USA Projects

Today, one of our poets was the valedictorian at his high school graduation, held within Juvenile Hall. He finished a deeply moving speech with this poem.

Six of our young men graduate this week, having completed their high school equivalency while here. With the support of the excellent teachers and counselors within this facility, they are achieving a major milestone, giving them a huge sense of accomplishment and worth.

From one of our writers, a few words to live by in this piece "Off the Top."

What happens to these children once they are detained or incarcerated?

Matt is one of our supporters, who summed it up best in an email he wrote to us about our project “If These Walls Could Talk”:

"There are amazing stories and amazing turnarounds that can happen to these kids despite overwhelming odds. And there is no such thing as a small amount of money these days to help kids like this out. The budget for the “If These Walls...” project is truly minimal compared to the impact the writing has had on the kids’ introspection and communication with family and community.

"There are immeasurable long-term dividends that we all obtain from helping even one child jump from the path of no return to a path that leads them back to a meaningful life outside 'the system'. In that context your support for 'If These Walls Could Talk' is a tiny investment that will yield long- term returns.

"If you want to” meet” them, please take the time to listen to just one of their stories or poems, here (see Susan’s blog for audio clips of recent recordings)."

Next week we have a very exciting graduation ceremony happening in City Hall for post-detention youth who have completed their high school degrees. They've been through a lot, and are ready to put it behind them and start fresh. Your support here is a huge endorsement of the very fresh creativity and optimism these youth are bringing with them as they return to family, community, and new jobs. Thanks for being here...we all appreciate you so much.

Now here is something fresh from one of the boys.

We've been busy up in the hall: the kids are writing some amazing things. If Stephanie ruled the world, she says, it would go like this: