A Better Path Forward for the Incarcerated: The Reality Check Transformation Program
Research is abundant on an inmate’s life once they leave prison, but very little documentation is available on supporting them while in prison. Some inmates need help because they are separated from friends and family or have trouble adjusting to losing their freedoms. Others find it hard to deal with the lack of social support, experiencing low self-esteem, loneliness, fear, or struggling to accept that prison is now their home for months, years, or maybe for—life.
The American Psychological Association reports, “Imprisonment disrupts the routines of daily life and has been described as ‘disorienting’ and a ‘shock to the system.’”
Research from the Brookings Institution offers a take on typical prison techniques such as a “convict code.” In other words, be tough, don’t get chummy with the correctional officers, don’t snitch, and mind your own business. While these actions might help incarcerated individuals survive their environment, they are less helpful in dealing with and confronting the internal demands they live with daily.
And that is where the Reality Check Project Transformation Program fills a much-needed void.
Correctional programs generally deal with prevention, incapacitation, retribution, rehabilitation, and reentry.
And that is fine for addressing and dealing with the behavior aspect of incarceration. Still, it does nothing for the renewal of the whole person—the Reality Check Project Transformation Program does!
What is the Reality Check Project (RCP)?
The Reality Check Project is a non-profit organization founded by Author, Speaker, and Coach Charles R. Jackson Jr… He started the project in 2017 as a testimonial to share his life story and become an effective change agent for incarcerated men, adjudicated, and “at-risk” youth.
In his book, Was this Fate? Jackson explains how an innocent birthday celebration turns into a homicide and changes his life’s direction. Through this tragic incident, Charles evolves into what he knows to be his true calling and applies his experience to be a dynamic agent of change.
RCP is presented nationwide to agencies that serve “at-risk” and adjudicated youth, prison inmates, and middle and high school students.
Reality Check Project Transformation Program
As Jackson’s message emerged, he developed the RCP Transformation Program. It’s a six-week program influenced by what he refers to as the six Ps.:
- Prayer
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Productivity
- Passion
- Purpose
The program curriculum covers:
- The social and emotional aspects of self-awareness and life purpose
- Managing stress and anger
- Peer-pressure and influences
- Coaching
- Good decision making
- Guides to transforming power
The interactive program gives participants clear, achievable objectives by utilizing small group discussions, exercises, and activities.
Jackson’s first-hand knowledge and down-to-earth approach emphasize the realities of incarceration, how to open your mind and heart, and to be receptive to transforming power is nothing less than— invaluable!
Please click here for more information about the RCP Transformation Program or to contact Charles for a speaking engagement. You can find his book at Barnes and Noble.