maricopa county attorney's office r.i.c.o. report

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THE REAS ON TO DISCOVER U CELEBRATING16 YEARS OF HELPING KIDS MAKE BETTER LIFE CHOICE, THANKS TO SUPPORTERS LIKE MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

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  • THE REAS ON TO DISCOVER U

    CELEBRATING16 YEARS OF HELPING KIDS MAKE BETTER LIFE CHOICE,

    THANKS TO SUPPORTERS LIKE

    MARICOPA COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

  • believe there are two things that impact our lives the mostLove and Fearand we get to choose which we will use to form our life. Out of this belief, Release the Fear was born. One day, over sixteen years ago, I saw Skip Rimza, then mayor of Phoenix, on the cover of the Arizona Republic newspaper. He was standing next to three large barrels of confiscated weapons. Mayor Rimza thought of those weapons as obstacles to eliminating violence in the City of Phoenix. As an artist, I knew something could be done with those weapons to

    impact our thinking about how to move people away from violence and its tangible toll on our society. The raw material in those items had been used to intimidate and harm, which gave me the idea to form a sculpture representing the ability to form our lives from Love rather than Fear. The melted metals new life could serve as a symbol to inspire others to overcome obstacles in their own lives. That was sixteen years ago, and now, standing tall in the middle of Central Avenue at the gateway to downtown Phoenix, stands that statue. My idea was ten years in the making. It contains four tons of destroyed weaponsall previously used in violent acts. In 2005, this human Phoenix-like symbol was raised twenty-five feet toward the heavens. At its base, hundreds of names reflect the village it took to build it, accompanied by a favorite phrase of mine, "Reality is a project of thought." I think projection is the key. What we project in our life is our reality, our truth. The ten years it took to bring my idea to fruition were daunting at the time, but my gut and words from my dad had taught me to "work your way through it and never give up." On a day I was faced with some major obstacles, I called board member Rebecca McClain to consult with her. She said, "Robert, stop. Look out your window. Look at the tree in front of you; see the beauty in its twists and turns. Think of the movement of a stream, think of the Grand Canyon." She continued, "As reflected to us in nature, a thing of beauty has been created by resistance." I replied, "Then this sculpture should be really beautiful! I included Rebeccas words to me with other quotes from around the world on a plaque that accompanies the statue. These thoughts symbolically cause the sculpture to erupt from the earth. What an incredible journey this has been thanks to supporters like the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and the belief and funding from R.I.C.O. And yet more work needs to be done. In the last ten years, our organization has worked with over 5,000 troubled kids. These youth were in jails, detention centers, treatment facilities, and schools. Through the creative processes of art, music, and communication, we have taught cognitive behavioral skillsthe crucial life skills needed to succeed. The young people we work with learn tools to help them in school and to help them with peer pressure, bullying, and conflict resolution, while building self-esteem. Maricopa County has studied our program and found it reduces reoffending by nearly 50 percent. Currently, the Arizona Department of Juvenile Correction is doing a three-year longitudinal study on the long-term effects of Release the Fear. There is also a conclusive study by New Mexico State University, which will be published about our Discover U Summer Camp. These are all great things, yet much more work remains to be done. We receive many more requests from kids and facilities than we are able to help. In 2012, we were able to reach 790 youtha 35.5 percent increase over 2011. Our goal in 2013 is to positively effect over 1,000 kids and ultimately have enough facilitators to reach 3,000 a year. These kids have never had any positive influence in their lives. They need to know that they have worth and that they matter. Please help us continue to change these lives by giving them the power to change their world. Maricopa County Attorney's Office, thank you all for Believing. Dreams do not happen without that.

    Robert J Miley CEO / Founder

    I

  • \

  • What: Release the Fear, is a non-profit health and human services organization, teaches Arizonas 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.

    How: 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.

    Approach: 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.

    Transformation: 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 recidivatemeaning 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 percentnearly half. That is an impressive impact on any childs 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.

    Each day Empowering and Inspiring Kids to make better life choices. 302 West Monroe Street Phoenix, Arizona Mailing ~332 West Lynwood Street Phoenix Arizona 602-818-6959 ~ [email protected] ~ www.releasethefear.org

  • RTF Advisory Board Member Bridget Pettis WMBA SuperStar At workshop at Adobe

  • Budget Narratives, Inside -Out Bridging Possibilities (I-OBP) Workshop

    Average Breakdown Per Workshop: This averages $500 per session for each Bridging Possibilities Workshop

    20 youth per = $25 per youth for each session

    $1,500 divided by Average of 20 youth per 3 session workshop Per Capita Cost = $75.00 per youth

    In-kind donations: The space and equipment at the juvenile detention center. The time of two Detention 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 5 = $2,250

    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

    Release the Fears - Inside-Out Bridging Possibilities Workshop One 3 Session Breakdown Per Workshop: Seven Workshop:

    Revenue Projected Actuarial

    $1,500

    $10,500.00

    Expenses

    Instructor/Artist Specialist

    640

    4,480

    Pre/Post Inventories, Evaluations & Final Report

    150 30

    1,050

    210

    Art Supplies/ snacks

    120

    Recognition for students certificates & marketing

    90

    840 630

    Stipend for trained Facilitator and new training

    240 1,680

    Internal Coordination & Support

    200 1,400

    Travel expenses 30

    $1,500

    210

    $10,000.00 RIC0 $10,500.00 Total

    Total Expenses

  • "It opened up a lot of areas I thought were closed, Thank you for securing my future" ,Devin

