Release the fear 2008 annural report by Release the Fear

THE REASON TO DISCOVER U RELEASE THE FEAR, INC. 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

RELEASE THE FEAR, INC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT, A BANNER YEAR DISCOVERING THE POWER OF WHOLE BRAIN THINKING . KEY RESULTS

New Partners, Schools, Community & Detention Centers

TRAIN THE TRAINER 2 0 0 8

PILOT THE “COLORING BOOK PROGRAM”

INSIDE-OUT BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES WORKSHOPS

BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES WORKSHOPS

RELEASE THE FEAR, INC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 was truly a banner year for Release the Fear. We were able to positively impact over 488 young lives in such a way they were able to realize that they were not alone in their Fears and that the Possibilities of their Hopes and Dreams, could come true. As statistics show, 7 times that number of people ( ( 3416 ) ) have been positively impacted, due to the Rippling Effects of supporters. In 2008 Release the Fear was able to launch the pilot of the “Coloring Book” program, reestablish its relationship with the detention facilities in Maricopa County, through our “Inside-Out Bridging Possibilities” Program, and certify four “Bridging Possibilities” trainers through our newly established Train the Trainer program. Thanks to all the Supporters listed below;

The J. W. Kieckhefer Foundation Cindy & Mike Watts Creighton School District Title 4 Funding H&R Block Employees Community Fund, Phoenix Tom and Roxanne Hamilton ~ Ira and Cheryl Gaines The Munson Family Trust ~ Michele & Chuck Brown Laure Anne & Charles Reynolds ~ Sharon and Curt Stetter Richard & Judith Harding Preparation of Release the Fear’s new office space/studio: Sunstate Equipment Co. ~ Oest Metalworks ~ Lightform Lighting Craft Custom Glass ~ Artistic Lighting Installs ~ Todd Bruggeman Bob Beckwiph ~ Fox’s Fine Home Designs / Awake and Market Box

www.releasethefear.org ~ info@releasethefear.org ~ 602 818-6959 302 West Monroe Phoenix, AZ 85003 ~ Mailing : P.O. Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 TURNING PAIN INTO POSSIBILITIES, POSSIBILITIES INTO PURPOSE. . .OPENING THE YOUNG MINDS OF YOUTH FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

Release the Fear Leaders: HONORARY CO-CHAIRS Phil Gordon, Phoenix .Mayor Peggy Bilsten, Former, Phoenix City Councilwomen

Scott Jacobson ADVISORY COMMITTEE Kirk Baxter Kenneth D. Cheuvront, Sen. Richard Donley Fox Heidi Fogelsong Terry Goddard, AZ Attorney. General John W. Graham Roberta Hancock Billie Jo Hecht Paul Johnson Valerie Manning Joe Martori Rose Mofford, Hon. Kathy Munson Linda Nadolski Brenda Sperduti Paul Winslow NATIONAL ADV. COMMITTEE Dino De Concini Sandy Gibson David Gonzales,U.S.Marshal Rev. Rebecca McClain Kellieann P. Miley Joni Sledge 2008-2009 Board of Directors Michele Brown Chairperson Blair Coe-Schweiger, Secretary Lori Bruggeman, Treasurer Faith Burtamekh Gina Clark Heidi Ernst Cheryl Hunter Jimmie Munoz Dr. Derrick Platt Freedom Shannon Robert J. Miley, Founder, Artistic Director R. J. Shannon, Advisor

Release the Fear Supporters: . Over the past several years educators, business professionals, and community stakeholders have come together for the sake of children and as a result, the children Release the Fear works with receive tools and learn skills which enable them to have more fruitful lives. Release the Fear works with thousands of children and has numerous participants from the community contribute their time and energy to giving back to these deserving children. There are significantly too many kids who need someone to step into their lives and help. Release the Fear has dedicated its core mission to this task. We are proud to say that from the support of the community we envision our future as powerful and impactful. As reflected in the partnerships we have established, listed below; along with the developing and nurturing of new ones; Our Current Partners: J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation Margaret T. Morris Foundation Boeing Employees Community Fund Wells Fargo United Way Donor Choice The Munson Family Trust The Watts Family City of Phoenix Girl Scouts of AZ. Creighton School District H&R Block Employee donor choose Program Woody Johnson Foundation Shoen Family Foundation Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, AZ Superior Court of AZ / Juvenile Probation Maricopa County A few of the Partners we have worked with in the past: APS Cox Charities The National Endowment for the Arts Finova ILX Corporation Banner Health Foundation KPNX Broadcasting Westwood Neighborhood Willo Neighborhood Roosevelt Action Association

