Rico 2 0 1 3 final support report

THANKS YOU FOR YOUR

2013

SUPPORT

MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

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

Thanks to the foresight and generosity of Maricopa County

Attorney's Office support with RICO funds. This is the final report from six different second chance workshops, one held help with East and West Paroled in Maricopa County.

With juveniles that are transitioning back into the community from Adobe Correctional Facility. Through your support Release the Fear was able to provide life altering skills to 69 transitioning youth in Maricopa County. Our evidence-based curriculum uses the creative processes of art, music and communication. Thanks to your support we were able to teach these youth valuable cognitive behavioral life skills on conflict resolution and how to build self-esteem. They also learned tools that will inspire them in school, combat peer pressure, bullying, anger, and violence of any kind. These are life skills that will help them break the chain of fear, self-doubt and violence, and empower them to strive for a productive future. These workshops were delivered from October 2013 through April 2014.

TURNING PAIN INTO POSSIBILITIES, POSSIBILITIES INTO PURPOSE . . .OPENING YOUNG MINDS FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROWŠ 332 W.Lynwood Street Phoenix Arizona 85003 602-818-6959~info@releasethefear.org ~ www.releasethefear.org

W

hat: Release the Fear, is a non-profit health and human services organization, teaches Arizona’s youth the life skills needed to combat the effects of peer pressure, bullying, abuse and violence in our society and learn to make better life choices. Release the Fear has worked with thousands of at-risk youth in Arizona to decrease the enticement of gang involvement by 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 meeting Arizona education standards.

H

ow: These programs stimulate whole-brain thinking and develop metacognitive thought processing by utilizing new applied-knowledge teaching methods. 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. Inquiry-based learning is an educational practice where the teacher/facilitator uses controlled questioning to serve as a learning guide in order to move students toward 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 experiences 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.

A

pproach: Through experiential programs, we encourage participants to develop valuable core life skills, 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, and why they matter to the world, to the community, and most of all to themselves.

T

ransformation: The Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a 2010 report demonstrating the value of Inside Out: Bridging Possibilities workshops on 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 46 percent—nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future.

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.

Budget Narratives, Inside -Out Bridging Possibilities Second Chance Workshops

Our reach, we worked with Parole in the East and West Valley and provided 6 IOBP

Second Chance workshops for 69 youth as they transition back to their communities. It is crucial for them to hear this information at this time in their life when they need it the most, we were able to reinforcing what they learned in previous RTF workshops.

One workshop EXPENSES $1,650.00 $9,900 Lead Facilitator/Artist Specialist

$ 680.00

$4,080

Co-Facilitator

$ 300.00

$1,800

Pre/Post Inventories, Evaluations

$ 150.00

$900

Final Report

$ 70.00

$420

Art / Printed Supplies, snacks

$ 90.00

$540

Student Recognition, Postage & marketing

$ 60.00

$360

Internal Coordination, Support and workshop prep

$ 260.00

$1,560

Travel (average)

$ 50.00

$300

Total-

$9,960

In-kind donations: The space and equipment at the juvenile detention center.

The time of two or three Parole Staffers from in facility, for a total of two different detention staff, during the entire duration of each workshop. Also staff is instrumental in the selection of participants for workshop from Pre applications.

A supervisor level staff to oversee the tracking of recidivism rate, of all workshop participants for the overall evaluation of long term success of workshop. Volunteers to coordinate the preparing of documents, organizing all supplies and assisting facilitators prior to and during workshops. In-kind:$450.00-Per X 6 = $2,700

RELEASE THE FEAR'S MISSION: To counter the paralyzing effects of violence in our communities by turning fear, anger, and hate into acceptance, hope, and self empowerment, by bridging endless possibilities through the creative process

2013

RICO FUNDING

RELEASE THE FEAR 2013 /2014 RTF Pre/Post Survey Results RICO OVERALL PERCENTAGES 69 Students (6 PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 14-17 70.2% discovered something new about themselves 85.5% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 61.5% compared to Post 79.3% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 97% compared to Post 97.2% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

73% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

85.3% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

Individual Workshop Percentages for Two Three Hour Classes 1. October 18-19 2013 Westside Parole 11 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 14-17 36% discovered something new about themselves 73% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 53% compared to Post 73% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

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

45% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

82% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

2. November 22-23 2013 Eastside Parole 9 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 16-17 83% discovered something new about themselves 67% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 67% compared to Post 83% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 50% compared to Post 83% 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. January 10-11 2014 Westside Parole 10 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 15-17 80% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 70% compared to Post 100% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 90% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

70% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

90% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

4. February 21-22 2014 Westside Parole 10 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 15-17 86% discovered something new about themselves 86% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 43% compared to Post 57% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

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

86% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

71% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

5. March 21-22 2014 Eastside-Westside Parole 19 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 15-17 73% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 73% compared to Post 82% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

Pre 82% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality.

91% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

82% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

6. April 11-12 2014 Eastside-Westside Parole 10 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% – Youth Ages 16-17 63% discovered something new about themselves 87% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

Pre 63% compared to Post 75% realized that they are not alone in their fears.

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

63% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

87% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

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

Steven Hunter Former SUNS Player - Inspirational Talk

ADJC: Release the Fear Workshops Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections Research & Development April 9, 2014 The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) measures recidivism as a return to custody with ADJC or the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC). For recidivism calculation purposes, each juvenile released from secure care is tracked for 12, 24, and 36 months, with 36 months being the preferred follow-up time period to capture a subsequent adjudication or conviction that results in a return to custody. Research has found that 36 months provides the most accurate and comprehensive analysis of reoffending patterns and provides the most valid indicator of how well a program is preventing future crime.

