Tools to Overcome Weaknesses

First, I want to thank everyone for being here. It takes real people who truly care about others to take time out of their lives to help someone else succeed.

 

The TICC class helped me in more ways than one.

 

It helped me identify my weaknesses, especially when it comes to being a father to my eighteen-year-old daughter.

 

Not only can I identify those weaknesses now, but I’ve been given the tools to overcome them.

I hope that I can break the generational curse that has been passed down through my family.

This class helped me become the man — and father — my daughter needs in her life.

 

— Antonio Carter

 

This Class is Different

I serve as the chaplain’s orderly here at the South Unit. My job is to let residents know about programs and encourage them to participate.

 

Something unusual happened when I began telling people about this class. Instead of me encouraging them, they started coming to me asking how to sign up.

 

That’s when I knew this class was different.

 

To be honest, the first time the class was offered I didn’t take it because of disagreements I had with Mr. Johnson. But when the opportunity came again, something changed.

 

A young man asked me how I could encourage him to take a class that I wasn’t taking myself.

So I wrote both of our names on the sign-up sheet.

 

I believe this class could have a powerful impact on the Department of Corrections.

Mr. Johnson shared truth with us, and you can tell when someone is real.

 

He is not fake.

 

His authenticity and courage to be different are two ingredients that are necessary for success in life.

 

Thank you, Mr. Johnson.

 

— Michael L. Smith

 

Opportunity to Think Differently

Before enrolling in the TICC program, I had no coping skills and no understanding of my past trauma.

 

Things would easily make me upset or angry, or completely shut me down.

 

This program helped me identify the problem and learn how to respond differently.

I went from being someone who couldn’t handle people’s attitudes to understanding why people act the way they do.

 

I also went from feeling broken inside because of my past to giving myself the chance to heal.

The TICC program gave me the opportunity to think differently and the chance to change — and I’m taking that chance.

 

— Nicholas Ortiz​​