Harold, Atkins Program Manager Completes Keeping It Safe Session at Camp Glenwood.

On August 26,2011 another Each One Reach One program, KIS (Keeping It Safe), ended at Camp Glenwood in La Honda, CA. The boys on the unit completed a intensive 8 week session on comprehensive life skills and health education, designed to help young men recognize their roles and responsibilities around safe sex and pregnancy prevention. In addition KIS provides parenting skills, nutritional guidance, substance abuse, gang intervention and diversion, and life skills.

"This is a great program. I learn so many things every day. I would want all my family and friends to learn this information that has been offered to me"

 - Mark , 16. 

" I learned how parent's affect a child life, and how to become aware of the choices and risk's I take"

- John,17.

Harold Atkins, Program Manager

Each One Reach One & Youth Guidance Center Improvement Committee Host October Event!

Hope:Empowerment:Success

Join us on Sunday, October 2,2011 1:00 PM- 4:00 PM for a afternoon of fine wine, food, entertainment and awards to celebrate the success of our youth.

Deerfield Winery in Sanoma Valley

$50 Individual Tickets by September 28.

More Details and Registration available:

www.eoro.org

We would LOVE to see you there!

Youth are the responsibility of the community!

Judge Aaron Cohn of Columbus Ohio is set to retire at the end of September at the age of 95 after serving as a juvenile court judge since 1965. Words can not express the admiration and esteem that EORO has for this man who has committed himself to the service of juvenile "delinquents" using love as his guiding principal in working with at-risk youth. In reading about his departure, EORO was struck but the following words that Cohn once used to describe problem children:

“Juvenile delinquency is not exclusively the problem of the juvenile justice system. It is a community problem. It is primarily the responsibility of the parent. It is secondarily the problem of the community to create a wholesome community environment for our children.

“All of us, the courts, the police, the parents and the entire community must work hand in hand. We must do this so that each child without regard to race, creed, color or socio-economic background be allowed to reach his or her highest potential and goals in this great country of ours.”

Read more: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/08/30/1713664/cohn-95-to-retire-at-end-of-september.html?storylink=addthis#.Tl0vyTIyjlI.twitter#ixzz1WXWHDsVI
It reminds us of the importance of the work we are doing, and the importance of loving the children in our community and working to make their lives better because all children are our children.

Playwriting Program in San Francisco

We are almost through week two of the Playwriting Program at the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center. Volunteer playwrights have been mentoring the young men detained in the maximum security unit nightly to assist each youth participant in writing a one act play using the rich language of metaphor to self-reflect and self-express in a positive way. The young playwrights are busy at work writing about animals, inanimate objects, the seasons, and mythology to explore the choices they have made that have lead them to their current situation. Youth and their mentors are exploring the complex world of relationships, healthy habits, higher education, and future mapping as they work to write a one act play. On Saturday, the plays will be stage read by professional actors before the youth, their peers, institution staff, and their families.As our founding program, the Playwriting Program tugs on the heart strings of youth advocates, board members, families of the youth, the youth, and staff alike as it reminds us why we do the important work that we do!

KIS: The Results are in!

After 8 weeks of KIS at Camp Glenwood, the results are in and KIS was a huge success thanks to our Program Manager Harold Atkins! 100% of the youth stated that the speaker was informative, 95% of the youth would like the speaker to continue and KIS to be a regular program at Camp Glenwood, 98% of the youth found the discussions helpful and informative, and 100% of the youth stated that their questions were answered.

Youth stated comments include:
"I would recommend this program because you can learn a lot about STDs, HIV and AIDs. I give this program 100%"

"I would recommend this program because my fellow boys should know how to stay safe."

"This program saves lives and educates you at the same time."

"This program is cool because Harold is from the hood like us. He knows what is up. Even some of the people who didn't want to be at the program are happy they went. I want everyone I know to do this program and learn about this info."

Over all the program was a huge success and one of the most engaging, interactive groups we have worked with to date! Harold and the EORO team are looking forward to heading back to Camp Glenwood in January to lead a second round of the KIS Program. Thank you Camp Glenwood!