THE POWER OF WHOLE BRAIN THINKING© Discover your”Can-Do” ~ Opening the possibilities in you. Introduction At a very young age most children begin to experience a loss of ability to use their imaginations and inner-creativity, thereby diminishing their options and possibilities in life. It is the intention of this workshop to engage participants of all ages in a process of communicating and understanding their individual differences of perspective utilizing the most primitive form of communication... ART! Being engaged in art making and its history, physiologically stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain. This neurological interaction awakens the creative consciousness, thus exposing one to unlimited potential for critical thinking and problem solving. By bringing this awareness to the group promotes a unique and optimal setting for the acknowledgement of self-discovery and the ability for one to deal with issues of conflict by utilizing art, thereby promoting positive community resolve. RJM

MISSION: To counter the effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope and empowerment, by bridging endless possibilities through the creative process. VISION: To awaken the creative consciousness, thus exposing one to unlimited potential for critical thinking and problem solving and opening them up to possibilities and purpose in their life for a brighter tomorrow. . .

.KEY RESULTS

In the past two years, Release the Fear was able to positively impact the lives of over 800 youths in Arizona. Since 1996, over 3,800 youth have crossed paths with Release the Fear (RTF) programs throughout Arizona and around the world. As statistics show, 7 times that number of people, 26,600 other community members have been positively influenced, due to the RIPPLING EFFECTS of RTF Workshops. Release the Fear feels the 4 most important outputs listed below reflect the shift and changes that participants experience due to the workshops. The reason why we think these are important to these children’s future; The average curriculum time that participants engage in is approx. 2 hrs/day, in the case of Bridging Possibilities and the Inside Out - Bridging Possibilities Workshops, over 3 days. Within the Release the Fear’s Workshops there is a daily take-away reflective assignment given to participants. This enables them to utilize new life skills tool from the workshop, in their everyday life outside of the workshop and share its relevance with other peers. Established in the tracking below of the Pre and Post results of participants over the past two years, Release the Fear programs reveal a better understanding of self and others, while instilling a sense of empowerment among its participant.

RELEASE THE FEAR 2008 Served 488 2008 RTF Pre/Post Survey Results 53% Female - 47% Males -Youth Ages 10 - 21 89% Discovered something new about themselves 90% Discovered something new about their classmates and friends. Pre 53% compared to Post 70 % Realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 44 % compared to Post 75 % Participants realized their dreams are part of their reality.

AS COMPARED RELEASE THE FEAR 2007 Served 400 2007 RTF Pre/Post Survey Results 63% Female - 37% Males -Youth Ages10 - 21 78% Discovered something new in the workshop. 81% Discovered something new about classmates/friends. Pre 44 % compared to Post 75 % Realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 64 % compared to Post 97.1% Participants realized their dreams are part of their reality. Why is this important? Scientific studies prove that children are incapable of learning, let alone retaining, any new knowledge given to them if they are in an environment which presents itself as frightening. A student must first know that they are in an atmosphere of support and caring before they can begin to take in any new concepts context and knowledge. To be complacent about our future, our goals, and our dreams makes us complacent about our present, for the present is the stepping stone of all that is to come. That first step gives the hope and courage to believe that our dreams, our goals are possible. Children must have the courage and wisdom instilled in them to take that first step. After that they become one measure closer to what will fill them with utter joy, pride and self worth.

