be good.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices .

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Release the Fear’s mission, since 1996, is to counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment, bridging endless possibilities through the creative process

Funded By: Character Education and Genesis Academy 2015 Location: Genesis Academy %Male 50

%Female 50

Dates:

April 28-30,

Ages 15-19

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 50 %NO 250 %Other 29 Post %YES 83 %NO 17 %Other 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 42 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 25 % All the Time 67 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 59 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 42 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 25 % Leader 75 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 75 % No 25 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 83 % No 0 % No Answer 17 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 83 % No 8 % No Answer 8 Thoughts Shared: Leadership is key. / Dreams help by standing up for yourself. / To stand up. / I learned to trust and communication skills. / Helping others. / Helping those to not feel the same like I was. / Stand up for others. / Not yet. / Trust, comfortable, respect. / Bullying shouldn’t be allowed or practice.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: It’s unfair to watch. / I would stand up for that person. / Tell them to stop. / No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. / By telling them to stop. / I don’t like when people suffer pain. / Say leave them alone. / Go tell a teacher. / No one deserves to be bullied. / I would help them out. / I would stop the situation.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 92 % No 0 % No Answer 8 Thoughts Shared: Never give in. / Respect, responsibilities. / Responsibility. / Learned good thing to make my own decisions. / Not doing things the wrong way. / Say no. / No one will tell me what to do, but me. / Yes all of them. / Follow your heart. Think careful before your actions.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 100% Post 75% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Yes that it explains your feelings. / Yes but only black and white. / It’s beautiful. / Color is just the tint of melanin in your skin. Or just the color that you have. No real significance. / I love it and no not really on a daily. / I think they’re beautiful. It makes me feel alive. / Nothing. We are all equal. / It defines what you are. / I think joy and fun. Something beautiful and equality. / No to me, color is pink, blue, green, but when it comes to colored people, I don’t see it. / Color of the sky. / I think nothing. Things shouldn’t be based on color. / Beautiful. / Green everything that is living and good is the color green. / They’re all beautiful. / What I think about color is that it’s beautiful. / What I think about color is that it opens things to people to succeed. / I love being black.

Post: It has no social value. / Releasing fears, dreams, and hopes. / Blue. / Nothing. Colors are colors. / Yes because every color mean something different. / There is color everywhere. / They’re all beautiful! / You may not like a color but you can overcome it. / Red’s a good color. / That no matter what color is, their will always be shapes out of it. / We are all different, but the same.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To be a fire fighter. / To become a doctor of sorts. / Peace and love for everyone. / To achieve my goals. / To find peace. / To learn how to be happy in my own way. / Because what I am reaching for. / To go to the Army. / The most important hope I have is to be able to say I made it. / To be a police officer and work my way up to a homicide detective. / To be successful. / My dream is to be an attorney. / Finish high school. / To become more than my family. / Is to graduate. / My most important hope or dream is being a therapeutic massage therapist. / I don’t have one yet because there is so many decisions. / I want the world to be safe for my kids.

Post: Have a family. / Finishing college and do therapeutic massage therapy. / To become someone. / To help kids in need. / Dreaming being a soccer player and to sing. / To become a better person. / Is to graduate high school and college. / To be a police officer. / Being a motorcycle builder. / For right now I just want to graduate. / Navy Marine to achieve. / Be a successful young respectable man.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Self respect. / Follow your dream, don’t give up. / To never give up. / Not to care what others think. / By succeeding my goals. / Not giving up about my dream. / Keep focus. / To never stop. / To be confident. / Talk about my fears that stop me from my dreams. / To express everything, don’t hold back. / Obstacles will get in your way but you can overcome them.

The Character Count you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it?

Post 75% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count.