    Release the Fear recently started transition workshops with Arizona State Parole. Through the support of Maricopa County Atty.'s Office, helping kids in the transition out of Arizona Department Juvenile Corrections back into the community. Having them realize that they can turn their pain into possibilities and find a productive purpose for their life. Our evidence-based program uses the creative processes of art, music, and communication. We teach kids cognitive behavioral skills, they learn tools to help them in school and with peer pressure and bullying, conflict resolution, while building their self-esteem. One recent Saturday, while working on the East side of Maricopa County with kids on parole, we came across a student in the workshop -Devin, a smart kid, although challenging at times in the workshop. At the end of the first day he said he didn't want to come back because he didn't like group therapy. He challenge himself and came back the second day. His attitude seemed to change. In one of the exercises, the kids get to draw their memory, their fear, and their hope or dream and then share with the group. Devin stated that he wanted to be a photo journalists. The interesting part of the story is that a friend of mine, Jacquie from the gym had just given me a bag that a friend of hers, Maggie donated to us just in case we came across a kid that was interested in photography. The bizarre part about this is I heard about this bag for a few weeks. How stars align, Tuesday night before the workshop I was given the bag and in the trunk of my car it sat. When Devin mentioned he wanted to be a photojournalist I asked what was getting in his way. He said "a camera." I immediately asked his parole officer to talk to me outside and told him of the camera that was sitting in my trunk and asked what he thought. He said he's been really good on parole and he is serious about this photography. He thought it would be a good move. So I went to the car and got the gift bag and asked Devin if I could talk to him. I had the bag behind my back and asked what is the obstacles in the way of your dream he said "my mom just said to me this morning if I sign up for this photography course we can possibly put aside a couple dollars a week and buy a cheap camera. I asked "what would you do with the camera right now." He very enthusiastically began telling about his dream of taking photographs and being a photojournalist and what he would like to do. I pulled the camera from behind my back and said someone gave this to me Tuesday night to give to you today. He opened up the bag and it was like a Disney commercial, the light pouring out of the bag, he looked up and said are you serious. "Yes" I responded. At this year's Governors Arts Awards I was telling the story to somebody and the former staff photographer for the City of Phoenix, Bob Rink overheard the story. He Said he was working on a show with a homeless shelter and if it would work out for Devin and with his parole officer he would like to have him take part in the show. Recently I saw Devin in another workshop and I asked him to tell others why it is important to let others know your dreams? He responded, " You never know who's listening."

    Release the Fear vows to let these kids know that they matter and their dreams are possible. www.releasethefear.org

  • Charles Flanagan has said, The Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC) has a longstanding and positive working relationship with Release the

    Fear. The youth adjudicated to us often have a range of issues to address,

    including delinquency, substance abuse and dependence, mental health,

    and trauma. Release the Fear workshops, held at ADJC several times per year,

    provide a safe place where the youth can be honest and open about their

    behavioral problems. The workshops take place over a number of days and

    a large number of youth have been served for several years through this

    program. Dedicated facilitators assist youth in developing the life skills needed

    to address the life issues they face, including peer pressure, gang involvement,

    bullying, abuse, and violence. The value of this powerful program is that it

    reinforces, in a relaxed and non-judgmental fashion, the treatment

    interventions that our youth receive while they are with us in secure care.

    Consequently, all interventions, including those provided by Release the Fear,

    add to a youths ability to successfully transition to the community with

    transferable skills. ADJC is appreciative of this program and hope that our youth

    continue to benefit from the workshops.

    Charles Flanagan, Director Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

  • 2013 RTF Pre/Post Survey Results RICO OVERALL PERCENTAGES 89 Students (7 PB Workshops) Male 95% Female 5% Youth Ages 14-17 81% discovered something new about themselves 87.4% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 54.9% compared to Post 70.2% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 79.7% compared to Post 97.1% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 57.1% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 72.7% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. ADJC Transition Program 89 students Individual Workshop Percentages 1. October 19-21 2012 ADJC Transitional Program Workshop Results 13 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 84% Female 16% Youth Ages 16-17 55% discovered something new about themselves 64% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 46% compared to Post 64% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 69% compared to Post 91% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 45% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 64% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 2. December 15-16 2012 Transitional ADJC AM Workshop Results 13 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% Youth Ages 15-17 90% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 77% compared to Post 100% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 59% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 90% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 90% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. 3. December 15-16 2012 Transitional ADJC PM Workshop Results 14 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 93% Female 7% Youth Ages 16-17 80% discovered something new about themselves 100% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 86% compared to Post 90% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 86% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 80% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 90% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

  • 4. February 23-24 2013 Transition East Workshop Results 11 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 91% Female 9% Youth Ages 15-17 67% discovered something new about themselves 78% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 64% compared to Post 88% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 91% compared to Post 89% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 33% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 89% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

    5. February 23-24 2013 Transition Workshop Results 12 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% Youth Ages 14-17 100% discovered something new about themselves 92% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 17% compared to Post 23% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 75% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 62% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 46% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

    6. March 16-17 2013 Transition East Workshop Results 10 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 90% Female 10% Youth Ages 16-17 75% discovered something new about themselves 88% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 50% compared to Post 63% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 90% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 50% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 75% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

    7. March 22-23 2013 Transition West Workshop Results 16 Students (1 IO-PB Workshops) Male 100% Female 0% Youth Ages 15-17 100% discovered something new about themselves 90% discovered something new about classmates and friends. Pre 44% compared to Post 64% realized that they are not alone in their fears. Pre 88% compared to Post 100% realized that they can make their dreams a reality. 40% learned something to help them deal with bullying. 55% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied.

  • Thanks to RICO, 13 young lives from ADJC Transitional Program experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on October 19, 2012. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizonas youth for a brighter tomorrow. Bridging Possibility workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fears Workshops will help students to:

    Draw Ones 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? : Social. Learning. Social and positive behavior. Life lessons and respect. / A youngsta, other

    cultures. Understand other peoples culture and respect. Because itll stop it by respect. Money, power, respect. / Communication skills. Tell somebody you trust. Stick up for the person. How we talk to people when we need

    help. / How I am. I dont know. It wont. Positive.

    Creative Storytelling: Rapping. Music. / Help you learn schoolwork. Others will respect. Almost everything.

    Through the Hoops: Teamwork. Good grades (2 brains better than 1). To stop the bullying. Make life easier. / Teamwork, trust, participation. / Teamwork and trust. Work with team members. You learn to help others instead of putting them down. You need trust in life. / Teamwork. Communication. It wont have fun. Work with other people, communication.

  • Reflective Take Away Assignment: Imagination. All subject imagination. It wont. Imagination seeing beyond.

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

    feel ok. / Makes me feel happy. / Makes me feel good about myself. / It makes me feel good.

    Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? My hero is my older brother because he basically raised me. He was the one who taught most of the things I know. / A good and positive role model. / My family because they been there for me and they still are till this day. Because it reminds me how my life is. / My daughter. Because they mean everything to me.

