Contina Session is one of 15 probation officers at the NeOn center in the South Bronx. She helped Peter enter a program where he learned how to interview for jobs and avoid conflict.
Recently, she and Peter talked about his success in that program.
"Very proud of you for the graduation. How did you feel?
"It was good. It felt nice to be appreciated for something – you know, accomplish something."
Catherine Rose Edwards is also on probation. She expressed thanks for the support of her probation officer during a hard time. She was arrested for a drug-related offense, but she was able to avoid prison.
“I would have lost my son. I would have lost my job. I would have lost everything.”
NeOn’s approach was a big change for many probation officers.
A year after the NeON center began operations in the South Bronx, most probation officers approve of the new methods. Some officers even attend the weekly poetry workshop offered by Poet-in-Residence Dave Johnson.
"If you'd like to write a story or a poem or song today, we have a little class that meets here."
Dave Johnson says poetry opens a way to search for answers about life. He says poetry also creates a kind of peaceful and effective communication.
"The poems are here, they’re alive. They’re within the people."
Every poetry class ends with an event called a poetry slam.
最新
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25