Thoughts Shared: I want to work on my leadership. / Communication, becoming better person. / yes to become a better person. / Communication skills. / Yes because I’m not scared of saying the truth. / By doing things that is right for myself. / Yes made me express more emotional. / To do. / To show my skills. / The workshop made me be more patient and relax. Also to trust and be loyal to the right crowd.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 83% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Not everyone is so different. / A lot of exciting things, new things. / To not judge. / Most of us have a lot of the same fears. / Yes knowing or meeting new people. / That they suffered more than me. / That they have the same fear. / That they also went through hard times. / We all have problems but we could fix them. / They had a rough past, but they want to better themselves.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .

Thanks to Character Education and Genesis Academy, 6 young lives from Genesis Academy experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on May 13-15, 2015.

Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow.©

“Bridging Possibility” workshops.

Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fear’s Workshops will help students to:  Draw One’s Fears and Awaken Hopes and Dreams  Stimulate Creative Listening and Communication  Bridge Understanding  Discuss How Color Affects Us and Our Environment  Awaken Senses  Heighten Visual Awareness of Our Environment  Turn Pain into Possibilities into Purpose.

The students are divided into four groups or teams that they remain with throughout the workshop. In their small group, the students may be asked to complete an activity, to share responses, or to reflect on an exercise. Often times these groups can have students with different beliefs, various backgrounds, and even opposing gang affiliations. The workshop will end with a group created painting to be displayed for the public.

Participant Responses Participants are asked to reflect on several of the activities and then share with the group.

These responses are written in their words without edit.

The following responses are from the students who range in ages from 15-19.

The students are asked to reflect on the following question: How do you think this activity could help you in your daily life (In School, Out of School, or In Your Career)?

Who am I? : Learned about people. You get to meet new people. You would know certain things aren’t true. To not judge by appearance. / To not be so judgmental. Do not learn to be so stereotypical. You wouldn’t do it as often. You will learn to be more understanding.

Creative Storytelling: Respect the speakers. Give respect. Might stop bullying. So you give and gain. / Learn not to laugh. Respect others. To take action when others are down. Learn to be compassionate.

Through the Hoops: Trust and personal space. Helping others and being more open. You have a bond with others. You have to work together. There is no I in team. / Go beyond the boundaries with people you know. Help with teamwork. Feel sympathetic for others. Be there for others through their problems (be there through thick and thin).

Reflective Take Away Assignment: You can accomplish your goals. Get your education so you can succeed. You won’t be easily persuaded. It makes you aim high. / There is always someone watching you. Accountability on others. Being comfortable to ask for help from others. To motivate and realize your actions have consequences. Stay on track for others.

Mirror Work: Look at Yourself in the eyes (ONLY) and tell yourself that you love or like yourself just the way you are.

It makes me feel awkward. / Confident. / I feel happy looking in the mirror. I feel goofy also because I

have a goofy personality.

Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? What characteristics or qualities, would you or do you, look for in a Hero?

Tom Brady. They are important because he inspires people and gives back to his community. He’s brave and was overlooked but proved everyone wrong and proved that he’s the best ever. He’s also very clutch and has a model wife and money. / My hero is my mom because even though we didn’t know each other, she still loved me. Because they loved me unconditionally. Respectful, caring, trustworthy. / Joe Flacco. He is the leader of my favorite team. He led us to the Super Bowl and won SB MVP. Leader, talent, hard work, winner, respect, dedication.

Seeing Beyond: You use senses that you usually don’t use. It applies when you need to describe the underlying feelings and emotions. / Trusting your senses. Biology, speech, literature. Biology because you have to describe surroundings. Speech also because you have to describe a story or situation. Integrity and accountability.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Learn to put our dreams first. Focus on what we’re working towards. Better understanding. Focus on what your goal is. / Get to learn about yourself and others more. Know strengths and weakness. Understanding situations with others, communicate. Don’t let others bring you down. Keep your head up high. It shouldn’t matter what others say or think.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: To be considerate. Be more caring towards others. Helps in a workplace. / Be kind to others. It’ll set off a chain reaction. Help our classmates with other things work, home, etc. Consider others in any situation.

Write about a time when you were trustworthy or caring and helped someone else in a positive way. How did it feel afterward?