    Seeing Beyond: Picture in mind (trust). Reading, Language Arts, Science. To get a good picture and understanding. Special people or disabilities. / Understanding and trusting people. So you can understand what you are learning. Learn to trust others so they can help you. / Using your imagination. Writing make a story about the thing. Learn how to describe things.

    Drawing ones Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: I do have a fear. Understanding. To stop the bullying.

    Being positive. / How to learn to deal with things. How to deal with situations. Get braver. Solve problems

    appropriately. / To know your dream. To not let fear bring you down. Learn how to open up. To know yourself. /

    Dream our fear different. Color. Overcome fear and beat him up. Overcome fear.

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: You keep your cool. You dont let people get to you. Cause you can turn

    the other cheek. / Never turn away on a situation. Doing your work to succeed in life. Moving forward to success.

    / To look at every negative and make it a positive. To listen to everything taught. In a negative make it a positive.

    / Make you work harder. Went to a school that I didnt like but then I made some good friends there.

    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 jail I thought was bad but then I realize Im getting a lot out of it. / When we went to the movie and I thought it was gonna be wack but it wasnt. / Me being in jail but it ended up helping me become a positive person. / Felt angry and later

    relieved. / I got locked up and I thought I wasnt going to get anything out of being there but I did. / At first I didnt like going

    to Adobe, but then I realized it was for my own good. / When I was a kid I thought jacking things was a good thing till I got

    older I knew it was wrong. / Guns to money an more. / Use to break into house when I had my son I stopped.

    Yes/No: You learn to take the answer no. Because you will say no. Helps accept the truth in love. / Dont let nobody put you down. Never let nobody put you down. Learn how to deal with it. Make your own decisions in life.

    / To get what you want. Helps you stay away from peer pressure. To do what you want. Never stop get what you

    want. / Keeping positive. Feel like you cant do it but stay positive. Thinking and being positive. Get where you

    need to be by staying positive.

    Color: I only see blue. Because I dont set trip. You dont care for color. / It can change your mood. Choose my

    foundation over temptation and negative. Different moods, be successful to survive. / To have a foundation. You

    dont fall into peer pressure. So you know where to start. / Because Im on probation thats what keeps me going.

    Get GED and go to the Army. It will keep us strong and positive.

    Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: Oh yeah!

    RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc (R) Release the Fear, Inc. PO Box 3815 Phoenix, AZ 85030 www.releasethefear.org 602-818 6959

  • Funded By: RICO 1 of 7 Dates: October 19-21 2012 Location: ADJC Transitional Program %Male 84 %Female 16 Ages 16-17 Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 46 %NO 46 %Maybe 8 Post %YES 64 %NO 36 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 46 % All the Time 46 Post % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 36 % All the Time 55 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 46 % All the Time 46 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 45 % All the Time 55

    Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 46 % All the Time 54 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 36 % All the Time 55

    Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 38 % Leader 62

    Post % Follower 0 % Equal 18 % Leader 82 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 16 % No 84 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 92 % No 8 Did you do anything? % Yes 30 % No 54 % No Answer 16

    Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 45 % No 55 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Because I never get bullying. / How to be responsible. / I help prevent it. / To help. Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 64 % No 36 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Because it aint my problem. / Myob. / I dont like bullies. / Its not my business. / I would tell them to stop.

  • Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 55 % No 45 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Because its gonna affect me. / I always make my own decisions. / Some coping skills Ive learned in Adobe. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 54% Post 91% Thoughts Shared: Pre: My color is brown and red. / Color sets moods. / Its whatever really. / Nun. / Nothing. / Yes my favorite color red. / Yeah always blue. / Yea blue is my color. / ? / No. / Gray is the best color. / No. / I think color cool.

    Post: That I like blue. / Red, brown. / Colors identify a mood or tone. / Like it. / It has a lot of meanings. / I only see blue. / Every tone and mood has its own color. / I learned color is more than just crayon but something important. / Colors mean a lot. / That you can feel music.

    My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 69% Post 91% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Have a good job. / To make a lot of money. / Own my own business. / Getting a job. / Dont have one. / Stay alive. / To become a rap artist. / Be famous. / No. / Kingpin. / I dont have one. / To graduate high school, get a good job. Post: Is to become a rap artist. / Have money and a good life. / To be successful. / Be successful in life. / Clothing designer. / To go to the Army. / Staying alive. / Own my own business/businesses. / To graduate high school and get a career to support her. / Just to be a successful person and a great man. / To go to college.

    One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Believing in myself. / Go for it. / To stay positive and focused. / Stay positive. / To never give up. / Dont quit on yourself. / Stay out of jail. / Imagination and finishing school. / Never give up. / Try my hardest. / To work as hard as I can.

    What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 55% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Nothing really. / Nothing. / That I am honest. / I can do it. / Im vulnerable. / Nothing. / Nothing. / Nothing really. / I can be a better person. / I didnt realize I would have fun painting. / Im stronger than I think. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 64% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Their favorite colors. / Nothing. / We feel the same way about this program. / Were different. / You can trust others. / Nothing. / Nothing. / Some of their problems are made by themselves. / They all can make. / I didnt learn nothing bout nobody. / That they do what they want.

  • Thanks to RICO, 14 young lives from ADJC Transitional experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on December 15-16, 2012. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizonas youth for a brighter tomorrow. Bridging Possibility workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fears Workshops will help students to:

    Draw Ones 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? : Coping, communication. Respect, responsibility, sports. Talk out the problem. Work, jobs, remodel,

    promotion. / Communication. Better skills for jobs, getting to know new people, making better friends. To be able

    to know each other, being respectful. Letting the bully know whats happening, how would you feel if you got

    bullied. Speak up for people. No communication, better jobs. To be able to other people opinion, joining the

    service being respectful, eye contact.

    Creative Storytelling: Community, memory, vigilance. Sports, memory, study, school. To respect others. Play

    hard, leadership, role model, learn from others. / Turning lil into a lot, listening skills, memory, learning sympathy

    and empathy. Compromise, sports. Confusion, better understanding. Learning things about yourself, other people

    opinions, coping skills.

  • Through the Hoops: Eyes and hands, teamwork. Learn from student and teachers. Accept others learning from. Job skills, accomplish goals. / Teamwork, trust, respect, instinct and positive communication, learn. Gain friends, learning more, coping with situations, learn from students and teachers. Positive communication and creating a safe environment. Job skills, teamwork, stronger instinct and mindfulness, open minded.