Field Trip to Kerner Studios!

EORO board Member Rose arranged for 10 youth to visit Kerner Studios in the East Bay as part of the YGCIC SYEP program week focusing on Digital Media and Entertainment. The week has included highlights on the music industry showcasing the hip hop and R&B world, acting and playwriting, social media and employment, and a field trip to Kerner Studios. The Kerner Group is a collection of creative and innovative companies providing services and technology to the entertainment industry, government agencies, private sector companies and government contractors.  EORO Program Staff, youth participants, and YGCIC staff participated in a guided tour where they learned about the entertainment industry. On a behind the scenes tour, youth were guided through the film making process looking at the entertainment industry, technology, and innovation that goes into making a movie. After the studio tour, students and program staff had the opportunity to talk about working in the industry and what it takes to make it big! The next students worked with EORO playwriting staff to see the other side of the industry: the actors. Who knows, maybe some new talent will emerge from SYEP and find their way to becoming a Hollywood success story!

A letter to an EORO GED Mentor

Dear Chris,

For real, you're a great mentor, I felt that you could explain just about anything and you went out of your way to make new information stick in my brain with a little silliness and fun it really resonated. So I guess my quest for mentors is going to come to the same conclusion as your quest for a comparable pupil with huge disappointment.

What else can I tell you, the exercise routine is no joke, its rigorous and will leave you aching all over. But like them Greek philosopher say its good to keep mind, body and soul strong or at least I think someone Greek said that. I have gotten the Malcolm X autobiography and I greatly appreciate it, thank you. I can tell from reading it that its going to be good. I have a problem , well I wouldn't consider it a problem, but others might well it's that once I start a book I have to finish it because I truly believe you can't judge the whole book by the cover or beginning chapters so I guarantee you I'll read every book I can get my hands on.

Your friend,

Steve

Volunteer Spotlight: Riley Rant

• How did you learn about Each One Reach One?
  A family friend and EORO board member told me about the GED tutoring and Playwriting programs developed by EORO. I thought both were totally awesome.
  
  
  Why did you become involved with Each One Reach One?
  I respect what Each One Reach One enables.  Like this organization, I believe that furthering education and engaging in creative expression boosts every person’s potential. Our students leave their pasts at the door and enter the classroom ready to begin their futures. Every week they take positive steps to better themselves and their lives. It’s amazing to see this transformation in action.
  
  
  What is most important to you about your relationship with Each One Reach One?
  The exchange of ideas, perspectives and knowledge between the tutors and the students is invaluable to me. Every week, the tutors exercise our students’ skills in science, math, reading and writing. We also reinforce the idea of personal empowerment through education. And every week, ourstudents teach us more about life and where they’re coming from—sometimes without even knowing it. I leave inspired every week, and I think they do too.
  
  
  What is your favorite Each One Reach One Program?
  ADAPT Study Hall
  
  How long have you been involved with Each One Reach One?
  About a year now. Wow!
  
  
  What is your greatest contribution to Each One Reach One?
  The ability to offer an ear and a hand.  I listen to the boys talk through their academic issues and then try my best to help them overcoming any obstacles.
  
  Would you or do you encourage friends to become involved?
  I definitely encourage friends to become involved.
  
  
  Where are you from?
  I’m from Oakland, CA.
  
  
  What do you do for a living?
  I’m a copywriter for an advertising agency. We come up with creative ways to highlight different brands and products.
  
  
  What does community mean to you?
  Community means a ‘safety net.’ It consists of people you can trust, depend on, and know they have your best interests at heart. 

SYEP Workshops at YGCIC

EORO is collaborating with YGCIC on the Summer Youth Employment Program through the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.Last Week, EORO Program Manager lead a four day intensive KIS workshop. KIS is a comprehensive life skills and health education workshop to empower teenagers to recognize their roles and responsibilities around safe sex and pregnancy, healthy relationships, nutrition, and gang involvement. KIS helps youth manage risks, seek testing, and treatment, and explore topics including sex and pregnancy myths, consequences of casual sex, negotiating safer-sex, tattooing, HIV, date rape, and sexual assault. There were 15 youth who participated in the program. The youth expressed great interest in the program.

