Creating a life of purpose & meaning

Awakening 2020 has been designed to help inmates housed at the Lewis Prison-Stiner Unit (Buckeye, Arizona) create a life of purpose and meaning from where they are recognizing that each man, regardless of when or if they will be released from prison, can realize their potential. Lewis has a capacity of more than 4500 men of which 500 reside on the Stiner Unit.

The following guiding principles support the basis of the program:

1. Spiritual Focus.  A connection to Divine Spirit, through various practices (e.g., yoga, meditation, prayer, reflection, contemplation, gratefulness, affirmations, creativity, and/or other strength-based strategies) can increase wellbeing, life-satisfaction, and self-esteem.
2. Know Yourself.  An awareness of one’s inherent worthiness, values and strengths will increase self-respect as well as each man’s connection to the authentic self.
3. Life Purpose.  Every participant’s life has a purpose that can be used in service of humanity.
4. Love and Compassion. Developing a loving and compassionate relationship with the self and others can enhance self-acceptance, self-worth, and create inner and outer transformation.
5. Resilience and Motivation. Affirmative support and encouragement can enhance confidence and motivation that empowers each participant to manifest positive outcomes in the self and world, thereby increasing resilience.

Each of the five (5) guiding principles align with ADC’s vision, mission, values and goals as they are intended to: (a) provide structured programming; (b) support inmate accountability; (c) assist in successful community reintegration; (d) be professional and use research and strength-based methodologies; (e) reinforce personal responsibility and accountability so participants may own their actions; (f) develop integrity among the participants; and (g) cultivate courage amongst participants to be honest, confront themselves, and grow as human beings.

Successful completion of the 12-month program should result in a reduction of recidivism and an increase in persons who are released into the community who are able to live meaningful, productive and rehabilitated lives.