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: Coping, communication. Help others, play sports. By not following negative.

    Be successful. / Self confident, image beyond yourself. Good about yourself. Saying No. Staying out of jail.

    Seeing Beyond: How to control myself. Football, reading, math. Rich, cars, money, friends. / Describing without look. Science if you cant see it you can feel. Judging book by cover.

    Drawing ones Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Understanding your feelings, expressing yourself. Pay more attention, attending groups. Talking about your problems. Not letting fear bring you down. / Relieving stress, coping

    with stress and fears. Help you overcome obstacles and cope with problems. Disperses the fear of the bully to help

    better understand his situation. Helps you survive.

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: Thinking, understanding. Decision making. Learn from mistake. / Seeing both

    sides of a situation. Wrong and right, tests, study skills. Problems at work and home.

    Color: To see from a distance, teamwork. To see things in a different perspective. To show things in a different

    perspective. / Vision, feeling, teamwork. Scholarship, teamwork. Artist owning business.

    Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: A new outlook on life.

    in workshop, that will help them

    (R)

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

  • Funded By: RICO #2 Dates: February 23rd-24th, 2013 Location: Transition East %Male 91 %Female 9 Ages 15-17 Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 64 %NO 27 %Maybe 9 Post %YES 88 %NO 0 %Maybe 13 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 27 % Sometimes 64 % All the Time 9 Post % Not at all 22 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 11 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 27 % All the Time 64 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 22 % All the Time 78

    Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 55 % All the Time 36 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56

    Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 9 % Equal 45 % Leader 45

    Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 36 % No 64 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 73 % No 27 Did you do anything? % Yes 36 % No 27 % No Answer 36 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 33 % No 67 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Help others. / Tolerance. / Im used to things like this. / To talk to the bully. / Dont get bullied. Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 89 % No 11 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Better person. / Stop it completely. / Its the kind of person I am. / I would stand up for him. / Its wrong.

  • Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 78 % No 22 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Integrity. / Ive known about these skills. / To open up. What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 82% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I like colors very much. / I dont understand the question because I dont know if youre talking about race or regular colors for expressions. / Yes. / I like the color blue. / They alright. / They are colors. / I dunno it makes stuff beautiful. / Its good. / That color can change your feeling. / Race, gangs, flags. My favorite color. Blue, black, white, gray. / No. Post: Color is feeling. / IDK. / That its a lot more than what it seems. / Its alright. / Color has music. / That color can change your feeling. / The same as I did before. / It opens up your mind. / Color is in everything.

    My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 91% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Become an air traffic controller. / To enjoy the life I have and learn as much as I can. / Go into Marine Corps. / To be an auto mechanic. / Is for me to go to college and become a lawyer. / Own my own bike shop. / I would say to succeed. / NOA. / To be architect. / To take care of my fam. Help my neighborhood out and own my own business. / To be a P.O.. Post: Become an ATC. / IDK. / Being able to support my family. / Lawyer. / Getting my baby girl back. / Be a boxer or architect. / To go sky diving. / To open up my mechanic shop. / To succeed.

    One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 89% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Anything can happen. / IDK. / Patience. / Get over my fears. / Coping skills. / Things will get in your way. / To be open minded. / To stay focused on my dream. / That no one can stop me from achieving my dreams and to tell people it.

    What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 67% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I am good at painting. / IDK. / That I am a strong willed person. / How happy I was to go to Black Canyon and act sober. / Im more tempting. / Teamwork is used for everything. / Nothing. / To open up more. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 78% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Good things come to good people. / IDK. / They are also leaders. / I learned other peoples dreams. / Nothing. / Yes I did. / Some are good at drawing. / They need to open up more. / that I can influence others in a positive way.

  • Thanks to RICO, 13 young lives from ADJC Transitional experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on December 15-16, 2012. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizonas youth for a brighter tomorrow. Bridging Possibility workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fears Workshops will help students to:

    Draw Ones 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? : Social skills, coping skills. Better communication and helps control anger. Coping skills would help to

    not punch back. Coping with bad situations at home. / Things about our peers. Its easier to get along with them. You can learn more about them. Relationships are important in success. Get jobs.

    Creative Storytelling: Memorization, visualization. Taking notes in class. They could be going through issues.

    Goals, jobs, remember your dreams. / Memory, visualization, communication. Memorization helps to learn.

    Communication skills can help you prevent others from being bullied. Remembering mistakes to avoid making them

    again.

    Through the Hoops: Teamwork, cooperation. Working with other students on group project. Try to work things out. When presented with situations in life that require you to work as a team. / Communication and teamwork. Talk to my teacher, help others. To talk to them to not fighting and call for help. Talk better to a boss, help you succeed hard.

  • Reflective Take Away Assignment: Self-confidence, how you can influence others. By being positive. Better

    communication, confidence to say no. How to ignore negative influences. / We learned the importance of self-

    esteem. Think success for success. If I have confidence then I am more capable of avoiding peer pressure.

    Confidence is key.

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

    love myself the way I am. I feel really happy when Im around people. They never look bad about me. / Good inside. / I felt

    good. / Good cause I love what I see myself and nobody can take it from me. / Same as PZ. / I feel good about my self. /

    Feel good inside. / Good inside, confidence, joyful. / Good, weird, different. / Beautiful makes me feel good, slick, got good

    hair. / I feel good because I like the way I am. / It makes me feel pretty good. / I always do this everyday but only because I

    really do feel that way. / Good, alright, confident. / Weird, kinda good. / Good. / Happy and excited. / Makes me feel good

    about myself. / It makes me feel good!

    Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? My sister? She helps me with a lot socialize better with females. Cause if anything happens I can always go to her to talk to whenever a bad scenario is. / It god. / I dont have one. / My mom is my hero. Because without her I wouldnt be here and I would be homeless. / Happy cause you feel good about yourself and you have the ability to do anything. / My mom. She been there for me since day 1. Cause they brought me to life. / Hes a goon keep it real. / My uncle. Hes always been there for me. / MLK because he got us out of slavery. / Me. I have confidence in myself and I trust me. / Because he has always been there for me. / My boss. Always there for me. / Because they support and care. / I watch Superman when I was young. / My older brother. Because they show me a good example. / I am my own hero. I am important to my own success. I am the only person who will make it happen for me. / Elizabeth. Because she does everything for me and gives me a place to live. / Me, I see myself as my own hero because that makes me motivated if Im my own mentor. Because without them you dont feel motivated to do productive things. / My mom. Because she brought me in this world. / Victor Madriles. Hes a very good friend. Victor Madriles has been the father figure that I never had. He has led me this far in life, and hes also teaching me about cars. / Tom Brady. Great team leader, smart, good decision maker. / My mom. She is like a good person and when she gets mad she handles herself. Because she love me and she takes care of me. / She brought me into this world. / My big brother. I look up to him. Because he helps me not to f*ck up.

