Wisconsin Secure Program Facility
Maximum security prison
(Segregation Unit)

“I have learned to be mindful of all the things around me and to think outside my normal way of thinking. I have learned not to assume, to identify triggers and what I am feeling, and how to use what’s transpiring around me to distract and redirect my focus when angry.”
- Mr. W

“I have learned firmer discipline and the ability to step back in heated situations and think of what I have at stake.”
- Mr. E

“I really loved this program. It has changed my life.”
- Mr. C

“I have learned that I don’t know myself as good as I thought. I learned how to communicate with others, and I learned how to get things done without drama.”
- Mr. W

“I have learned that I can overcome adversity and change my impulsive ways, but it takes time.”
- Mr. W

Columbia Correctional Institution
Maximum security prison

“I learned how to meditate. I learned how to slow my breathing and pay attention to my surrounding with just listening. I learned how to think before reacting.”
- Mr. W

“I learned that I am a good person and that my last crime doesn’t define me or is not really me.”
- Mr. W

“I learned a lot about myself, how to forgive, how to transform pain, to let go of the Drama and feel empowered, who I am as a Human Being, to take responsibility, how to change for the better, how to hold my seat through difficulty, how to properly communicate my thoughts and feelings, and much changing conflict can make life better.”
- Mr. L

“I have learned not to sweat the small stuff I cannot change. And, most of all, to be humble.”
- Mr. N

“I have learned that I am a good person at heart!”
- Mr. Y

Fox Lake Correctional Institution
Medium security prison

“Ms. Alonso has shown me that inner power is real, and with diligence and love, I too can be as strong.”
- Mr. K

“I have learned how to ease my anxiety, stress, and anger, and my racing thoughts ... I learned about self worth and self acceptance, and it's alright to let go of my past ... Meditation is a a lot better at managing my PTSD and depression than medication.”
- Mr. A

“I want to thank all of the volunteers and the community (group) for helping me to open up and allow myself to change and grow with happiness, while allowing myself to see who I really am. Thank you.”
- Mr. F

“Path of Freedom will forever be part of my everyday life.”
- Mr. H

“I have learned how to hold my seat. Prior to this class I was so incredibly terrible at it. I've also learned the power of forgiveness and how to stay out of the drama triangle.”
- Mr. M

“The most important skill I have learned is how to hold my seat and not let my emotions or other people control what I do, say or think in a negative way.”
- Mr. D

“I have learned that, although in different environments, we all have similar issues and feelings. Come down to it, we are more the same than we are different.”
- Mr. P

Madison Community

“I have gained a lot of insight about myself but the best part about this class was learning alongside those in prison. That is what made it most meaningful for me.”
– Mrs. P

“I've learned that it can be my choice to put down the burden of carrying regret, anger, and negative self-assessments. I have also been reminded of the importance of the pause or gap between (an) event and my response.”
– Mrs. B

“I loved the Hold Your Seat concept. It helped me realize I don’t need to jump in to react/fix things all the time.”
– Mrs. T

“I have learned I need some more practice with forgiveness, especially for myself.”
– Mr. F

“I have gained awareness of Drama Triangle and Empowerment Triangle. Awareness of my default patterns and my ability to choose to be free of them.”
– Mrs. L

“I have learned that I can learn and change in ways I didn’t think I could.”
– Mrs. W