Keeping It Safe at Camp Glenwood

KIS has launched an 8 week series at Camp Glenwood in San Mateo County and the young men are already talking. Here is a letter from one young participant:

Dear Harold,

Thank you for your inspirational speaking. You really have influenced me to be more aware of my body because I do not know what I would do if I have or catch HIV. Your HIV Prevention talk has really impacted my life to the fullest. Not only do I have more knowledge, I have more self respect for myself. Thank you so much for informing me about HIV and AIDS. I look forward to your future talks.

Sincerely,

Norman*
Age 15

*The names of the youth have been changed to protect the identity and rights of our program partcipants.

Playwriting Program in San Francisco

"The Each One Reach One Program has been an essential tool in my studying. Being in Juvenile Hall I tend to lose track of the bigger picture by drowning in my own sorrow. I feel like I am accomplishing so much by being in this program and I greatly appreciate this opportunity.

This program accepted me and many other inmates with open arms. Unlike most you didn't judge me by my file, you judged me by my attitude and optimism to set higher standards for my life. Thank you. 

These two hours a week are far from as many as I would like, but they add up and are greatly appreciated both long term and short term. The possibilities are endless now that I have this tool to keep me going. I've come to the conclusion that I can only get out what I put in, this program gives me the opportunity to get to know who I am, share my knowledge and in return keep my mind beyond these walls."

-Playwriting Program Participant, Spring 2011 

EORO's summer Playwriting Program is kicking off on August 15th and we need mentors and actors to join our team! If you are interested, please contact Harold Atkins at harold@eoro.org.

Our Spring Playwriting Program was a huge success. We had six youth participants involved in the Playwriting Program and all were able to complete the project.  At the end of each week, participants were asked what they were going to take away from their experience.  Some mentioned creative skills showing an increase in self-esteem and belief in their own ability.  Others noted social skills, such as increased confidence, being able to express themselves and learning how to deal with their frustration.  The group all worked very hard and were extremely committed to the process. Four of the six writers chose child-parent conflicts as their theme.  Knowing that their parents were coming to see the play, this caused a fair amount of conflict for the young writers.  They had particular trouble confronting the conflict with their parents deeply and honestly. Following EORO's model, the young women used the richness of the language of metaphor to engage their characters to explore their life stories and imagine positive resolutions. This program reminds us that the plays the young people write do not always have to be lightly veiled therapy.  The process and action of playwriting is empowering and therapeutic in its own right.


http://www.youtube.com/user/1eoro1#p/a/u/2/YgAsgGwT4LE

Volunteer Spotlight:Laurel Freeman

Spotlight Questionnaire:

Name:   Laurel Freeman

How did you learn about Each One Reach One? 

While working at another non-profit in San Francisco that served youth in Juvenile hall, I became familiar with EORO through their arts programs for incarcerated youth.

Why did you become involved with Each One Reach One? 

It was a great opportunity to continue my work with young women in the system by teaching life skills classes in the Healthy Choices program.

What is your favorite Each One Reach One Program?

Healthy Choices!

How long have you been involved with Each One Reach One?

I began teaching the Healthy Choices classes in August 2009 – so coming up on two years.

What is your greatest contribution to Each One Reach One?

My respect and concern for girls in the system and my ability to make the Healthy Choices program fun, educational, and relevant to young women.

Where are you from? 

I was born and raised in San Francisco, specifically in the Castro District.

In three sentences, how would you describe yourself?

I am a strong-willed, independent, intelligent woman who believes that all girls, regardless of race, social class, or economic background, should be given the opportunity to grow into educated, strong-willed young women who can think for themselves.

What does community mean to you?