Use of recidivism data to compare interventions or determine impact is risky without conducting additional research and using comparison groups to statistically control factors (i.e. offender characteristics, length of stay and therapeutic interventions) that likely influence recidivism findings so that differences found can be attributed solely to the intervention of interest. Additionally, the follow-up time for this report is limited (ranges from 1 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. Thus, it is strongly recommended that the recidivism rates reported for the Release the Fear (RTF) participants not be revealed as an indicator of the program's effectiveness.

Between 9/25/2012 and 3/25/2014, 20 RTF workshops occurred with ADJC children - 10 workshops occurred in secure care and 10 workshops occurred in the community. A total of 393 children participated in one or more RTF workshops.

Table 1. RTF Participants by Location Frequency

Percent

Secure Care

323

68.4

Community

149

31.6

Total

4/2

100.0

Of the 323 participants that participated in an RTF workshop while in secure care, 201 (62%) have since been released from secure care. Of the 201 released participants, 63 (31%) have been returned to secure care for violations of their community supervision; 89% for non-delinquent technical violations and 11% for new offenses.

The remaining 138 (69%) have not yet been returned to custody.

Of the 149 participants that participated in an RTF workshop while on community supervision, 48 (32%) have since been returned to secure care for violations of their community supervision; 77% for non-delinquent technical violations and 23% for new offenses. The remaining 101 (68%) have not yet been returned to custody.

RICO 1 of 6 Thanks to Rico, 12 young lives from Westside Parole experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on October 18-19, 2013.

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 14-17.

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? : Social skills. Asking for help. Not make assumptions. Being open-minded. / How to control anger. Not arguing that would turn into right. Get to know people and not judging them. Helps with your social life. / Social skills.

Talking to staff. When you open up communication. Being a better person.

Creative Storytelling: Express your feelings. By staying focused. By not taking it personally. / Skills. Help think outside the box. They will get their back. Helps you do your own thing. / Communicate more. Getting from peers. Talk to the bully that that ain’t right to do. Less violence will happen.

Through the Hoops: Focused. Being brave. By not taking things personal. Teamwork. / Trust because we had our eyes closed and they were being helpful. You will believe teachers in the topics they’re learning. They will be more open to talk about it. Helps you to be more loyal. / Teamwork. Communication – teamwork. Gathering people from the community. In every daily basis in life.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: How to look at yourself. Help interact with people. Is show yourself as in positive. / Self confident. Do your best on your tests and homework. Keep you out of trouble. Be more successful in life. / Leaders and self-confidence. Help people out and give them good advice of how they can stop themselves before they get into trouble. Ask yourself if you’re a leader or a follower. Your kids can look up to.

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

It made me feel content or at peace with myself. / Confidence. / Strong person. / It makes me feel the same. / It makes me proud of who I am. / It makes me feel cute haha and happy. / Makes me feel good. / Strong and respectful towards myself. / Makes me feel good and proud of myself. / It makes me feel good about myself because I’m not a bad person. / Family – makes me happy.

Jail – makes me want to do good to not go back.

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 mom because she is strong willed and independent. Because she doesn’t rely on anyone no matter what’s going on. She finds a way to move forward. Independence, confidence, trustworthy, honesty, strong willed. / He’s known for the best basketball player in the world. / My mom. My mom because she’s always been there for me and help me throughout life. Positive attitude. / My tia.

Because she’s always been there for me. Respect, loyalty, honesty. / My hero is my mom because she’s always there for me when I need her. I think my mom is important because she’s my parent. / My brother is always helps me. My mom cause they are always there for me. / He is a good influence. Positive attitude and respect. / I am my own hero because I’m brave and responsible. I do the right thing and always look towards the future. Brave, honesty, responsibility, respectful. / Because she has took me and my brother and sisters forward without my dad. Leadership, positive role model. / My son because he made me realize that I can’t be getting locked up, even though he passed away. Lovable and someone to talk to. / My mom – she did her best to raise me good.

She raised me. I look up to her as a mom.

Seeing Beyond: It will help me on the test. To respect yourself more. / Tools. Would help take a good guess on a test.

Use our brain, think outside the box. / Helps memory. Science because I can do things to help me find out an answer.

To always have the picture drawn to not fall into negativity.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: That dreams are always going to be true. Is don’t fear what other people think. Is to not give up and keep going for your goals. / A lot of people fear the same thing. You continue moving toward your dreams. Step back and see, overcome your fears. You’re prepared to face your fears. / How to communicate. Talk to your teacher. Let the bully know he’s doing wrong. During job interviews have good communications ask questions.

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.

Going to Adobe because it changed me. / I felt bad going to Adobe because I separate from my family. / Is a time when I went in Adobe and one of my friends. / Getting locked up seemed negative but it made me who I am today. / When I got locked up I learn my lesson and started to do positive things. / I felt bad about going to Adobe because I was away from my family. But when I got out I matured and realized I was dong terrible thing by stealing. / I thought stealing was a negative thing and turned that I seen working hard and buying your own stuff is better than stealing. / Umm talking to my mom. / I thought stealing was good, but just got me into trouble and lost trust in my family. / When I used to go to the park with old friends then go play ball. / I thought fighting was good, but it doesn’t help the situation.

Release the Fear, Inc. ®

RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc ® PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959

Funded By: Rico 1 of 6 Location: Westside Parole %Male 100 %Female 0

Dates: October 18-19, 2013 Ages 14-17

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

Pre %YES 55 %NO 36 %Maybe 0 %No Answer 9 Post %YES 73 %NO 18 %Maybe 0 %No Answer 9 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 27 % Sometimes 73 % All the Time 0 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 82 % All the Time 18 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 45 % All the Time 55 Post % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 27 % All the Time 64 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 18 % Sometimes 45 % All the Time 36 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 36 % All the Time 64 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 45 % Leader 55 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 18 % Leader 82 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 27 % No 73 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 64 % No 27 % No Answer 9 Did you do anything? % Yes 36 % No 18 % No Answer 45 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 45 % No 55 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: It’s a joke. / I didn’t catch that. / Is to not take things personal. / Because I don’t deal with bullying. / Communicate. / Helps you better. / Yes because I can take some breaths.