    Seeing Beyond: Visualizing yourself in the future. English, sports, how you see yourself in the activities. Seeing yourself reach future goals. / To see far in life and to graduate, to make friend. To succeed, to be better.

    Drawing ones Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: How you want your life to be. Know what you want to do and do it. Try help them out. Help people out with their life issues. / Protecting the future. To see forward and do

    the best in life. To stay away from bully. To see whats right from wrong.

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: How our life can change from negative to positive. Schoolwork you dont want

    to do but you should. You have to work harder for success. / Learned how bad things can be good. Learning from

    mistakes and helps to work harder. Helps to keep a positive attitude.

  • 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.

    I got run over by some black people and then it help me to stay out of trouble and to be successful on parole. / When I got sent

    to Adobe it was bad for me but if I was on the out I would be dead. / Getting locked back up in Adobe Mountain help me to stop

    and look at my life and make changes. / When I went to jail. It made me realize that it made a different mindset. So glad it

    happen. / When I went to jail it helped me out to see what Im doing. / When I was in court and my judge committed me, I told

    him, Youre only making it worst, because when I get out Im going to commit more crimes. But really the outcome was good.

    Because I havent been back yet and dont plan on going back. / Before I went to Adobe, I didnt care what I did then when I got

    out I saw that I made some changes in my life. / Probably getting put in Adobe helped me change some of my behaviors. /

    First, I was angry I got locked up. Then I thought about how I violated so I dont/wont make the mistake again. / Well I was

    going to school and then it was pretty positive and that when my life change! / A time would be when I got locked up. This time

    I thought it was bad but then it helped me out a lot because I earned my GED and didnt have to worry about being locked up

    again. / When I went to jail because it was negative for me, but now it turned out to be positive because it helped me be good

    and think before I act. / When I went to jail but then it was for my good. / When I went to jail but still get my education by going

    instead of running the streets. / Got in a accident nothing was hurting on my body. Before the hospital at all no pain comes to

    find out when the doctor was looking at me she seen some major bruises and I didnt know about it. / When I got locked up the

    second time I got a fresh start. / When didnt want to go to court but I didnt get locked up.

    Color: Looking at something with different perspective. If someone is having issues you try to help them. The

    ability to look at situations differently. / That color helps change your feelings and your mood. Change your colors in

    order to change your moods. To apply your colors to your life by connecting your feelings with your colors.

    Overall, something New about Self or Others in your Group: We all have the same kinds of fears and using

    teamwork. / Dont judge people, teamwork, making the best of situations.

  • Funded By: RICO Dates: December 15-16 2012 Location: %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 77 %NO 33 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 100 %NO 0 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 33 % Sometimes 59 % All the Time 8 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 80 % All the Time 20 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 53 % All the Time 31 % No Answer 8 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 8 % Sometimes 53 % All the Time 31 % No Answer 8 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 60 % All the Time 40

    Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 59 % Leader 15 % No Answer 15 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 40 % Leader 60 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 15 % No 77 % No Answer 8 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 84 % No 8 Did you do anything? % Yes 31 % No 54 % No Answer 15 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 90 % No 10 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Feel their pain and do something about it. / To stand up for yourself. / To step back and walk away. / Take a deep breath. / Helping other people. / Talk to them and call for help. / Taking their issues in perspective. / I dont really every have to deal with bullying and Ive never been bullied. / I learned that talking in front of other people isnt so bad. 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: Tell an adult. / I would help him out. / Go and help the person in need of help. / I would help. / Talk to the bully and try to help them out. / I would tell him to stop and take the other kid away from the bully. / Try and stop it. / I would step in and try to help. / Because that f*ck up. Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 100 % No 0 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Stop and reflect. / Self-confidence. / To take a breather, talk it out instead of making bad choice. / Deep breaths. / Integrity. / Just be myself. / Not to allow it. / I am always learning new ways to avoid peer pressure. / Sit up straight.

  • What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 31% Post 90% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I dont think much about color. Theres light colors and dark colors. / Nothing its just a color. / I like colors? / I have never thought about color. / IDK, I never even think about colors. / No. / I think color is. / Nothing. No. / Colors express feelings a lot. / Color is a color at least thats how I see it. / I think about it when I dress. Post: Color expresses feeling. / That theres different shades and perspectives. / That color has different volumes and emotions. / Its good and expresses feelings. / They have different matters. / That color has a way of changing your feelings. / If you close your eyes and listen to music every song has a different color. / There are many different kinds. / I think about color the same way as before. / That you can see it in music. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 59% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To become a professional football player. / To graduate. / To be a P.O.. / To be someone who is important to make a difference in the world. / I dont have one. / I dont have one. / Being a positive role model. / I dont think I do. / To be a artist. / Being a architect. / My hope is to be able to work and be successful. My dream is to play football or sports in general. / I want to play in the NFL. / Become successful with the car business. Post: Be successful. / To become of professional football player. / To be successful in life. / To be a manager of construction. / Being a engineer. / To be a architect. / To become an air traffic controller. / To be a football player. / To be happy in whatever I am doing. / To be a cop. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Set short term goals. / To know the steps I need to take to get to my dream. Believe in myself. / To not say I think, to do it. / Teamwork. / Go to college and have to work hard in school. / Is never give up. / Take classes in college for it. / Keep an open mind. / I learned how the bad can have a good side too. / To never stop trying. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 90% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I can be myself around people I dont know. / Nothing. / That I can get along good with people. / I can be outgoing. / I can do anything if my mind feels like it. / That I can sit here for 3 hours without get up and that if I try I will do it. / That I really care about people who are bullied. / How to make a good goal. / I learned that I can always benefit from something if I put my mind to it. / That you can look up and be happy. 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: They have the same fear as me. / We have the same fears. / That they like to communicate with others. / That we have a lot of differences. / That other people different point of view. / That we give up too fast. We need to give it a look. / That they like to work in teams. / They have the same problems as me. / That others are similar to me but I have a lot of things better off now that I am separate from them. / That everyone struggles in life.

