Prison Programs Your LO Must Take

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The Classes Your LO Needs To Sign Up For Now


Most of my choices are made for me. I am told what I will eat, when I can go outside, what job I'll have, where I'll live, the clothes I'll wear, and even when I am allowed to shower, but there are some things I am allowed to decide for myself. I always get to choose my attitude, who I spend most of my time with, and what I believe in. In addition, the prison system allows me to choose the classes and programs I will sign up for. Some programs in the prison system have specific requirements like a positive parole vote or a certain score on academic placement tests, and some programs exclude certain criminal offenses for a variety of reasons, but there are always options and opportunities for personal growth and development while inside prison. All units may not offer the same programs, but there are a few classes that most units have available. Here, I will share the top programs the Texas prison system offers on most facilities and a few bonus programs I know only exist on my current unit but I hope your LO has the chance to take one day.

1. Toastmasters

Focusing on communication and leadership, Toastmasters is a globally recognized program that empowers and equips members to be successful. For over 100-years (founded in 1924) Toastmasters has helped people take steps forward and build confidence. I urge anyone who has the opportunity to sign up for this life changing program.

2. Cognitive Intervention (CIP)

Real change starts with our thought process. If I want to change my life I have to change how I think. This class is available on almost every prison unit in Texas and if your LO applies the information presented, their life will change.

3. 33 Series

Formerly called "Quest For Authentic Manhood," this chaplaincy program teaches biblical truths about what manhood is all about. Your LO will learn that real men accept responsibility, reject passivity, invest eternally, and lead courageously. With sections on marriage, work, and even identity, this program is highly recommended.

4. Overcomers or Celebrate Recovery

For a significant percentage of people who are incarcerated, addiction was a factor in our criminal choices. Whether drugs, alcohol, pornography, or control, addiction has been an issue for most inmates. Overcomers and Celebrate Recovery help acknowledge and discover tools to deal with roots of addiction.

5. Life Skills

Facilitated by resident Life Coaches, Life Skills is a relatively new class in the system. The waiting lists are extensive, but the material is helping with our thinking, and making life adjustments regarding our core values and beliefs.

Bonus Classes

As of now, these programs are not available on other units, but I highly recommend them and pray your LO can take them one day.

1. Linked In Life

This intensive faith-based program teaches us how to apply the things we're taught in the Word. It's focus is on the HOW, not the what of the Christian faith.

2. Beyond Addiction

This Jesus centered addiction recovery program is a newer and highly effective program that enables students to dig deep and deal with hurts and habits that have caused addiction to take hold.

3. Let's Go Launch

While most programs in prison teach ways to deal with the past, this one teaches how to launch into the future. Let's Go Launch provides entrepreneurial skills and business development tools to its students. To sign up for any of these, your LO can submit an I-60 (written request) to Education or Chaplaincy to be placed on the waiting list for these programs. Do your LO a favor and nudge them to sign up for something today. Choosing to be proactive in their personal growth is another choice we can make, and this is just one more way to declare, "I Choose Hope!" I'd love to hear what other programs or classes your LO has taken that helped change their life. Let me hear from you!


Like Trent's blog? Subscribe to his monthly newsletter at ichoosehope.substack.com.

Contact Trent directly by creating a Securus e-messaging account at SecurusTech.net or on the Securus App. You'll need his full name, State, and facility (Trenton Blythe, Texas, Texas Department of Criminal Justice). He'd love to hear from you!

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