LIFE-CHANGING
JUSTICE INVOLVED
COMMUNITY SUPPORT

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start
where you are and change the ending." - C.S. Lewis

THE ANTI-LEARNER DILEMMA

Current studies show that positive change for the incarcerated population is nearly non-existent. In the state of Utah, 80% of prisoners re-offend within 30 days of release. 60% of people behind bars have Anti-Learner tendencies.

Those tendencies mean they:

  • Don’t believe they can learn
  • Cannot recognize solutions and
    tools for change
  • Do not understand how their
    choices got them to where
    they are now
  • Do not see a path to
    anything different

Transforming Lives and Providing Second Chances

CAPTAIN YOUR STORY
IS THE SOLUTION

We know they are capable of learning. They do not have anti-learner tendencies. They lack the tools and encouragement that they are fully capable of whatever change they seek. They need tools and resources to empower them to learn.

Our course engages each learner in a self-reflective model that leads them to take ownership of their story in the past, present, and future. We empower them to design a future they can be proud of.

Our 12-principle evidence-based curriculum is designed to teach core values and life skills that are engaged in:

• Building Confidence
• Fostering Empowerment
• Inspiring Hope
• Discovering Resiliency
• Strengthening Relationships
• And more

Captain Your Story: Reflect, recount,
record, and reframe the stories

Through the course, we build resilience and confidence while helping all involved become goal-oriented members of society who value their relationships.

This course accelerates the reentry success by helping each individual become empowered with the tools they need to take ownership of their story and make the necessary changes to their lives.

We also work with justice involved families to empower them with the tools they need in this journey.

CYS BOOK cover
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MY STORY MATTERS PRINCIPLES

EACH STORY HAS SEVERAL STEPS:

Group 524

The Harbor of Vision

I claim and create my future

The Contract

The Harbor of Choice & Commitment

Choose to commit to
captain your story.

The Telescope

The Harbor of Focus

I am in control of creating my story.

Ship Lingo

The Harbor of Language

I am an effective communicator.

The Bow

The Harbor of Surrender

I surrender to the process of
becoming my best self.

The Hourglass

The Harbor of Community

I create communities that
support my vision.

The Lighthouse Keeper

The Harbor of Help

I ask for the help I need from the right communities.

The Compass

The Harbor of Identity

I create the vision for
the rest of my life.

The Anchor

The Harbor of Response

I choose to remain in control
of my response.

The Training Manual

The Harbor of Learning

I choose to learn from all my experiences
and choose growth moving forward.

The Keel

The Harbor of Focused Action

I am in control of
creating my story.

The Map

The Harbor of Story

I choose to share my champion story and
learn from the stories of others.

Research-Backed
Practices and Strategies

The Hero's Journey - Joseph Campbell

Change Your Story - Stephanie Tolen

The Growth Mindset - Carol Dweck

Kindness Research - Nel Noddings

Drama Triangle - Stephen Karpman

The Brain Model - Dan Siegel

Maslow's Hierarch - Abraham Maslow

Learning DIP (or PIT) - James Nottingham

Circle of Control - Steven Covey

REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES

JOSH

Instructor

JOSH

18, USA

“I believe in the principles this curriculum teaches. I had the opportunity to experience it in the years I spent in prison. But more importantly, recently, I have had the opportunity of being an integral part of teaching these principles in a facility.

As we have worked with individuals and taught them these principles, they have begun implementing them into their lives. I see the difference it makes. I see the difference this course has compared to the programs that are already there.

Principles like these are being taught, but the way the principles are layered on top of each other do it in such a way that individuals are built. They really CAN see that they are not their number, they are not their jacket. They really can see the opportunity, regardless of their age and regardless of their circumstance, that they can become whatever it is they want to become.“

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MARCUS

18, USA

MARCUS

Instructor

“They didn’t make some program for us broken people, they believe so much in us they are bringing us a program that they teach on the outside to help everyone.

They believe in us. Trust them. Listen to them. This model will take some time to understand and learn, but I am here to tell you it works. Be honest, get to work, do it!”

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JALEN

County Jail Participant

JALEN

County Jail Participant

“I first learned this program while I was serving my time in prison. This stuff was so new to me. I don’t know how I’ve never been taught this before. It really made sense to me and I knew I had to listen.

Once I got out I transitioned to a sober living facility. I was able to get them to keep teaching me the rest of the classes there. I am now days away from hitting my one-year sober and clean mark.

I am so excited. I use these principles everyday.

I have a job. I am getting back on my feet. These tools make a difference in my life every single day. I’m not good with words and I don’t even know how to say more than thank you, but I need you to know this thank you is from the depths of my soul.”

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TAYLOR

State Prison Participant

TAYLOR

Participant

“These assignments are the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I’ve really been doing the work and it’s hard and
SO REWARDING.

I don’t know how this stuff works, I just know it’s working. I’ve been trying to change these things for years and it’s never worked.

Doing this course with you is literally changing my life and at rapid rates. It’s changing me, it’s changing my family, it’s changing everything. I cannot wait to see where I go from here.”

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