  • Thanks to RICO,11 young lives Transition experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on February 23rd-24th, 2013. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizonas youth for a brighter tomorrow. Bridging Possibility workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fears Workshops will help students to:

    Draw Ones 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? : Respect, social, cooping, tolerance, get to know others. Talk to others. Tell a teacher. Footlocker, job,

    AZ Mills. / To be more socialable, learn to get along with others. Pass the test. Stand up to a bully. Talk about our

    problems.

    Creative Storytelling: Memory, socialness, creativity. Test, quiz, people/friends. Witness, walk away. Yes, jobs,

    friends, and other things. Yes, jobs, friends, and other things. / Open mind. Do ways to study. New ways to stand up

    to people. Be creative, thoughts.

    Through the Hoops: Teamwork, patience, tolerance. Working with others in science/math. Having tolerance. Deciding with others in a positive manner. Good communication. / Tolerance, teamwork, communication. Projects, patience, sports. Communicate, prove them wrong. Jobs, help us get through things.

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

    Calm, relaxed, normal. / Sexy, happy, mad. / It makes me feel good about myself. / It didnt make feel anything. / I love myself.

    It makes me feel very happy to know I love myself. / I was ready for this. / It makes me feel like nobody can touch me

    unstoppable. / Good. / It makes me feel good cuz I like the way I am and I respect myself. / It makes me feel good.

  • Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? Dad. Because he has accomplished many things. Stuck to his goals till he accomplished it. / Scarface. I think hes important cuz he showed me the true game. / My hero is Travis Pastrana because he lives an awesome life. / My granddad. Because he has always been there. / My hero is Kevin Durant. Because he inspired me to live a better life. / My parents theyre more than heroes. / My mother. Because shes been there for me since I was in the womb. / Mom. Yes they are important. / My hero is my brother because he has always been there for me. Because he has always been there for me and he always calmes me when Im about to do something dumb. / Who my hero is my uncle because he would always support me. He tells me to stay out of trouble.

    Seeing Beyond: Using senses, minds eye. Tests, see what teacher writes, science, history. Visualize what people are saying. / Dont judge by appearance. Math because it looks hard but it is easy. You never know what others can offer.

    Drawing ones Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Recognizing your priorities. By doing what you have to do.

    Staying away from people. Getting all of your sh** together. Tell people your dreams because you never know who

    can help. / Self expression, communication, art, tell people about yourself. Raise hands, ask questions. Help the

    bully find their own dreams. Overcome your fears, be yourself and stay focused on your dreams.

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: To turn a negative into a positive. When fail a test to try harder. When you get

    denied a job to try. / Open mind, tolerance. Be willing to learn. To be able to deal with daily struggles.

    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.

    When went to jail realize. / When I first got locked up I thought my life was going to be completely down hill from there. But I

    decided I can turn it around just as easily and thats what I did. / My first time I went to Adobe I thought I was gonna be horrible but

    I learned a lot of positive things. / My first time I went to Adobe I thought it would be a horrible experience but ended up learning a

    lot. / I got locked up. I learned a lot that I normally wouldnt know. / When I went to Black Canyon and I was mad but now Im

    glad Im sober and I want to do better for myself. / My experience that I saw as negative was I got busted and went to Adobe.

    Positive I saw was I got out of Adobe and went straight home.

    Color: To back away and view something at a different angle. To look at a math problem from an angle. To get a job

    try something new. / Imagination, art, teamwork. Sports, art. Different perspectives.

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

  • Funded By: RICO #4 of 7 Dates: February 23rd-24th, 2013 Location: Transition East %Male 91 %Female 9 Ages 15-17 Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 64 %NO 27 %Maybe 9 Post %YES 88 %NO 0 %Maybe 13 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 27 % Sometimes 64 % All the Time 9 Post % Not at all 22 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 11 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 27 % All the Time 64 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 22 % All the Time 78

    Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 9 % Sometimes 55 % All the Time 36 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 44 % All the Time 56

    Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 9 % Equal 45 % Leader 45 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 33 % Leader 67 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 36 % No 64 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 73 % No 27 Did you do anything? % Yes 36 % No 27 % No Answer 36 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 33 % No 67 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Help others. / Tolerance. / Im used to things like this. / To talk to the bully. / Dont get bullied. Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 89 % No 11 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Better person. / Stop it completely. / Its the kind of person I am. / I would stand up for him. / Its wrong. Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 78 % No 22 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Integrity. / Ive known about these skills. / To open up.

  • What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 82% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: I like colors very much. / I dont understand the question because I dont know if youre talking about race or regular colors for expressions. / Yes. / I like the color blue. / They alright. / They are colors. / I dunno it makes stuff beautiful. / Its good. / That color can change your feeling. / Race, gangs, flags. My favorite color. Blue, black, white, gray. / No. Post: Color is feeling. / IDK. / That its a lot more than what it seems. / Its alright. / Color has music. / That color can change your feeling. / The same as I did before. / It opens up your mind. / Color is in everything. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 91% Post 89% Thoughts Shared: Pre: Become an air traffic controller. / To enjoy the life I have and learn as much as I can. / Go into Marine Corps. / To be an auto mechanic. / Is for me to go to college and become a lawyer. / Own my own bike shop. / I would say to succeed. / NOA. / To be architect. / To take care of my fam. Help my neighborhood out and own my own business. / To be a P.O.. Post: Become an ATC. / IDK. / Being able to support my family. / Lawyer. / Getting my baby girl back. / Be a boxer or architect. / To go sky diving. / To open up my mechanic shop. / To succeed. One thing I learned in workshop that will help me reach my dream is: Post 89% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: Anything can happen. / IDK. / Patience. / Get over my fears. / Coping skills. / Things will get in your way. / To be open minded. / To stay focused on my dream. / That no one can stop me from achieving my dreams and to tell people it. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 67% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: I am good at painting. / IDK. / That I am a strong willed person. / How happy I was to go to Black Canyon and act sober. / Im more tempting. / Teamwork is used for everything. / Nothing. / To open up more. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 78% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: Good things come to good people. / IDK. / They are also leaders. / I learned other peoples dreams. / Nothing. / Yes I did. / Some are good at drawing. / They need to open up more. / that I can influence others in a positive way.

