(BOP) - Inmates at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC), in Leavenworth, KS, recently spoke with a group of middle school and high school students during an after-school program for at-risk youth. LIFE TALKS, involves RDAP participants and Bureau staff members speaking to students about drug use, criminal activity and the consequences of choices made early in life.
"The inmates providing the LIFE TALKS present emotional struggles they have encountered in the past and what they are doing to address past difficulties." said Leavenworth DAP Coordinator Dr. Jason Wells. "By speaking about these matters and the steps they are taking to ready themselves for reentry the inmates gain a sense of accomplishment which will serve them as they release into society."
The inmates spoke to the teenagers about trying to establish healthy relationships now by getting involved with positive people and constructive activities available to them. They encouraged the students to take some time and think about what teachers, parents and other responsible adults are telling them and to not just dismiss their advice and experience.
Nicholas Roe, an inmate at FPC Leavenworth in the LIFE TALKS program, said, "This gives the kids a chance to speak and hear from real people who have experienced real situations with real outcomes. I felt they could relate to us because many have similar backgrounds and what we shared may have been an eye opener for what they might become if they chose the same road that we did."