Designed for high-risk adolescents, Power Source helps teens better understand who they truly are; the events that shaped them; what they can do to take charge of their lives and create a positive future different from their past. Power Source is offered to teens, ages 16 to 18, who are detained while awaiting sentencing or other steps in the legal process.
Volunteers and participants typically interact for an hour each week, either in small groups or one-on-one. Teens learn about the program from a jail social worker and are free to attend, or return for additional weekly sessions, as they choose.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Teens are given their own copies of Power Source: Taking Charge of Your Life, published by the Lionheart Foundation of Boston. Robin Casarjian, author of the book used in our Houses of Healing program, collaborated with her niece, child psychologist Bethany Casarjian Ph.D., on the book. In addition, volunteers use DVDs from the Lionheart Foundation to spark self-awareness and facilitate dialogue in sessions with teens.
“The program is really conversation, videos and the book,” says a longtime volunteer. He notes that “the book is not a script” and the videos are comprised of “interviews and discussions with other at-risk youth who have benefitted from Power Source’s powerful impact.”
Volunteer summarizes program basics.
Want more information on getting involved? Contact us.