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 82 % No 18 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I will go up to the persona and tell him to stop bullying and how would you feel if you were getting picked on. / It’s not my life. / I would stop them. / Is to tell them to stop or be like it not my career. / I would recognize it. / I would help them out. / Talk to the bully and ask him if he would like it to be bullied. / Become a better person. / Tell an adult. / Stop it.

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 45 % No 55 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I already know wassup. / I already knew how. / To think about all my actions. / Communicate. / Keep trying. / I should be confident about myself.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 45% Post 91% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Nothing. / It is nice to use color to express things. / Depends on a person’s perspective and beliefs. / No. / No. / I think it’s pretty good. / I like colors. / They’re just a color. / No. / Yes you can see yourself in color. / Nope not really.

Post: That colors are cool. / Color pops out. / Never care about color like that. / Color is the dream. / Nothing in particular. / Color is just who you are. / It helps you think better. / That every color has a meaning. / I like color. / Color expresses you. / The same thing.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Become in the NBA. / My dream is to get a good job and support my family. / Is to live a long and successful life that brings joy and happiness. / Is to become a professional soccer player. / Go to college. / To make my mom happy. / Is playing football. / Finish school. / Is to be successful. / To have a successful career. / Is to help my family. / To be somebody in life.

Post: Is to play in the NFL. / Is to become a professional basketball. / Making mom proud. / To be a aeronautical engineer or a tattoo artist. / To live a long and happy life. / To be happy with my lady and make our own family. / Is to become a professional soccer player. / Have a house, a car, be a professional soccer player. / Is to get a house and family and support them. / Play basketball.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 91% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Is stay focused. / Expressing myself to do better in life. / Nothing and help me express my feelings. / Is to stay focus. / Nothing in particular. / To be more creative. / To not stop trying. / Is that there’s a lot of people that can help you. / Work together. / Is to express myself more. / I realized I like to draw.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 36% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: No. / That all music has different colors. / Nope. / Is I am a good person and I like to talk. / No I didn’t really learn nothing. / No I didn’t. / No. / That there’s lots of people that are there to help us. / Yes. Work well with others. / Yes I did. / No. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend?

Post 73% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Nothing. / Nothing at all. / Their past and problems. / That they can help. / Nothing in particular. / Nothing. / That everyone tries at their own will. / That they are scared of something as well. / They fear the same thing. / That there are other people just like me. / We all have similar things.

What has this workshop taught you about what Art can do for your community?

Post % discovered something that Art could do in their community.

Thoughts Shared: It could help people that are struggling. / I can help more people around. / Nothing. / Is get you think about positive. / Nothing in particular. / It makes it more creative. / To help out and make it look better to connect better. / Help us work together. / Help others when they need help. / It showed me that art makes people happy. / Take out your anger.

RICO 2 of 6 Thanks to RICO, 9 young lives from Eastside Parole experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on November 22-23, 2013.

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 16-17.

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? : Can’t judge a book by its cover. So you won’t judge anyone. So you won’t bully someone based on their looks. Help you meet new people. / Taught to not prejudge people. By not prejudging people based off how they look. By learning not to stereotype. I won’t do it to other people because I know what it feels like. / How to communicate with people, not judge people. Get to learn more about people, easier to make friends.

Allows you to look deeper at people instead of judging. Keep you from judging people.

Creative Storytelling: How to remember. Remember the material for the test. Remember how to defend yourself. To remember past experiences. / Memory, to be positive. Memorizing things for tests. Comforting those who are bullied. To be positive and thankful. / To look deeper at things. Helps you with tests, making them into a story. Use hypotheticals to help not bully people. Help you with remembering stuff, easier to be successful in life.

Through the Hoops: Working together. Get stuff done faster. Jump the bully. Help you get. / Getting outta our comfort zone can be good. Presenting in front of a class. Speak up for others. Be outgoing, get a job.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: To be confident in yourself. To be confident in meeting new people or learning new things. If you’re confident in yourself you don’t have to worry about it. To be sure what you want to do. / Be confident. You can be sure of answers. Make your own choices. Get a job.

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

Happy. I love it. / Good. / I feel confident. / It makes me feel good and confident in myself. / Weird. / Close to being done.

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?

Robert. Because they’re not many as him that like to help us. Great personality, happy, and very helpful. / She has always been there. Loyal, kind, understanding. / Lebron James. Because he is good at basketball and he works really hard. A hard worker. Someone who has responsibilities. / Me. Because I’m cool. Has to be cool. / He is a United States Marine. He is serving our country.

Seeing Beyond: Describing. When you don’t know the answer, if you ask the right questions, you can figure it out. / Working together, imagination. Because there may be some things you don’t know and should just listen.

By you being unaware about certain things if you just sit back and listen, you can learn a lot more. / Learn how to describe stuff, learn how to communicate. Makes it easier to communicate, easier to get your point across. It will help you in relationships and get a job.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To express myself on paper. Be more creative.

Might stand up for themselves and tell them how they feel. Be creative and enjoy life. / Talk better to people.

Speaking to the crowd. Getting along.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Coping skills, painting, listening before I act. Helping others. Coping skill, deal with people.

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.

Yes/No: Yes. Work with people I don’t like. Trying better. By getting better with people.

Color: Respect. To respect others work. To respect others work. / The skill helped me relax. Help me calm down for a test. It can help me stay calm during stressful situations.

Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: We all are going through some shit. / Be yourself and open to ideas.

RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc

®

Funded By: RICO 2 of 6 3 hour class Location: Eastside Parole %Male 100

%Female 0

Dates: November 22-23, 2013 (3 hour class)

Ages 16-17

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

Pre %YES 67 %NO 33 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 83 %NO 17 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 33 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 0 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 83 % All the Time 17 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 17 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 16 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 33 % Sometimes 33 % All the Time 33 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 83 % All the Time 17 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 16 % Equal 17 % Leader 67 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 67 % Leader 33 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 17 % No 83 % No Answer 0 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 83 % No 17 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Jump the bully. / I learned that I need to be different and treat people how I want to be treated. / Stand up to them. / Discipline. / It’s not nice.

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Get tired of the bully. / I would tell them to stop. / Maybe. / Tell the bully off. / I’ll deal with them. / Help bully them.

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 67 % No 33 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Think about yourself. / I learned how not to follow people. / Be yourself.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 50% Post 83% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I don’t care about color. / It goes with moods. / Yes I like the color black. / Nope. / Nothing.

No. Color. / Blue, my mood.

Post: Different feelings. / I learned that color help open your imagination. / It can reflect moods. / Colors bring your thoughts out. / Same. / It’s art.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 50% Post 83% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I don’t have one. / Be a professional musician. / Playing football and going to college. / I don’t have one. / Stay alive. / They are all equal. / Make money. / Becoming rich.

Post: To be a tattoo artist. / Is to become a football player. / I don’t know. / To have a family. / Family goals. / Be successful.

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

Thoughts Shared: Don’t give up. / To never give up and that fear is not a reason to quit. / Working together. / Work hard and be open. / Expressing my feelings. / I can do it.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 83% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I am responsible. / I learned that I need to talk lower. / Nothing. / I am open to a wide variety of ideas. / Reverse my fear, learn more coping skills. / I’m cool.

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

Post 67% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: They all care. / I learned they have a lot in common with me. / Nothing. / Some have the same fears as I do. / Everybody is different.

RICO 3 of 6 Thanks to RICO, 10 young lives from West Side Parole experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on January 10-11, 2014.

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 15-17.

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? : Memory, pre-judge. If you don’t know, ask. Don’t judge others. Remind yourself not to pre-judge.

Don’t judge people on look. / Know about yourself. Know what you wanna study. Know someone before you judge. Know what you wanna do in life. / Characteristics, socializing, meeting new people. Make new friends.

Getting to know people’s characteristics. Help you make friends.

Creative Storytelling: Memory. Studying. You can talk to the bully. For an interview at a job, remember what was said. / Remember. Know the answers. Know the consequences. Don’t forget important things. / Imagination, long-term memory, socializing. Help in art class. Make him a friend. Help meet people and remember them.

Through the Hoops: Teamwork, problem solving. Asking others for help or help others. Help a kid that is being bullied. Helps with solving problems and going through obstacles that get in your way in life. / Teamwork. Work with others. You could help someone that’s getting bullied. Ask for help, there’s always someone that can help. / Teamwork. Help you find answers with a team. Helping out the bully. When you work in teams, you can accomplish something faster.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Accept yourself. Be more open to friends and strangers. Think to yourself before you act. Meeting people you haven’t met and be open. / I didn’t learn anything, I just wrote down. I don’t give into peer pressure, I’m a leader. / Accept yourself. Don’t let words affect you. Not caring about what people have to say. It’s important to accept yourself in life because it helps makes you, you.

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 good about me. / Alright. / Good. / It makes me feel confident. / Good. / Confident. / It makes me feel happy to know that I’m alive and healthy. / It makes me feel successful.

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 dad. Because of the things he accomplished. Being a positive person, doing big things. / Myself. Because he is being himself. Personality. / My brother. Because he helps me when I’m down. Good influence. / Because they do what I always wanted to do. Leadership, wisdom, humor, competitiveness, determination. / My mom. They’re always there for me. / My hero is my step-dad cause he has to support a family that isn’t his. Because he’s a strong worker. / My two greatest heroes are my. Kind, trustworthy, honesty, and friendly. / My cousin. My cousin because he did what it takes to graduate and go to college. Now he plays college football. Because he did what it took to be successful.

Leadership, responsibility.

Seeing Beyond: Asking questions, using imagination. Any subject that is difficult and art because you can be creative. Giving details about someone or something that a person asks you about. / Guessing. In a difficult subject. By asking questions. / Asking questions. Help you ask questions and figure out subjects in math.

Asking questions helps you in the work field.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Think ahead and stay focused. Stay motivated even when people bring you down. If bully was bullied before, tell him to think ahead not past. Understanding other people. / Memories help get past fears and get to your dreams. Stay focused on your dream. Help others. Reaching your goals. / Learn about life and how to reflect and help you get to your dreams. School and finding the right education can help you get to your dreams. Face your fear and try to make him a friend.

Help you think of your life helps take you where you want to go.

Color: I learned that music has color. It could help bring more life to something. It can help you picture stuff better. / Change the way you see things. Helps you in art and coordinating school subjects. Helps you see life in a different perspective.

®

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

Funded By: RICO 3 of 6 Location: West Side Parole %Male 100

%Female 0

Dates: January 10-11, 2014 Ages 15-17

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

Pre %YES 70 %NO 30 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 100 %NO 0 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 80 % All the Time 10 Post % Not at all 20 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 30 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 40 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 30 % All the Time 70 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 40 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 30 % All the Time 80 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 10 % Equal 40 % Leader 50 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 30 % Leader 70 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 10 % No 90 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 70 % No 30 Did you do anything? % Yes 30 % No 40 % No Answer 30 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 70 % No 20 % No Answer 10 Thoughts Shared: Maybe because I don’t see a lot of bullying. / To help someone that’s getting bullied. / Help people that get bullied or the bully. / Stand up for the victims, understanding others. / You can help others. / No, because I don’t get bullied. / To stand up for yourself and others.

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 90 % No 10 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Help the person that’s getting bullied. / Stop the bully. / Stand up for him and help him. / Help em or give them advice. / No, if it’s not my business, I don’t deal with it. / I would stand up for them.

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 90 % No 10 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. / Feed off my own opinions. / Yes, I learned to be a leader to myself and others. / Yes, it helps you do and think of what’s important. / Yes, to feel confident.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 60% Post 90% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I think color helps express feelings. / I think color makes. / It’s fascinating. / No. / No. / I like colors. / It don’t really matter. / I think color changes the way people look at you. / They are alright.

Post: It’s a very important aspect in life. / It relates to a lot of things. / It’s alright. / The color change changes how you feel. / Color can affect the way that you’re feeling. / I learned color can help you see stuff better. / I still look at it the same. / I think color is in everything we do. / Listening to music would help me find color.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 90% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Is to become a CEO. / To become a car salesman. / Graduating college. / My dream is to be able to pay bills. / Be successful. / Is making money. / Finish school. / Go to college. / To become a successful developer. / I don’t.

Post: Both because one is not itself without the other. / Be successful. / Going to college. / Be able to have money and support my family. / Be a car salesman at a Ferrari store. / Being successful in life, make my mother proud. / Is to become a contractor and own a construction company. / Is to go to college and own business. / My most important dream is to go to college. / Is to have a nice Hummer with a big house.

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

Thoughts Shared: Being more open. / Ask for help when I need it. / Is ask questions. / Stay in school.

Learn tools. / Stay focused. / Follow through with my goals and don’t give up. / I learned that there will be sacrifices that come with your dream. / Socializing cause throughout life you gotta socialize to go up. / There is always going to be obstacles in chasing your dreams. / Is to accomplish college and military.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 80% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Not a lot. / I learned to follow my dreams. / N/A. / I learned that I’m confident. / Nothing. / I learned that I worry and think about the past too much and need to move on. / I learned that I can do anything I believe in. / I work better in groups. / My main fear. I really did know my main one. / Everyone is the same. We all make mistakes.

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: These guys are very smart and cool to talk to. / Everyone wants to go to college. / That everyone is basically the same. / That we all have dreams and want to be someone in life. / Help them if they need it. / I learned that we all have the same hopes and dreams. / I learn that everyone went through stuff. / To keep a friend cause they might be on top. I might need to ask him/her for something. / Their hopes, fears, and dreams. / They have been through a lot of stuff.

RICO 4 of 6 Thanks to RICO, 10 young lives from Westside Parole Second Chance Program experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on February 21-22, 2014.

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 15-17.

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? : Open minded. You could learn new things. Coping skills. Open to know different expressions. / Better communication, to see how people are different. You could meet new friends. Choosing. Help you meet new people. / Using communication and getting to know other without prejudice. Getting to know people who can help you. Having a one-on-one convo. Because you never know the people you might stereotyping might be the most helpful in your life.

Creative Storytelling: Memory. Knowing about stuff that needs to be done. Coping with life. / Learned how to be descriptive. Memory, remember stuff. Because you could beat them up. You will learn how to describe things. / Memory and imagination. To remember contexts. To prove them wrong. To remember things common.

Through the Hoops: Perseverance. Get through school. Work through it. It’s an everyday thing to get through hoops. / Teamwork. You could work with someone on an assignment. You could work with someone to stop the bullying. You are able to work cooperatively with everyone you run into. / By counting to ten. By not getting big. By coping. /

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Creativity, confidence, ability. Create a story. Ability to feel special. Feel confidence. / Self-confidence, responsibility. Turn in assignments on time. You are able to feel good about yourself enough to not fall into it. You will be able to successful. / Confident presentation. Successful. Be who you are. Strong minded.

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

A very good person. Proud of myself. / I very good person. I respect people. I got a mind of evil thoughts. Good, proud of myself. / Good. / It makes me feel good and weird. / Tired. / Good.

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?

Mom. Cause she’s strong. / My family. They care for me. They love me. They are everything to me. / My mom.

Because they do a lot for me. Responsible. / King lil g. Cause they is. JDK. / To see. Help others. / Myself. I’m important to this world. Powers, hard working, intelligent.

Seeing Beyond: Description, visualization, suspense, imagination. Talking to people and telling stories. / Visualization, describe, imagination. Reading, science by solving problems. / Imagination and creativity. In art class or something you don’t know. To learn/know things you can’t see.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Taking time, memorize, details. Art classes.

Drawing inappropriate pictures. Maybe at work you may have to draw something. / Confidence. You would be able to learn. You could beat him up. Be more happy. / Know what you know and want. Accomplishments.

Remembering what it feels like. To know what you want to accomplish.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Creativity. / How we look at ourselves.

Yes/No: Patience, hard work. Good grades, attendance. Patience being calm. Work hard play hard. / What people say to yes or no (courage). You will be able to go in front of class and present. You would have the courage to say no. You can go outside the box and have the courage to do it. / To take criticism. Teachers talk down to you. To say yes or no. When people judge you.

®

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

Funded By: RICO 4 of 6 Dates: February 21-22, 2014 Location: Westside Parole Second Chance Program %Male 100

%Female 0

Ages 15-17

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

Pre %YES 43 %NO 57 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 29 %NO 71 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 43 % Sometimes 43 % All the Time 14 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 43 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 100 % All the Time 0 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 29 % All the Time 71 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 57 % All the Time 43 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 71 % All the Time 29 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 43 % Leader 57 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 29 % Leader 71 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 0 % No 100 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 29 % No 42 % No Answer 29 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 86 % No 14 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: To stop being mean. / Coping skills. / Bullying is bad. / Because we all talked about it.