To me community is the interconnectedness of people and their ability to help each other, have fun with each other, and create a safe, loving environment of supportive coexistence. 

Girl's Healthy Choices

EORO's Girl's Healthy Choices Program is an 8 or 10 week program that addresses a continum of topics around healthy choices, safe sex, personal care and relationships. The program is facilitated by Each One Reach One Program Staff, Laurel Freeman. Laurel came to EORO after working for the SAGE Project in San Francisco, an internationally recognized human rights organization that fights the commercial sexual exploitation and prostitution of youth. 


As a result of her work fighting exploitation, she conducted her own original research for a senior thesis entitled Girl Prostitutes in the San Francisco Juvenile Justice System, which was later used by local and international agencies to address issues of exploited youth in the criminal justice system. She graduated from Mills College with honors and obtained a BA degree in Anthropology and Sociology.

Since leaving SAGE after 12 years of involvement with the organization as a counselor, program director, and administrator of a safe house for girls,Laurel has remained dedicated to working with system involved youth, with a specific focus on preventing exploitation, domestic violence, and teen pregnancy. She uses her own experiences as a troubled teenager to provide crisis counseling and Life Skills workshops for teens that address issues such as healthy relationships, STDs and birth control, goal setting, and sexual assault, exploitation, and pregnancy prevention. Laurel has a real world; real talk style of teaching that engages teens in the process of thinking for themselves and making healthier choices as they move toward adulthood.

Healthy Choices ran in San Mateo County in April and May of this year. Below are some comments from the the post-class evaluations to show the young women’s experience in the sessions:

"It’s awesome and the only thing to really reach what the girls are going through."

"Group was great! Wish we had more time :)"

"The packet includes a lot of good information."

" I Love your group Laurel!"

"[The thing I liked best was ] Learning about my own weaknesses and problems and some steps to take to keep me from going back to that life.

List two things you learned from this group: Some of my downfalls and weaknesses, I can get through this."

"[The thing I liked best was that] We talked about real issues.

Please list two things you learned from this group: How to stop bad relationships and how to manage my money."

"The talking and finding out new things. I learned a lot about prostitution and ways to cope with anger."

"I liked asking questions about sex. Things I didn't know. [I learned] How to apologize and work out problems. To manage my money."  

KIS: Keeping It Safe

Keeping It Safe Program Facilitator served 3.5 years of a 6-year sentence in a state prison, and is an adult child of incarcerated parents.  His father served 31 years on a life “without the possibility of parole” sentence and died in prison.  

Harold comes to EORO with over 10 years of working with at-risk youth in a variety of programs. Harold has served as a youth program manager for the AIDS Resources Information and Services (ARIS), as a Homeless case manager for the Emergency Housing Consortium, and served as the health education coordinator at the AIDS Community Research Consortium (ACRC) in Santa Clara County.  He also served as the Director of the Community Health Outreach Program at Free At Last, a substance abuse treatment program in East Palo Alto. 

Harold has a strong history of working collaborative with a variety of organizations including; The City of San Jose’s Gang intervention Program (STAND), Clean Slate Tattoo removal program, De Anza College Human Sexuality Department, L.I.F.E. Youth Mentoring Program, as well as the Bill Wilson Drop-in Center in San Jose CA. 


Harold has developed the curriculum from his own experience and in response for the need for gender specific programming to address important topics covered by the KIS program including HIV/AIDS and STDS, Gang Intervention, Breaking the Street Mentality, Relationships and treatment of the opposite sex, and making healthy choices to keep young men safe. KIS has operated at the San Mateo Court and Community Schools, the San Francisco Success Center, and short-term facilities in San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Mateo Counties. Here is some feedback on the last workshop:

"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for coming to the school and speaking with the students. You were very informative and the kids seemed to really enjoy the presentation. They were very attentive and asked excellent questions. Through the various presentations that I have observed the students sit through, this was the first one where all of the group seemed interested in and enthusiastic about. The group participation was wonderful! I even learned something new (as I always do with your presentations).

