Prisoner Testimonials
“The workshop reintroduced me in me a belief system that has laid dormant for some years now. I had a connection with the volunteers that was completely unexpected. I look forward to attending some more nonviolent communication and mindfulness sessions and classes.”— Charles J. (Twin Rivers Unit, Monroe Correctional Complex)
“This workshop was very powerful and moving for me and has helped me learn how to be a better person.”
— Anthony M. (Twin Rivers Unit, Monroe Correctional Complex)
“I learned in a very startling matter how badly I want to run away from my feeling especially when those feels are fear based.”
— Ronald A. (Washington State Reformatory)
“I was able to feel free to express myself without being judged. Men in prison have a heart and I have a lot of hurt that needs to be released. The volunteers were able to be transparent and understand us for what we desire to become.”
— Bertram (Washington State Reformatory)
“I signed up for this workshop knowing I am not a violent person. I learned that it is how we choose our words that may sound violent. So I have learned through this program that I need to listen to the other person’s need and their feelings during our conversation so I can communicate with them without crushing their feelings or burying their needs. Also I have learned that it is not only what words you use to communicate with someone else but it is also the tone of your voice that communicates as well. Thank you for this wonderful program.”
— Steven B. (Twin Rivers Unit, Monroe Correctional Complex)
“Thank you for starting me on the NVC path. I’m certain that my life and those in my sphere of influence will be better for it.”
— Dan J (Washington State Reformatory)
Volunteer Testimonials
Learn about the Freedom Project’s impact
Why I Volunteer: Yarrow Durbin
“A member of our class spoke up in response to an essay on freedom to say: I am in for life, with no parole. I’m never getting out. I’ve been in since I was 15. I spent the first 15 years in the hole and getting in trouble. And then a very important person pointed out that I still had a life to live and I could choose whether it was valuable or not. So I decided to be helpful to others, to build community – and I’ve found that freedom is about what’s in your mind and heart, not where you body is…”
Why I Volunteer: Marcia Christen
“I have learned that presence is really important. That if all I have to give is my presence it is enough. Also that if I am upset by something else that people can pick it up and take it on. That was a hard one to learn. Early on we were frustrated with the room we had gotten, the difficulty in getting in and the inmates picked it up and took it that we were frustrated with them. So, I learned how important it is to be present and aware of what I might be sending out.”
Why I Volunteer: Vishaka Smith
“I value the services of Freedom Project because it is a wise organization that works with an understanding that there is more to a human being than 1, 2, or few mistakes/felonies that they commit in life. Freedom Project works hard to provide the prison population with tools …(which) make it a bit easier for them to change the course of their lives for better!”