Work through it.

/

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 71 % No 29 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Stop it. / I help. / Stop them. / Help them out. He’s not doing nothing to you. / Yes I would help the kid.

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 71 % No 14 % No Answer 14 Thoughts Shared: Don’t make bad decisions. / Feel confident making own decisions. / I learned that everything happens for reasons.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 29% Post 71% Thoughts Shared: Pre: No I have not. / Nothing I don’t judge. / Blue is my fav. / No. / I’m not racist. / No I just think it’s decoration. / No I see everyone as the same. / It’s just decoration. / Nothing and no. / Post: Color is the circle of life. / Dark colors are sad colors and colorful color are happy. / They’re good.

Nothing. / Nothing. / I don’t judge on color. / Color is naturally being used.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To graduate high school and get my high school diploma. / To amount to something. / Becoming a CEO. / Being a successful person and change. / Please my family. / Become an NBA player. / Graduate college. / Army. / Is to own a store.

Post: Making money to be rich and my family. / Is to graduate high school and get high school diploma. / Artist. / Finish college. / Is finishing education and being successful person. / To be a successful person in society. / Becoming an NBA player.

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

Thoughts Shared: To move forward from problems. / Is to listen and use mind control. / Coping skills. / Be confident. / Doing what I had to do. / How to communicate with people. / To have plenty of patience.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 86% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: I learned patience to deal with stressful situations. / I’m handsome. / I have intelligence. / I’m very social. / That I could get outside of my comfort zone and talk to people. / I learned that in order to reach something, you gotta be consistent.

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

Post 86% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I’m the only white kid in here. / That every different one thinks different. / They intelligent. / Nothing. / Trust others. / That they are very much like me. / That everybody has their options and decisions to make.

®

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

RICO 5 of 6 Thanks to RICO, 19 young lives from East and West Parole Second Program experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on March 21-22, 2014.

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 15-17.

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? : To get to know each other, stereotyping. So you don’t do it. Don’t judge by how they look. Make friends. / Getting to know people. Meeting new people. Figure them out instead of judgments. Get to learn people. / Get to know people. Open minded, look at all possibilities. Ask questions, get to know people. Meet all kinds of people, get a job, trust each other. / Stereotyping, judging. Being bullied. Don’t judge someone by its cover. People don’t think you’re a bully.

Creative Storytelling: How to memorize stuff. Learning words for spelling. Make up stories about how you don’t have money. Remember the mistakes you made. / How to memorize words said. Taking your mind off harming. Gaining knowledge. / Helps with your memory, how you communicate. Stop false rumors, by paying attention. Helps memory. Be more outgoing. / Memorization, communication. Help with tests, and getting along with people. Helps you avoid it. Helps with job interviews and talking to people.

Through the Hoops: Teamwork, focus. Work together to complete task. Work together. Get through life with the help of others. / Teamwork. To learn to work better. To try and stop it. To help others. / To adjust in different situations. Sometimes you just have to ask someone. Help gain confidence to help in a positive way.

Sometimes you have to go along to get along. / Teamwork. Teach you how to work with peers. Help you avoid bullies. Teach you how to work with people and at a job.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Respect, teamwork, realizing who you are. To know what you want out of school. Be able to stand up for yourself and do what you want. Know what you want. / Recognize yourself.

See who you’re there for. Think about advice. Take and use your advice. / Don’t put yourself down, positive self talk. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Helps you stand up. Fills you with confidence, courage, and selfrespect. / Communication, building self-confidence. Help you get along with people, make you more confident.

Make it easier to resist peer pressure. Help you avoid problems and negative situations.

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. / Still the same as any other day. / Like I appreciate myself. / Good because I see myself. / Alright. / It makes me feel confident about myself. / It makes me feel happy. / It makes me feel good. / Makes me feel good about myself and confident. / Good about myself. / Happy. / Happy, confident. / Makes me feel happy. / I love happy.

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 mom cuz she is the strongest person I know. She is important because she helps everyone she meets and is around no matter how she feels. / I don’t have a hero. I don’t know. / My brother. He’s always been there to help me out.

Respect, honesty, support. / My mom. Because they’re family. Respect. / Chief Keef. He smart. Strength. / My mom.

She always is there supporting and helping me. / Superman. To save people. To do the right thing. / My grandfather.

He has accomplished a lot. Confidence, strength (mental and physical), good personality. / Heroes are important because if nobody had a hero then no one would look up to anyone. Able to protect me, makes me, always has my back when I need them to. / YG. Cause she is smart and intelligent. Strength. / Because she is my mother. Someone who is gonna be there for me. / Dad and mom because they’re always there. They are always there for me. Leader, helpful, respectful. / Papa. They inspire me. Cause they like to help other people. Good attitude, always smiling.

Seeing Beyond: To be able to read body language. To be aware of my surroundings. Jobs. / Learn how to have clean fun! Learn how to memorize details. Learn to use your senses. / Helps pay attention to detail.

Help in art, math. Helps you to keep a job by listening to others. Helps to look at different viewpoints. / Descriptions, communication. Paying attention and asking questions about your school work. At your work describing stuff to customers.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To express my thoughts. To ask questions. Tell bullies how you feel. You express yourself everyday. / Facing my fears. Help others realize fears. It could help bullies know why they do it. Knowing what to do and what not to do. / Helps to overcome and define fears.

Overcome fears of not fitting in or failing. Be able to stand up to bullies. Direction and something to face overcome obstacles. / Expressing yourself, facing your fears. Help with confidence. Helps you stand up for yourself. Allows you to be outgoing and prove yourself.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Self analysis. Analyze your work and do it better. Learn from your decisions.