I would really like you come back and discuss gang prevention and any other relevant topics that you have knowledge on that my students can benefit from.  My students can really benefit from anything that you are willing to teach them."

EORO Secret Show Fundraiser this weekend! Join us!

Presale Tickets: $ 13

The Playground: Secret Show

$15 Until 1030PM

Guest List Sign Up

MUSIC DANCE FASHION PEOPLE CULTURE

The largest Filipino / Asian party in the Bay Area!

The Playground: Secret Show

Surprise Performance by ?????

Friday June 24th

NV (Club 525)
525 Howard St. @ 1st

Hip Hop - Dance - House
MARCUS LEE
BEATKNOXX
JE

Doors Open @ 9:30-230AM
The only 18+ after hour event in the Bay!

All Responsible 18+ Welcomed!
Valid I.D's Required
Passports OK
Security Has The Right
To Refuse Entry
DRESSCODE ENFORCED

VIP presales available on http://www.liveticketevents.com/toniclive/

For Group Discounts, Birthday Packages or Employment Opportunities
Email: MRTONICSF@AIM.COM

Follow us on www.twitter.com/toniclive

EORO is seeking Mentors for San Francisco Playwriting Program!

Mentors Needed For San Francisco Playwriting show.

When: August 15- August27  Time:7:00 PM-8:30 PM  Location/Facility:Juvenile Justice Center, San Francisco     For More Information On Playwriting Click HERE

Contact: Danielle Bossler Office: 650-225-9030 Cell: 650-276-6773 E-Mail: danielle@eoro.org

EORO is Seeking Actors for our August Playwriting Program!

Actors Needed For San Francisco Playwriting show.

When: August 27  Time: 3:30 PM-8:30 PM  Location/Facility:Juvenile Justice Center, San Francisco     For More Information On Playwriting Click HERE

Contact: Danielle Bossler Office: 650-225-9030 Cell: 650-276-6773 E-Mail: danielle@eoro.org

It's summer in the city!

It's summer in San Francisco and Each One Reach One has new programming on the horizon. This summer EORO has been contracted to operate the KIS: Keeping It Safe Program at Camp Glenwood in San Mateo County. Camp Glenwood is a facility for high-risk young men, where they spend 6 months participating in holistic programming to empower them to positively engage with the community upon reentry. Our Program Manager, Harold Atkins, will be leading an 8 week series addressing HIV/STDS, Healthy Relationships, Gang Intervention, Financial Literacy and making healthy choices. It will be the first time KIS will be facilitated at Camp Glenwood! Harold will also be a part of the SYEP initiative at the San Francisco Success Center facilitating workshops through out the months of July and August.

In addition, EORO will operate a Playwriting Workshop at the Juvenile Justice Center in San Francisco and the Girl's Healthy Choices program in San Mateo in August. We are looking forward to an action packed summer, so be sure to check in for updates!

Our SF GED Team!

The GED Program Team at SF Juvenile Hall

A special thank you to our community partners and system stakeholders for making this collaborative possible and so successful.
Back Row L-R: Jermaine King (EMSA), Vincent Padilla (SFUSD), John Knox (EMSA/JPD), Harold Atkins (EORO), Erin Brown (YGCIC).
Front Row L-R: Niki Gibbons (SFUSD), Megan Mercurio (SFUSD), Toni Powell (Director of Juvenile Hall), Brittany Jarabek (EORO), Matthew Laques (SFUSD), and Robin Sohnen (EORO)

Praise for KIS: KEEPING IT SAFE!

Hello Each One Reach One,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for coming to the school and speaking with the students. You were very informative and the kids seemed to really enjoy the presentation. They were very attentive and asked excellent questions. Through the various presentations that I have observed the students sit through, this was the first one where all of the group seemed interested in and enthusiastic about. The group participation was wonderful! I even learned something new (as I always do with your presentations).

I would really like you come back and discuss gang prevention and any other relevant topics that you have knowledge on that my students can benefit from. If you are available, we would love to have you back before the school year ends. My students can really benefit from anything that you are willing to teach them.

