Inmate Testimonials

The following are some real-world anecdotes of and feedback from The Power to Change participants. If you would like to receive a DVD of interviews with inmates and an excerpt of a meeting at a correctional facility, contact Christine Lewis.

Real-World Examples

“Brian” traded a food item from his breakfast for something he was to receive at dinner.  The person he traded with forgot to honor the exchange at dinner.  “Brian” reminded him in a humorous way about his short memory.  Before The Power to Change, “Brian” would have gotten into a fight.

“Tony” has learned to control his temper with his attorney.  Thanks to The Power to Change, he no longer yells at him and has also learned how to express his concerns.

“Mark” requested the deputies to turn on the phones. When his request was denied, he began to work himself up. Other inmates in the pod began to yell out The Power to Change tools that he could use which helped him calm down, diffusing the situation.

When another inmate was hurt in “Paul’s” pod and he felt the deputies weren’t responding fast enough, he became impatient, but he expressed his concern without anger.  Before The Power to Change, “Paul” would have gone into an angry tirade.

Feedback From Participants

Many of the people in this dorm .... are here for acts of violence and 'short-fuse' behavior. I have been in several dorms at the Twin Towers in the last five months. Fights, shoving matches, arguments and other conflicts were a daily occurrence. Since being transferred to the dedicated Project Direct dorm, I have seen a marked decrease in such behavior. Part of this decrease is no doubt due to...our newfound understanding of the underlying causes of anger and temperamental outbursts. – David J. F.

I have been in and out of correctional institutions for the last 17 years. This is the first time that a program has convincingly taught me that there are other ways and different measures of doing things. These counselors in my opinion have been equipped with the appropriate patience and ingenuities to be able to convince me that there were other methods and ways to deal with the daily frustrations of life’s trivialities and more importantly my anti-social behavior....It would be a great loss to a lot of other individuals to not get a chance to at least experience this program and to have a second chance in life. – Tracey B.

Since my group training there has been a remarkable change in my personality that makes me proud of myself, and this program helps me create this kind of victory over my temper. What I’m learning...is that change is possible however it requires continuous training, and I’m committed to that for life, and telling others about its phenomenal impact on my life. – Richard T.