Yes/No: How to avoid peer pressure. Avoid negative situations. Keep you from doing stuff you don’t want to do.

Color: How colors affect your emotions. Help you keep your emotions in check. Help you to be aware of your emotions.

Funded By: RICO 5 of 6 Dates: March 21-22, 2014 Location: East and West Parole Second Chance Program %Male 100

%Female 0

Ages 15-17

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

Pre %YES 73 %NO 9 %Maybe 18 Post %YES 82 %NO 0 %Maybe 18 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 36 % Sometimes 45 % All the Time 18 Post % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 64 % All the Time 27 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 27 % All the Time 73 Post % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 18 % All the Time 64 % No Answer 9 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 9 % All the Time 91 Post % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 18 % All the Time 73 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 36 % Leader 64 Post % Follower 9 % Equal 18 % Leader 73 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 18 % No 82 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 82 % No 9 % No Answer 9 Did you do anything? % Yes 29 % No 71 % No Answer 0 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 45 % No 27 % No Answer 18 Thoughts Shared: Stop and tell someone. / Help. / Stand up. / How would I feel if someone did that to me. / Overcome fears. / To communicate with others. / Look at the bigger picture. / Putting up at bullying. / Stay positive. / I learned that bullying someone can cause somebody to be scared for their life if they always have to worry about bullies. / Be proud of who you are and don’t let others bring you down. / Standing up for myself.

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 91 % No 9 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: It’s not right. / Because it’s mean. / I would do what I could. / Because it’s the right thing to do. / Because bullying is not right. / Help the person out. / Beat the bully up with words. / Help kid that’s getting bullied. / I would do something because I learned that everyone should be created equal and no one deserves to be bullied. / I would tell them to f*** off. / I would help them.

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 91 % No 9 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Always don’t hurt to say no. / Think. / To not become a puppet. / I learned how to talk in front of people. / Overcoming fear. / To learn when to say no. / Look at the bigger picture. / List coping

skills. / Be my own man. / I learned how to be responsible and confident, that my peers probably won’t even be in myself and there for me when I really need them. / Keep your dreams and goals close. / Self-reliance.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 45% Post 73% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Never thought about it. / I think it doesn’t matter. / No I have no input. / No. / Color is cool, I guess. I don’t really think about it. / No. / They’re alright. / It affects moods and emotions. / I think it’s great. / It’s a color. / Unique. / It makes things look different. / Nothing. / Nothing. / I think it’s creative. / Not really.

Post: Color says a lot. / Nothing. Commuication. / Nothing really. It just changes moods. / It’s the same. / Same. / That it has tone and music has color. / I think it’s a great way to express yourself. / Color is related to music. / Color means different moods. / Color have tone. / Nothing. / You can get feeling from colors. / I learned that color has to do with everything imagination and music. / That with color and everything, they collide. / Color means everything.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 82% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I don’t think I have one. / Be successful. / Get a family and job. / None. / Get off parole. / Still thinking. / I don’t have one. / To change other people’s lives. To keep them from doing the things I’ve done. / Become someone in life. / Military. / Get rich. / Is to live as long as I can. / GED my high school diploma. / Be successful. / Is to play football. / Be a pro fighter.

Post: To be a doctor. / Money. I learn how to communicate. / Marine. / Being in the military. / Successful. / To become a musician. / Is to become a professional football player. / Football star. / Is to be successful. / To be successful. / Clothing companies. / Successful in life. / To be a successful father. / Become an entrepreneur. / Be successful, make a life for myself and the people I care about.

One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 91% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Teamwork. / Nothing. I don’t believe in dream. / Stay focused no matter what. / To stay focused. / Positive vibes. / Always be willing to listen. / How to do teamwork. / Don’t be afraid of asking for help. / Never give up. / Look never backward, forward. / Not to be afraid. / Never give up. / That we all have differences and fears but it shouldn’t hold us back. / Believe and you’ll achieve. / Work hard.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 73% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: That I really can open up. / I don’t know. / That I was afraid to walk at night. / I’m happy. / I’m a leader. / I have similar fears as others. / I have the same fears as others. / Made me realize a lot more of myself. / Nothing. / Confident and I feel good about myself. / I can overcome things. / I learned that I really can do anything I want if I just put my mind to it. / That I love the true me. / Nothing.

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: We all share a common goal. To succeed. / Communication. / Nothing just that they have the same problems. Same as always./ Their dreams. / They have my fears. / They have same fears as me.

We have the same fears. We have something in common. / Some of them have the same fear. / They have the same fear as me. / Respectful to peers. / My homie Sanchez is shy at public speaking. That even though we live in different areas, we face the same difficulties. / That they have some of the fears that I d

RICO 6 of 6 Thanks to RICO, 10 young lives from Eastside Westside Parole Second Chance Program experienced their Possibilities.

This workshop took place on April 11-12, 2014.

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 16-17.

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? : How to interact with others. Help you do your work. Helps you get to know them. Prevents stereotyping. / Be a better person. Help keep goals in mind by staying out of trouble. Help you be more openminded. / How not to stereotyping. Getting to know classmates. Getting to know somebody. Not judging someone by the way they look. / Kind, friendly, talented. What’s going on, how you change your voice. Help someone being bullied. Being nice, not judgmental. Being bossy.

Creative Storytelling: Use your imagination. To get along. Makes you think of positive things. / Improve my memory. To be more creative and visual. Be more confident in yourself. It can help you use visualization to better yourself. / Learn how to make something from nothing. Help to be more of a creative writer. People would have more things to do than bullying. Help you remember things by repeating it. / Captivate your audience. Being creative. Show respect toward others.