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and experience with the students of Community School! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Group Supervisor

Thoughts on a Graduation

Last Monday, five young men  walked down the corridor of the Juvenile Justice Center to the Community Room garbed in caps and gowns to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance. These young men are the Juvenile Justice Center Graduating Class of 2011. Each of them worked towards the completion of and obtained their GED through their participation in the Each One Reach One ADAPT GED Study Hall Program, Youth Guidance Center Improvement Committee Early Morning Studies Academy, and support of the SFUSD Woodside Learning Center teaching and counseling staff all supported by the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department and Staff at the Juvenile Justice Center. It was a moment of celebration and success for all the system stakeholders and collaborating partners to come together with the families of these youth, teachers, probation officers, program staff, and community members to witness the cumulation of the past several months (even years) of  hard work.


The keynote speaker, former San Francisco Mayor, the Honorable Willie L. Brown Jr., addressed the young graduates. While Honorable Brown has spoken at gradations over the years, never had he addressed a group of graduates inside a lock down facility. The youth before him came from various backgrounds, had made choices that landed them in Juvenile Hall to complete their high school career, and shared one thing, they were all San Franciscans who were one of the first in their families to graduate from high school. Hon. Brown addressed the young men with humility and poise, sharing his life journey from Texas to San Francisco State University to Mayor of San Francisco all the while urging the young men to use their GED as a key to open up a world of possibility. Hon. Brown was followed by the youth valedictorian, Roger*, who had some words of wisdom, reflection, and hope to share with his peers, role models, and family.

Roger* spoke of his past and how he landed in Juvenile Hall without enough credits to graduate from high school, no interest in academia, and no desire to learn anything or even pick up a book. As a young boy, Roger's* older brother, his role model, was killed in gang violence. Soon, Roger* joined the gang and in spite of his parents warnings and attempts to turn his life around, he sought to become just like his older brother. It was not until he found himself on the maximum security unit at Juvenile Hall that he understood what his parents had been saying and he made a decision to longer be like his older brother. Rather, Roger* chose to enroll with Each One Reach One in the GED Program and simultaneously work with the Woodside Learning Center to see if he could earn the missing credits to earn his high school diploma while detained. He worked closely with his Each One Reach One study hall mentor and the teachers at the Woodside Learning Center to earn both his GED and High School Diploma during his detention. He did both! Once he completed his high school career, Roger* began taking online college courses through City College of San Francisco which he continues to take. Roger* spoke of using his education as a key to do something more with his life, to complete college, and make the world a better place. Roger is using his GED as the key that Willie Brown spoke of to open up a world of possibility!

At the end of Roger's* speech, I looked around as the crowd stood up and offered a standing ovation. Many eyes were moist, smiles spread across the room, and the crowd applauded a young man who had learned from the choices he made and chose to make a better future for himself because of the support and services provided for him while detained at Juvenile Hall through community based programs, system stakeholders, and staff at the Juvenile Justice Center.

The ceremony concluded with a drumming circle lead by teacher Wilfred Mark and the youth from another unit in the facility. The crowd danced and applauded to mark the importance of this rite of passage for the Graduating Class of 2011. Without the support of Each One Reach One, the Youth Guidance Center Improvement Center, SFJPD, SFUSD, and Institution Staff, these young people would not have had the opportunity to march proudly across the room to obtain their GED and graduate during their detention!

*The youth's name has been changed to protect his identity. All images are not of the youth discussed in this blog posting to protect the youth's identity and rights.

Don't miss this event!

WHERE THERE’S FAMILIA, THERE’S LOVE .