“Inside-Out Bridging Possibility” , “Bridging Possibility” and “The Coloring Book” Programs TURNING PAIN INTO POSSIBILITIES, POSSIBILITIES INTO PURPOSE. . .OPENING THE YOUNG MINDS OF YOUTH FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW

PILOT THE “COLORING BOOK”PROGRAM

"Coloring Book" Program; is a 10 session curriculum presented to third and fourth graders. This curriculum was developed from a storybook called “the Coloring Book of Love and Understanding” lessons where developed to meet National Education Standards and created for the development of non-violent conflict management social skills.

“BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES” WORKSHOPS

“Bridging Possibilities” Program; Workshops are educational programs presented in classrooms, detention facilities and community-based organizations to teach valuable life skills, enhance participants’ sense of self and surroundings, and allow participants to experience alternative ways of dealing with conflict and anger. Through varied creative exercises, BP exposes underserved individuals to the visual arts and creates the opportunity to shift a life of crime (or potential life of crime) to a more effective and peaceful outlet.

“INSIDE-OUT BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES” WORKSHOPS

Inside Out - Bridging Possibilities program engages individuals to explore safe and healthy lifestyles, to overcome their disabilities through leadership and social skills development. It exposes the participants to creative problem solving and creates the opportunity to shift a life to a more effective and peaceful outlet. Between Pre & Post surveys the participants engage in team reflective surveys, after each exercise. Where they take turns being a team leader and are responsible for extracting inquiry from their team and reporting to the entire group their findings. How would this activity help you in your daily life in school or out, and why? This engages the participants in a whole-brain thinking process of the creative activities they just experienced. Also introduces them to teamwork, listening skills and the confidence of public speaking. At the end of the 3-day workshop, as the culmination and pinnacle of their experiences drawn from the program, participants create a group painting to present to the public; an expression created by persons from multiple perspectives can be harmonious and unifying. Thus, this is not only a healing experience for the group but also a community awareness campaign, sharing a message of decreased violence of all types. Our findings from Pre & Post results, majority realize that they are not alone in their fears and that their dreams can become reality. By introducing new and fresh perspectives through the power of the creative process, our participants learn to embrace life and fully realize its endless possibilities. Our findings for the need of our program & it s popular demand; Each potential participant is required to read and fill out a form that details the program and why they feel they deserve to participate. Due to class size restrictions were up, only 20 of 60 that applied were selected by the staff at The Durango Facility, as well as SEF. As you can see, the program and its life changing experience and results are becoming very popular amongst the kids at both facilities, through word of mouth. 2005 RTF instituted the first “Inside Out – Bridging Possibilities” Workshops at Durango and SEF Detention Centers, funded through the National Endowment of the Arts. Detention Centers confirmed that 25% of the participants had no further problems with breaking the law. Detention staff attributed this to the Workshop; reduce the recidivism rate, a tremendous fiscal savings & new beginnings for the youth. This is very important to reach these Youth before they are 18 year old and carry an adult record and are a societal liability.

Release the Fear and the “Bridging Possibility” Train the Trainer Workshops Has successfully with incredible results Partnered, with the following:

April 30th ,1st , May 2 Kieckhefer Foundation Diamond Back Academy ~ 22 - 7th 8th grades 1505 N. Central Ave Ste. 100 Phoenix, AZ 85004. May 14th, 15th, 16th from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Kieckhefer Foundation StarShine Academy ~ 27 - 7th – 9th graders 2801 N. 31st Street Phoenix, AZ 85008 May 16th, 19th, and 20th Kieckhefer Foundation Genesis Academy ~ 16 - 10th-12th graders 525 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. May 21st 22 and 23 Kieckhefer Foundation Carl T. Smith Middle School ~ approx 25 - 5th and 6th graders 4301 W. Fillmore, Phoenix AZ 85043 June 24, 26 and 27th Kieckhefer Foundation Maryvale Community Center ~ 24- 9–12 years of age Summer camp 4420 North 51st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85031 July 29th , 30th ,31st . Kieckhefer foundation Excelencia Elementary School ~ 29- 7th graders 2181 East McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85006 August 5, 6 & 7th 2008 Kieckhefer Foundation Juvenile Detention Center ~ 17-13-18 years of age Mesa, Arizona SEF Detention Mesa AZ 1810 S Lewis St Mesa, AZ August 26,27 & 28 Heard Elementary School ~30- 7th graders 2301 West Thomas Phoenix, AZ