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

  • Thanks to RICO, 12 young lives from Transition West experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on February 23rd-24th, 2013. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizonas youth for a brighter tomorrow. Bridging Possibility workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fears Workshops will help students to:

    Draw Ones 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? : I learned courage. You keep studying. Call the police. By having courage to accomplish goals. / Get to

    know each other, communication. Get tutors, make friends. Get along with people. Jobs, relationship, people skills.

    Creative Storytelling: Listen. Doing work. Their point of view. Be passion. / Use your imagination to express

    stories. Visualize. Walking away. Responsibilities.

    Through the Hoops: Learned how to use brain. Do work in class. Think through situations. Going to help with life decisions. / Teamwork, flexability. Working skills. Help work together. Helps get job. /

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: Confidence, proud, responsibility. Doing work and listening to teachers. Dont

    be a follower, be a leader. Pride and confidence in yourself. / See the real you. Help deal with people bullying. You

    know the real you. You know your self.

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

    Happy, proud, amazed. / It feels good. / It makes me feel proud of who I am and how I look. / Makes me feel good. / Normal. /

    It makes me feel dumb. / I feel good. / Proud. / Good about self. / Like a get money kid.

  • Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? My mom is my hero because shes brave. They keep you focused and brave. / Lil Deamon is my hero. Because he thinks like me. / Superman. Because he is a hero and he is a role model for a lot of people. / Guccie, hes a trapoholic. / My self because when people say I succeed and I end up succeed. / My hero is my mom. She is my hero because shes always been there for me. / My dad. He is illegal and has been doing so good with his life. Because he wants me to do good. / Michael Jordan. Cuz he made Jordans. / Pancho Villa. Mexican hero. / Gucci. They inspired me to get money.

    Seeing Beyond: Using senses. Use senses in science, jobs. Use senses to know right from wrong. / Visualization. Learning some new concepts think as box. Pay attention, how to have fun.

    Drawing ones Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: Helped me learn what I wanted to do. I will learn better. Will avoid bullying. Help me accomplish my goals. / Thinking, drawing. Help you do your dreams. Thinking about

    your dreams. Good skills.

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: Helped me look through things. Help me get through hard assignments. Help

    me think through like. / How to see difference from positive and negative. When I encounter something bad, it can

    become a positive experience. When I am getting a job.

    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.

    I got arrested and went to Adobe. This has changed how I look at the world and has teached me some things of life. / When I

    moved neighborhoods I thought it was a bad decision but I know now it was a better decision. Because it is a safer environment.

    / Earlier today I was mad because of this. / When I was gonna do a beer run and knew it was negative. But at the end I got

    funnest so it was positive to me. / I moved with my girl. I thought it was gonna be nothing but drama and fighting. But

    everything was good. We would always go eat, or she takes me to the mall to buy me clothes. / There was a party that was

    occurring and I wanted to go badly but I just went home. The next day I heard they got raided. / Asked out a female and she

    saying yes. / I went to jail and I got out and learned that it and worth being in there. / When I was locked up in ADJ. Made my

    life different. Think before doing. / By getting new ways of viewing things. / The first time I got locked up I thought it was the

    worst thing in the world. But after I got out it helped me change my ways. / I thought that going to Adobe but I ended up getting

    caught up with my school credits.

    Color: Helped me learn color. Help me in art class. Helps me apply color to life. / I learned how hear color. In

    class. Later in life.

    RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc (R)

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

  • Funded By: RICO #5 of 7 Dates: February 23rd-24th, 2013 Location: Transition West %Male 100 %Female 0 Ages 14-17 Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 17 %NO 83 %Maybe 0 Post %YES 23 %NO 77 %Maybe 0 Rate this statement: You feel comfortable speaking in front of others. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 83 % All the Time 17 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 77 % All the Time 15 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 67 % All the Time 25 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 31 % All the Time 69

    Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 58 % All the Time 42 Post % Not at all 8 % Sometimes 38 % All the Time 54

    Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 8 % Equal 58 % Leader 33 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 31 % Leader 69 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 8 % No 92 Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 92 % No 8 Did you do anything? % Yes 8 % No 75 % No Answer 17 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 62 % No 38 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Think about it. / Being helpful. / Know yourself. / You can accomplish your goals. / No. / Be helpful. / I feel da same. / My thinking. Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 46 % No 54 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Dont have the time. / Tell the person to stop. / I would walk away. / Thats their problem. / Its not my problem. / I would tell. / I would bully them and tell them to stop. / Not my business. / Cause Im a leader. Did you learn any skills to help you make your own decisions not based on Peer Pressure? Post % Yes 54 % No 46 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Learn how to think more. / Stop and think. / Make my own decision. / To not do it. / Im me. / Showed me that Im unique.

  • What do you think about color? What % gave more thought and shared them about color. Pre 33% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: It brings things to life. / No. / No I never thought about. / It does not matter everybody is the same. / I think its just a color and I never thought about it. / No other things to think about. / Get along with everybody. / No, I never thought anything about color. / Yes, I love color. Post: I think color is everywhere. / It helps express myself. / Always and about. / It helps our mood. / Cool feeling. / Its the same. / That everything has colors. / Everyone gots fears. / I look at it different. / That there are colors in music. / Its still the same. / Color is your self, my color is bright. / Its fun and goes by fast. My most important hope or dream is. . . What % gave more thought to their Dreams becoming reality. Pre 75% Post 100% Thoughts Shared: Pre: To graduate. / Not become a homeless. / To have lots of money. / Is to be a better person in life and do good and have a successful life. / My most important dream is to be a soldier. / Is to change the world. / Construction. / Success. / My most important dream is to accomplish what God wants me to accomplish. / No. Post: Is to make a lot of money. / To get on top of the moon. / To be a gangster. / To get an education and get money. / Construction. / Become successful. / To become a jeweler. / Graduate from school. / Be successful. / Is to be a NBA basketball player. / Is get money. / To have a treatment center. / Do something with my 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: Is always stick to it and dont give up. / To express myself. / I can always make it. / To keep trying. / Sky is the limit. Dont stop. / Visualize. / To never give up. / Go to school, get my credits. / Stay sober. / To follow the rules. / Is go get it. / No dream is unaccomplish. / I learned my dreams. What did you learn New in the workshop about yourself that you did not know before? Post 100% discovered something new in the workshop. Thoughts Shared: That I know a lot of things. / I can express myself by drawing. / That nothing is impossible. / That I can be anything I want. / Dont care what people say. / Im good at art. / I like to paint. / That Im kick back. / I learned how to use my mind. / Same feeling. / That I am unique. / Be successful. What did you learn New in the workshop about a classmate or friend? Post 92% discovered something new about classmates or friends in the workshop Thoughts Shared: I learned everyone is different. / They like to draw. / They are all thugs. / That things like to have fun and talk. / Dont care about them. / We like to draw. / We have the same fear. / Makes time go by fast. / Were all scared. / That they can help you. / Same feeling. / I have a skill no on else has. / Friends will be hopeful.