WHERE THERE’S FAMILIA, THERE’S LOVE

A One Act Play by EORO Youth

CHARACTERS:	VAGUE the POISON IVY Age: 9 years ACE the POISON OAK, VAGUE’s best friend Age: 17 years
SETTING:	You hear the wind crying, as the old withered trees sway side to side, thrashing each other as if knowing each other for a long time – brought them to a moment of regret and loneliness and ambition to sway far away to life and ease… Old tumbleweeds still stumble through their way, in an “abandoned garden” when nights never cry.
TIME:	5:25 in the afternoon, in a summer breeze
AT RISE:	Coming back from an exhausted day of being in the garden, just trying to make it though another day.                     ACE

What you mean you got better things to do?

VAGUE

Yes man, I got better things to do…I’m tired of doing da same things over and over again.  I’m tired of just standing here…”doin’ nuthin’”…  Just watching da days go by and not doing something positive—

ACE (interrupting)

(Surprised) “Positive,” huh?  (chuckles to himself)…since when did you start thinking positive?

VAGUE

(Smooth and sincere)  Since da day I decided to be different, since da day I decided to be myself, since da day “I realized” how much pain I cause da ones who never gave up on me, but I gave up on them…and that day is today, Ace.

ACE

(Confused) What…?  All of a sudden you just turnin’ sof’ on me?  All of a sudden you just…started regretting da things you once “never cared about”?  Come on now Vague, stop talkin’ like you lost you’ petals, man…

VAGUE

(Straightforward)  Is not that I lost my petals, Ace…I finally realize what I want now!  And that’s to be with my family.  I’m tired of this wildlife thang, I’m tired of everything this life has to offer, and I’m tired of hurting my own kind…it’s time fo’ me to go where I belong…with my family.

ACE

What!  Now you want to go back wit’ yo’ family!  The family that wasn’t there fo’ you when you really needed them.  When times were dry, I was da one who put chu on wit’ some drops that no one else could’ve.  I was there fo’ Vague, me and you been through da worse.  Even when times felt it was me and you against the world… remember?

VAGUE

Is not chu, Ace…is just…

ACE (interrupting)

 (Angry) Then what is it then?!!  Remember Vague, I’m da one who made you, if it wasn’t fo’ me, you probably wouldn’t even be here!

VAGUE

This is what I’m talkin’ about man, I’m tired of listening and doing things that are wrong and that causes a lot of pain to innocent plants…is time fo’ me to be myself, and do the things I want to do.

ACE

(Angry)  NO!  You can’t…

VAGUE (interrupting)

No I can’t WHAT?

ACE

You can’t LEAVE!  Because you know what my plans are, my plan to become a family that is big and known fo’ its loyalty…

VAGUE

(Sad)  You ain’t the only one that has a dream.  I have a dream, too…but all my life I been livin’ a lie, and it’s time to look at reality fo’ what it really is…and stop hiding my problems behind this lifestyle…

ACE (interrupting)

After all we been through this is how you give back to da hands that feeds?!!  I put all my trust on you and you know I rose up without a family…this is how you finna do me?

VAGUE

Nah man, you know I got mad love fo’ you…but doin’ this all my life, it ain’t finna take me nowhere.  But don’t take it as if I’m betrayin’ you, man…that’s sumthin’ I would never do…

ACE

(Angry)  But you doin’ it right now, Vague!  You finna leave me now, leave me like how they brought me to this world…“alone”…alone wit’ no family!

VAGUE

Is not that I’m doin’ it on purpose, Ace.  I just want chu to understand that I want to be wit’ my family.  My family that planted me and watched over me every time I’ve drooped as a little stem.  I wanna feel that love again…that love that words can’t describe, but an intense feeling that you carry deep inside you…a feeling of family.  But all I want from you Ace…is your blessing…the blessing of more than just a friend, but a root brother…

ACE (tearing)

Well…I’m sorry Vague for getting mat at chu.  Is just hard for me to let go, because all I have in this world that I consider family…is you.  I may not fully understand what cho’ feelings are, because I never had a family…and I never felt the love that a mother provides for her lil stems.  But just know that I’ll be here fo’ you…and know that you got my blessings, my root brother.

VAGUE

(Sincerely) I thank you, my true friend…but Ace, just know you always consider family… no matter what, brother.