Kieckhefer Foundation

Release the Fear and the â€œBridging Possibilityâ€? Train the Trainer Workshops Has successfully with incredible results Partnered, with the following: Carl T. Smith Middle School ~ 24 - 7th graders September 3ed, 4th & 5th 4301 W. Fillmore, Phoenix AZ 85043

Watts Funding

Heard Elementary School 28 7th graders September 9th 10th & 11th 2301 West Thomas Phoenix, AZ

Watts Family

Genesis Academy 18 - 10th-12th graders October 2 ed , 7th, & 9th 525 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85004

Watts Family

Hamilton Elementary School 17 6&7th graders With Girl Scotts of AZ 2020 W Durango St Phoenix, AZ 85009 6-8th graders every other Friday. September 26th, October 17th, and November 7th

Watts Family

Lowell Elementary 26 6th graders November 17, 19, and 21, 2008 1121 South 3rd Ave Phoenix 85003

Watts Family

Genesis Academy 15 - 10th-12th graders th th November, ,18 , 20 , 25th 525 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.

Watts Family

Heard Elementary School 27~ 6th graders December 3ed, 4th & 5th 2301 West Thomas Phoenix, AZ

Watts Family

Juvenile Detention Center 17 Age -13-17 years of age Watts Family December 12th, 13th, and 15t Mesa, Arizona SEF Detention Mesa AZ 1810 S Lewis St Mesa, AZ

Release the Fear and the “Bridging Possibility” Train the Trainer Workshops, And “The Coloring Book” Program Has successfully with incredible results Partnered, with the following: Excelencia Elementary School ~ 29- 7th graders December 8-11 H & R Block Employee’s Fund 2181 East McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85006 Excelencia Elementary School ~ 31 - 8th grade May 6th,7th , 8th from 1:30PM - 3:00PM 2181 East McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85006 Excelencia Elementary School “Coloring Book”10 Session Program January - May 2008 2181 East McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85006

Title 4 Funding

Chandler Center for the Arts 30 Adults Chandler Cultural Foundation/ Chandler Arts Commission 250 North Arizona Avenue Chandler, AZ 85225

Why these program services are important and what they mean to the Community . Mikayla’s story is one of many successes to create a “rippling effect” through RTF: “I was into drugs, and into gangs. I was on a destructive path and didn’t care--about anything. I happened to be in the class when Release the Fear was presented, only because I needed the credit. I didn’t want to be there. In fact, when I first met Robert and RJ, I didn’t like them. I didn’t like what they were saying. I didn’t like the program. I didn’t want to have anything to do with any of it. But a few days later, those feelings began to change. It was like my eyes were taken out. And the program gave me new eyes--eyes that allowed me to see the world in a different way. And I began to imagine a person I might be. If I had not taken the Release the Fear workshop, I would be in jail today, or worse. Instead, I just graduated with my Bachelors’ degree in Science. Thanks to this program”. Mikayla has been identified as becoming one of Release the Fear new program trainers in 2009. “Art is a great tool in controlling anger and aggression and by having this program, we have helped many youth see they can vent in positive ways. They also see that they can add to their community. Our youth were trained in dealing with emotion and fear through art…” Dr. Derrick Platt, Former SEF Detention Manager, MCJP, AZ “We had a detainee that was very quiet and reserved. He was also on suicide watch. I didn’t believe he was going to complete the first day. After the first project he became more engaged and more self-confident. As the program went on he became more assertive and comfortable in expressing himself. This is an excellent program for the kids. It allows them to express themselves, to become more self-confident.” Lisa Frey, JPO Program Coordinator This expresses our support and interest in working with Release the Fear (RTF) on the Bridging Possibilities project for participants at the Mesa SEF Juvenile Detention Centers. We have been impressed with the work of RTF in the past, as our youth are taught new ways of dealing with conflict and anger – healthy ways of expressing themselves such that they do not re-offend, and can lead productive lives, contributing to their communities. Through the creative process, our youth have seen that art can be wonderful tool for them, and they have gained a better understanding of themselves and their peers. We are eager to continue work with RTF so that our youth can turn their pain into possibilities and purpose! Amna Gilmore, JPO Supervisor, SEF & Sarah Murillo, Durango Program Managers

