Beyond Prison Walls: The Power of Personal Change

Over the course of 20 years, Native American Fatherhood and Families Association’s Fatherhood is Sacred® (FIS) program has been taught in 10 tribal and county jails and prisons. The impact of this project has been successful in assisting mothers and fathers to strengthen their families, even while inside prison walls. Participants come from different cultures and backgrounds, yet they connect with these principles. These writings are inspirational and remind us of how important our families are to us. Here is an example of one of those writings.

From the AZ Department of Corrections, a 55-year-old male writes:  Through being persistent and consistent, I was able to share this message in corrections! The healing must start somewhere, some place! My background is one that many can relate to and are familiar with. A troubled childhood filled with violence, neglect, trauma, gangs and incarceration. Loss of hope and gloom and doom until I crossed paths with Mr. Albert Pooley in February of 2002. That's when my whole life began to change. And it’s been a process! 

When we begin the process of healing, personal change and recovery it is and can be a difficult process on many levels.  But when we begin to have faith in personal change, we begin to unlock hope which in turn opens the door to vision, direction and purpose. The Native American Fatherhood and Families Association (NAFFA) is not just about personal change but bringing families together and uniting communities. The message is clear: stronger families equal stronger communities.

For those of us that have had hard/difficult lives our beliefs and traditions have paved the way for how we end up and where we are in life today. Those who come from abuse, neglect, incarceration, trauma and gangs/street life, personal change is not only unfamiliar, but also uncomfortable. Yet once we have lived the life of crime, addiction or made bad choices/decisions, we come to a turning point

in our lives.

Here's a fact: You can change! You can recover and heal and grow. It just takes some action and effort. You must change your thinking and become teachable (willing to learn) We have all paid a high price for our experiences in life (don't waste them!) True and lasting change must come from within. By filling one’s heart with gratitude, hope, motivation and personal acceptance, the powerful effect on one’s positive attitudes, behaviors and decision will heal us. What NAFFA has given me is the way back into not just my family but my community. Helping others and being of service today is not just fulfilling, it’s rewarding as well!

We unlock our true unlimited potential with these three things I was taught to do:

1) Be kind to all mankind.

2) Obey all rules and laws.

3) Keep your word and promises.

Mr. Al Pooley says if we do these things we will FLOURISH. Once we get out of our own foolish pride and ego, once we stop being selfish and self-centered, we can now find humility and courage to completely change our mindsets and how we look at life. 

By looking at life realistically we now become teachable, and we begin to embrace the: TRUTH! This process can be uncomfortable and hard to do at first. We must be willing to see the BIG PICTURE that we can change, that we can heal and we can reintegrate back into our families and our communities! You’re not stuck; you've just been delayed! By opening your heart, mind and becoming teachable, you can accomplish great things in your lives! Even in prison or in incarceration or treatment programs! Two concepts I've learned and gained from the Fatherhood program are: Loving the people you serve and loving the message you bring to the people whom you serve! 

What a heart-felt message for all those who have been down the road of recovery, broken relationships or disastrous choices. There is hope and you can start today.