(They exchange a brotherly embrace.)

THE END.

EORO Founder Authors Chapter in Book!

Each One Reach One's Executive Director and Founder, Robin Sohnen has authored a chapter in the book Challenging the Prison Industrial Complex Activism, Arts, and Educational Alternatives. Ms. Sohnen authored the chapter entitled:  EORO: Playwriting and Community Activism as Redemption and Prevention.

The book boldly and eloquently contributes to the argument against the prison system in the United States, these provocative essays offer an ideological and practical framework for empowering prisoners instead of incarcerating them. Experts and activists who have worked within and against the prison system join forces here to call attention to the debilitating effects of a punishment-driven society and offer clear-eyed alternatives, emphasizing working directly with prisoners and their communities.

The volume offers rhetorical and political analyses of police culture, the so-called drug war, media coverage of crime stories, and the public school-to-prison pipeline. The collection also includes case studies of successful prison arts and education programs in Michigan, California, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania that provide creative and intellectual resources typically denied to citizens living behind bars. Writings and

artwork created by prisoners in such programs richly enhance the volume.

The National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) has announced that Challenging the Prison-Industrial Complex is one of the winners of their 2010 PASS Award, one of the most prestigious awards of its kind in the nation.

Here is a link to the Award page: http://www.nccd-crc.org/nccd/about/award-pass.html.

Be sure to pick up your copy today!

Graduating Class of 2011!

On May 16th and 24th, Each One Reach One will be celebrating the success of the youth who have participated in the GED Study Hall Program, the Youth Guidance Center Improvement Committee (YGCIC) Early Morning Studies Academy and Log Cabin Ranch High School. These youth all worked towards and/or completed their GED during their detention at the San Francisco Juvenile Justice Center. This year the class of 2011 includes 55 youth who will wear their caps and gowns to receive their diploma or GED at City Hall and 20 young men who will march down the aisle in caps and gowns to receive their diplomas at the Juvenile Justice Center.

For many of these young men, they are the first in their family to complete high school and for all of these young men they completed their high school degrees despite economic hurdles, cycles of violence and addiction, and negative behaviors that led many of them to believing they would spend a lifetime behind bars. Through the support of Each One Reach One in collaboration with YGCIC, the Juvenile Probation Department, and Woodside Learning Center, these young people are afforded an opportunity to envision a life beyond bars and given a second chance to make something of their lives.

All of us at Each One Reach One are proud of the Class of 2011 and extend our sincerest appreciation to the volunteers, mentor, staff, teachers, Probation Officers, and community members who make it possible for us to empower these young people to complete their high school education!

How will Budget Cuts Impact the Juvenile Justice System?

As state legislators look at the proposed budget cuts, many are wondering the impact these cuts will have on the youth served by Each One Reach One. Under the proposed AB109 Criminal Justice Alignment, the state youth prison system would be abolished to save million of dollars and speed up reform at county facilities. While many have been lobbying for the closure of the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for decades, this means that hundreds of youth will be returning to the county juvenile detention facilities and some, to the adult prison system. Effective July 1, 2011, the DJJ would stop accepting new appointments to their facilities and close by June 30, 2014. Any offender still in custody at that time would return to the local jurisdiction detention facilities. The closure of the DJJ will shift costs from the state to the county level, and hopefully speed up detention reform at the local level.

At the city and county level, 10-25% budget cuts across city-wide departments will also impact our youth. Most Violence Prevention, Gang Reduction, and Non-Violence Initiatives are being forced to limit their spending on programs for at-risk youth. This negatively impacts the amount of funding available to provide detention-based and post-release programming for youth. It is up to agencies like Each One Reach One to collaborate with other agencies and our supporters to continue providing these critical programs!

Check out this great article on the proposed state budget cuts and the impact on the Juvenile Justice System!

http://theguardsman.com/california%E2%80%99s-broken-juvenile-justice-system-proposal-to-cut-state%E2%80%99s-system-brings-up-ghosts-of-youth-torture/