TRAIN THE TRAINER 2 0 0 8

. 2008 was a landmark year with the training our trainers. We wanted to train people to educate more youth and this year we added four powerful educators to our team. Release the Fearâ€™s Certificated Facilitator

Caitlyn Flaherty M.Ed., Master of Education

Lisa Moore, Teacherâ€™s Certificate in Secondary Formerly Arcadia High School Scottsdale, AZ Mathematics Teacher and Curriculum Instruction

Michael Halpert, PhD EDU candidate Teacher Retention Formerly Assistant Principal at Don Mensendick School Glendale, Arizona Michael says he is attracted to the RT F programming for it's impact on youth, recognizing that "there was more than the traditional perspective on how to reach a child."

Wendy Drew, Masters in Art. RTF has been working with Wendy since 2005 Art Instructor at Heard Elementary School, Phoenix

RELEASE THE FEAR FUNDING / FINANCIALS FUNDING FROM FOUNDATIONS, RESTRICTED: 30,000 FUNDING FROM CORPORATE/GRANTS, REST.: 5,500 FUNDING FROM PRIVATE DONORS, GENERAL: 2,800 Release The Fear, Inc. January through December 2008 Program Fees Education Program 5,750.00 Train the Trainer-Restricted 30,000.00 Total Program Fees 35,750.00 Total Income 38,300.00

Expense Credit Card Fees 189.85 Fund Raising Expenses 820.90 Insurance Liability Insurance 1,500.00 Total Insurance 1,500.00 General Expense Interest Expense 68.34 Licenses and Permits 10.00 Postage and Delivery 144.35 Presentations for Donations 12.34 Professional Fees Website Development 450.00 Total Professional Fees 450.00 Program Expense Workshop-Contract Labor 4,980.00 Workshop-Facilitator 20,900.00 Workshop-Supplies/Materials 5,764.24 Total Program Expense 31,644.24 Supplies Office 750.10 Total Supplies 750.10 Website 11.87 Total Expense 35,601.99 Net Ordinary Income 2,698.01 Net Income 2,698.01

Amortized Cost Per Community Service . Total Expense divided by 488 participants through the Release to Fear programs in 2008 The average cost per person to experience the Bridging of their endless Possibilities, is less then $75.00 per participant.

In-kind Services: $14,000 Preparation of training manuals, Coordination of Trainers, final reports, Overhead, Phone,

Cable, Tax Preparation and Volunteer time

12/ 2008 ~1/09 Other In-kind Services: $3,500 Preparation of Release the Fearâ€™s new office space: Sunstate Equipment Co. / Oest Metalworks / Lightform Lighting / Craft Custom Glass / Artistic Lighting Installs Bob Beckwiph / Foxâ€™s Fine Home Designs / Market Box

The effects of the program, as you can see, A picture is worth a thousand words...

Participants, in their own words what is it all about,. . .