  • Thanks to RICO, 10 young lives from ADJC Transitional Programs experienced their Possibilities. This workshop took place on March 16th-17th, 2013. Opening up possibilities for the young minds of Arizonas youth for a brighter tomorrow. Bridging Possibility workshops. Through stories, activities and artwork, Release the Fears Workshops will help students to:

    Draw Ones 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? : To get to know each other. Build up your relationship with your teacher. Speak up speak out.

    Communication. / Communicating, social. Social skills, working with teachers and students. Help stop a problem.

    Learning how to talk to others. / Speaking publicly. School presentations. Speaking up and speaking out. Build

    confidence, making friends.

    Creative Storytelling: Patience and imagination. Not judging people. Get to know people. Seeing inside somebody. /

    Listening open minded. Participate, learning something new. Adopting to the situation. Adopting to other peoples

    stories, teamwork, trust. / Create something from nothing. Helps you be more creative and imaginative and write. Use

    creativity to turn negative into positive. Gives us more insight into life/others.

    Through the Hoops: Teamwork, communication. Teamwork, ask people for help. Speak out, communication. Use your senses, supportive. / Working with others. Help out others. Teamwork to solve this problem. To be able to work with others. / Different ways to solve one problem. Applies to everything we do. Creative in different ways. Everything in life has a problem to solve.

    Reflective Take Away Assignment: To love the way you look. Make you feel better and high self esteem. Stand up

    for yourself. Successful future. / Concentration, confidence, leadership. Reflection, helping others. Making the right

    choices. Emotions, believing yourself, jobs. / Confidence knowing myself. Making friends, helping others. If I know

    myself I make my own decisions. Build self-esteem, decision making.

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

    Calm. / It makes me think about myself in a good way. / Good. / It felt good looking into my eyes. / Loved, self-motivated. /

    Happy, confident, relax. / Good, love the way I look. / It made me feel confident. / Good, happy, and satisfied. / Alright.

    Hero: Who is Your Hero and Why do you think are they important? Guy who saved kid in front of train in NY. Quick to react, selfless. / Immortal Technique. Because they may help start my future goals. / Myself. Because its me. Im the one who lives my own life. / Mom. Because shes helped me with everything I need. / Myself. Because I have saved myself from a lot of things and its up to me to not give up on myself. / My mom and dad. Cuz they are the ones who taught me what I know now and for the future. / God. He created us. / Myself. Because no matter what the only one who can influence yourself. / My uncle. Cuz they are strong willed. / Did not nobody. Parents are more than heroes for me.

    Seeing Beyond: 5 senses. By making a hypothesis in science. Use your ears instead of your eyes, be able to describe things in a hundred ways. / Observation, description, senses. Math, science, art. Problem solving equations, lab work. Common sense, choices, lead to positive outcomes. / Asking right questions to get at the truth. Learn more if you ask more questions. If you dont know, ask.

    Drawing ones Fears, Hopes and Dreams and Sharing: To express them. To challenge yourself to get there.

    Overcome the bully. Reach your hopes and dreams. / To concentrate on your dreams. Good grades, learning what

    you need. Call him out. Remember your dream. / How to open up with others around. Yes because you learn social

    skills. By letting someone know regardless of how youre feeling. Yes by always letting someone know how you feel.

    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: Doesnt matter how many nos you get you can turned it into a yes. When people say cant make it, tell

    yourself you can. Listen to your own dreams. Be respectful and confident and have courage. / To not give up. To

    reach your goal/dream. To make your own choices. No one can make you change your mind unless you want to. /

    Just because someone doubts you doesnt mean you doubt you. You can accomplish your dreams. You can be strong enough to say no. You can do anything as long as you believe in yourself.

    Color: Our moods are colors. Open up more. It is in everyday life. / View things differently. Be open to new things.

    Color changes moods.

    RELEASE THE FEAR, Inc (R)

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

  • Funded By: RICO 6 of 7 Dates: March 16th-17th, 2013 Location: Transition East %Male 90 %Female 10 Ages 16-17 Do you think others (Kids my age, older & younger, Adults) have the same Fear as I do? Pre %YES 50 %NO 40 %Maybe 10 Post %YES 63 %NO 13 %Maybe 25 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 13 % Sometimes 75 % All the Time 13 Rate this statement: I believe I can make my hopes and/or dreams come true. Pre % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 50 % All the Time 50 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 63 % All the Time 38

    Rate this statement: I feel comfortable making my own decisions even when dealing with peer pressure. Pre % Not at all 10 % Sometimes 30 % All the Time 60 Post % Not at all 0 % Sometimes 25 % All the Time 75

    Complete this statement: I see myself as a __. Follower, Equal, Leader Pre % Follower 0 % Equal 40 % Leader 60 Post % Follower 0 % Equal 25 % Leader 75 Have you ever been bullied? % Yes 30 % No 70 Thoughts Shared: Have you ever seen someone being bullied? % Yes 80 % No 20 Did you do anything? % Yes 40 % No 40 % No Answer 20 Did you learn something in the workshop that will help you deal with bullying? Post % Yes 50 % No 50 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Help out others. / Overcome them. / I dont deal with bullying. / Speak up. / stop it before it happens. / Dont get bullied. Now, after attending the workshop, if you saw someone be bullied, would you do something? Post % Yes 75 % No 25 % No Answer 0 Thoughts Shared: Cuz I can help them solve the problem. / I would