Through the Hoops: Patience. Learn how to cope with it. Discipline, everything in life takes discipline. / Teamwork. To help you make friends in tough situations. You can stand up for others and others stand up for you.

It always helps to have others help you in life to overcome obstacles. / How to depend on each other. How to work as a class. Learn how to get along with each other. To work as a community. / How to conquer obstacles.

Reflective Take Away Assignment: Think yourself as a better person. Predict problems. Discipline. Stay humble. / Confidence. You can speaking in front of people. You know you’re better than that. Improve yourself. / Confidence. Learn how to speak in front of the class. Know that you’re better than doing negative things. To believe in yourself that you can be successful. Hand and eye coordination.

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

Boosts my confidence. / Peaceful, confident. / Makes me feel positive and confident about myself. / Confident, good-looking. / Confident. / I do because I’m not ugly. / The same as before. / Happy, happy.

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?

Mitch Luckier. Because he showed me that even if you have big dreams, be determined and never let your dreams deteriorate.

Leadership, respect, outgoingness. / Dad. Show me how to tackle adversity and perseverance. / Because they’ve always been there and supported me. Positive behavior, honest, respectful. / My mom. Because she has always been there for me.

Respect, mindfulness, caring. / Mother. Because she was there all my life. She’s my mom. She’s my role model. / My mom.

She’s always been there for me. / Because they’re a role model. Respectful, honest, and integrity. / My bro. My hero is my brother. He’s made it through so much and is still making it through things. Commitment, strong will, confidence, never give up. / Mom. My mom is important because she loved me unconditionally and whenever I was in trouble, she helped me out.

Everything my mom has. / Sylvia. I think they’re important to me because that’s my Grandma.

Seeing Beyond: How to explain. All of them. How to estimate. / Visualization. It can help you communicate.

Science – describe things. Describe situations. / Communication, use your imagination. Guess, make hypothesis, estimate. How to guess, estimate. How to better communicate.

Drawing one’s Fear’s, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Creating things in your mind. Being creative. Cope using colors. Help you see better. / Helps talk about personal problems. Helps make new friends. Helps to stand up to bullies. Helps to know where you want to go in life, job, friends. / To follow through with dreams. Believe you can do anything. You would be chasing your dream than bullying people. By not giving up.

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.

Color: Visualization, learn to imagine, dream. Helps with different classes. Helps you to make, earn a job. / Learn to dream about things. Learn how to visualize things. Notice who you are by looking in the mirror.

®

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

Funded By: RICO 6 of 6 Dates: April 11-12, 2014 Location: Eastside and Westside Parole: Second Chance Program %Male 100

%Female 0

Ages 16-17

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

Pre %YES 63 %NO 37 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 75 %NO 25 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 100 % All the Time 0 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 100 % All the Time 0 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 63 Post % Not at all 13 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 50 Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure.

Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 0 % All the Time 100 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 37 % All the Time 63 Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 63 % Leader 37 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 63 % Leader 37 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 37 % No 63 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 100 % No 0 Did you do anything? % Yes 50 % No 37 % No Answer 13 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying?

Post % Yes 63 % No 37 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Coping. / Better coping skills. / I don’t get bullied. / Stand up for what you believe in. / Stand up for others. / I’ve never had to deal with bullying.

Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something?

Post % Yes 87 % No 13 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: I’ll tell them something. / No. / I would try to stop it. / I don’t want to be in their problems. / Help them by showing them to stand up for themselves. / Stand up for them. / I would stand up for them. / Help them out.

Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure?

Post % Yes 75 % No 25 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: No, not at all. / Learn to say no. / I’ve already had no issues with this. / Be myself.

What do you think about color?

What % gave more thought and shared them about color.

Pre 50% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I’m not exactly sure what the question means. I have always thought about colors especially because of my past gang affiliation. / Helps express feelings and even helps set tones and expressions. / Nothing, nope. / Different colors mean different things. / No I haven’t. / No. / No. / Black, blue, gray, and white. / Different reasons.

Post: It’s awesome art. / I don’t know. / Color explains a lot. / Everyone shows their true color. / Certain music makes you think of colors. / You can use it to express yourself. / Music and color go hand in hand. More to it. / It means the same. / It’s more than just a color. / That I can do unimaginable things.

My most important hope or dream is. . .

What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality.

Pre 100% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To get and stay off meth and heroin. / To own my own business. / School. / Football player. / To tell my mom we’re rich. / To raise my daughter to be successful. / To get rich. / Making people smile. / Make my mom proud.

Post: Get in the Marine Corps. / To own my own barbershop. / Go to the NBA. / To be a rapper. / Getting rich. / To own my own business. / Become a professional football player. / To be a good father one day. / To graduate high school. / To have a successful life.

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

Thoughts Shared: Will be coping skills. / Go through hoops. / Stay focused. / Don’t give up. / Social skills. / Never give up on your dreams. / Believe. / Confidence. / Is to never give up. / That if I believe, I can achieve.

What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before?

Post 87% discovered something new in the workshop.

Thoughts Shared: Nothing. / That I don’t like painting. / That I have the strength to do anything. / I’m confident. / I can talk in front of people. / That I’m good with words. / I have same fear as others. / That I’m a good speaker. / Learned to be more active. / That I have a hero.

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

Post 63% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Nothing, no one seem to participate by me. / That he scared of Cripps. / That we both have similarities. / They’re shy. / Their favorite color. / That even though we live in separate areas, the issues we face are the same. / We have same fears. / They have same fears as me. / Nothing. / N/A.

®

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

To All at Maricopa County Attorney's Office For Believing these youth are worth it.

Kids & Community and all of us at Release the Fear, Inc Release the Fear, Inc. TM PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959