I do not have a specific time. I usually just help people normally with sadness issues or just issues in general and it always feels good to help people. / I remember going to Scottsdale to visit my friend and we went to a McDonald’s to eat. I was really hungry and hadn’t eaten all day so I was in a hurry. My friend just went site and I was about to enter when I saw 2 seniors in back of me. So I just opened the door for all twenty of them and the last lady said thank you. I felt good. I later went on to join my friend to order. I finished ordering and the same lady interrupted me. She said, “I’m paying.” / A time I felt caring and trustworthy is when I helped me aunt while in the hospital.

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Release the Fear, Inc. ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959

Funded By: Character Education and Genesis Academy Location: Genesis Academy %Male 50

%Female 50

Dates: May 13-15, 2015

Ages 15-19

Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do?

Pre %YES 83 %NO 17 %Other 0 Post %YES 83 %NO 0 %Other 17 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 33 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 33 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 17 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Rate this statement: I respect my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 67 Complete this statement: I am trustworthy and see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 67 % Leader 33 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 67 % No 33 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 83 % No 17 Did you do anything? % Yes 50 % No 17 % No Answer 33 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 67 % No 33 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Helping the bully not bully anymore. / Think in their shoes. / Communication.

After attending the character education workshop and learning about compassion, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I was always gonna help, workshop or not. / I wouldn’t let the bully, bully anymore. / Always. / Help them, get a teacher, stand up for them.

Did you learn any skills, such as respect or responsibility, to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Respect others and letting people the real me.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 83% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: White – pure, red – happy, pink – shy, black – darkness. Color classifies emotion sometimes. / To me I kind to whoever. I don’t think I should be mean. Everyone has to be treated the same. / All the same. / I think color is beautiful and unique. Most importantly, we all bleed red. / Crayons. / No opinion. / Color shouldn’t matter. It’s not a most. / How see things. / They’re beautiful. / Beautiful. / Red. / Yes because I ;8was curious saying why do we see color? / Color is alright.

Post: The workshop confirmed that emotions are tied together, color. / I learned that yellow means happiness. / We see it everywhere. / I always know that colors show emotion. / It’s beautiful, it creates mood. / There is many different ways to perceive color.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 83% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think hope is more important because without hope, you give up and you’re done for. / My dream is to graduate and go to college and study for a real professional soccer player. / Become a Navy Seal. / I want to be a sports reporter. / Is becoming successful in life. / Make bank in the future. / My most important hope is to finally be done with my adoption process. / To go to the Army. / To join the Navy. / I can be able to support family. / Being a fire fighter. / Don’t have one. / I want to make something of myself.

Post: Have a son and make him happy. / Finish college and have a career waiting for me. / Being a computer engineer. / Is to become a doctor and possibly wealthy. / To have a good job. / To help kids and have a successful life with my own little family.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 83% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Don’t think about the negatives. / Never giving up. / Is learning leadership skills. / Being positive and focus. / To trust and communicate.

Coming into the workshop, which Character Count did you want to improve or work on to help you? How did the workshop help you improve it?

Post 83% discovered something in the workshop to improve their Character Count.

Thoughts Shared: My intelligence. / Respect on people speaking and I managed to do so. / The workshop had all my needs. / Patience. / My Character Count I wanted to improve on was my citizenship.

What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 100% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned some of their names. / I learned that everyone here has pretty similar fears as me. / That they will accomplish their dreams. / I learned Alejandro is very interesting. / They can relate to me. / That some of us have the same fears.

Inspiring & empowering kids with the tools to make better life choices . . .

Thank you Arizona Department of Education and Genesis City for the

opportunity and for believing in our mission and vision ,that each and every child is deserving to be inspired and empower with the tools to make better life choices. Today they are that much closer to finding their gifts they have to share with the world around them.

Most sincerely,

Robert J Miley CEO and Founder

Office- 302 W. Monroe in Downtown Phoenix Mailing-332 W. Lynwood Phoenix, AZ 85003 info@release the fear.org www.releasethefear.org 602 818- 6959