To realize I can be much more confident that I am now Well I learned how to express my feelings to people. Work with others, listen and understand. It made me realize you can be more confident than I am now, and I think I am more confident, Learned how to love myself. Proving to people that I can do what ever I put my mind to. No matter what I do, I always have a purpose in life. that some people feel the same as me. People’s fear and Nick’s fear Confidence and on of my class mates is a good swimmer. Don’t let anything interfere with your dream and some of my friend’s dreams are weird! Went to school and some of my friends are crazy. Respect and what my friends enjoy about themselves. Never give up and my friend’s favorite color Be myself, believe in myself and my friends do too. love myself, respect others, and I learned about my friend’s dreams and fears. Get up and talk to people, don’t let things get in my way and some friends think like me. Respect others, and no one is shy. Don’t hold on to anger, don’t let anything stop you and classmates have a least favorite color. Teamwork, never stop and classmates make a good team. Put your dreams first and everybody has unique ways of dealing with their issues. My favorite color and Jr. is afraid of being alone. About the agriculture of southeast Asia and my classmates are nice when you get to know them. Control my anger, contact people, and my classmates are more similar to you that you think. How to change something negative to a positive, talk out loud in front of people without being nervous, and some classmates could have the same fear as I do Life is better when you have friends. learned that Jack and I are afraid of clowns With a favorite power is. they may have the same fears. They may have the same expirations.. They are more comfortable with others. Their crazy. Some are the same as me. They are not shy. That everybody ask the same. What they enjoy. We all have the same point of view and look at things in multiple ways., How to speak up., Everyone has lots of problems and diff. ways to handle them. , That everyone has lots of problems and different ways to handle it. We all have the same fear, kind of. That they all have problem they want to understand., It actually feels like it is real. I want to go to where my dreams are. It taught that someone can have memories about old times.. That you are not the only one with a fear, dreams or hopes and you are not alone. Have no fear of sharing, so you can talk to more people. New about classmates or friends in the workshop: Some of them fear., They want to become the same things., A lot., Nice., They are fun., They are fun and they make me laugh all the time and I like when they make me laugh., They are fun to talk and play with., That in fear you are not alone and you should like yourself the way you are., To be nice to each other I learned that I could stand up in front of a crowd and not be shy. I can be confident. I learned not to be scary because some kids can feel what I feel. I learned that expressing yourself is okay. That I am so much into art. That I can getting along with anybody. That I can really be happy. Seeing all Understanding Being in contact with people. Confidence. See life with new eyes Never give up Believe in myself. Do anything interfere. Go Never stopped or get in the way of your dream. Need to believe.

RELEASE THE FEAR, INC., LOOKING FORWARD . . . THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT HUMANITY, IT’S ABOUT ECONOMICS Society can pay $75.00 to steer an at risk youth toward a life as a productive community member or spend over $2.3 million to head them down the path to become a liability to society.* *Statistics from 1998 state there is a societal cost of $1.7 to $2.3 million per youth headed for a life of crime. According to Mark A. Cohen, of the Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, In his1998 publication, The Monetary Value of Saving a High-risk Youth, he states, “The overall lifetime estimate per youth is $1.7 to $2.3 million”. Since then an estimated more then 50% increase in the bottom line.

*Based on research from 1998 average of $2 million, + 50% economic increase = $3 million for life of crime incarceration (LOC/I) If RTF was to utilize the societal liability of what it cost for one youth, for a, LOC/I With RTF workshop cost of $75.00 per participate We would be able to positively impact 40,000youthOur programs previous effects of reduction in recidivism 25% as tracked from Detention staff, At 25% of 40,000 youth through RTF program = 10,000 youth saved from a life of crime 10,000 X $3 Million, for LOC/I = $30 Billion savings to society What: Release the Fear organization has worked with thousands of at-risk youth and adults in Arizona and around the world, offering experiential programs that help reverse the paralyzing affects of fear and diminished self-worth. How: These programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing. Our facilitators guide participants through interactive creative activities and analytically explore the connectedness to their lives. Why: Participants develop invaluable core life skills that encourage better critical problem solving and a healthy sense of understanding self and others. Through the RTF programs, participants discover that anything is possible, that they have a purpose in life—“They Matter.”

www.releasethefear.org ~ info@releasethefear.org ~ 602 818-6959 302 West Monroe Phoenix, AZ 85003 ~ Mailing : P.O. Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizona’s youth for a brighter tomorrow. ©

To all Release the Fear Current and Future Supporters, From the Board of Release the Fear and the Community we serve, THANK YOU again for truly making a life changing difference with your support by helping young lives realize their Possibilities are Endless.

Release the Fear Chair

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Artistic Director, Founder