ReNEW

ReNEW is a structured, curriculum based program. It is designed as an intensive empowerment program for substance involved incarcerated women. ReNEW was developed for use within any self contained dorm jail setting, The ReNEW team (staff and volunteers) guide women in their learning as they come to realize their addiction is a symptom of greater trauma. We help them discover what is at the root of their addiction.

Experiential classroom activities are woven throughout the lessons. All senses are included in the curriculum design reaching each woman in her own area of strength. The classes and activities help the residents explore their interests and enhance existing personal strengths. The women develop an appreciation and joy of learning around their newly discovered creative skills. The excitement of learning helps to prepare them for the integration of their work around substance abuse, personal identity and discovering their purpose.

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RESIDENT PROFILE

Most of the residents enroll in the program because they are looking for a change in their lives. They may have hit their bottom, or simply want to learn more about their trauma or addiction. They are hard working, have a spirit of cooperation, learn to become vulnerable which leads to empathy, integrity and authenticity.

Each woman is on her own recovery journey and has her own issues to focus on, however, as a group they find that they are not alone in their suffering and that others have experienced similar trauma, hurts and abuse. This awareness becomes a spring board for their growth, awareness and self development.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

ReNEW is an 8-10 week empowerment program for substance involved incarcerated women. New residents enter every four weeks in cohorts. This structure creates community and quickly perpetuates group trust and collaboration. The program is divided into four week blocks and prepares them for release and continuation of their recovery on the outside.

PROGRAM BUILDING BLOCKS

The core building blocks of the program are: 

  • EMPOWERMENT

  • PERSONAL IDENTITY

  • ENRICHMENT

  • RELAPSE PREVENTION

The curriculum includes classes on relapse prevention and substance abuse, public speaking to build self confidence, and self awareness to understand who they really are. Issues dealing with trauma, abuse, anger and anxiety management, and codependency are important features of the curriculum. Enrichment activities such as expressive arts, health and wellness, book studies, and topical movies create a relaxed learning environment.

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

The ReNEW program culminates in a ceremony to celebrate the residents' hard work and dedication. The guidelines for successful completion are:

  • All homework turned in and should reflect a superior level of effort.

  • Successful completion of the 8 page essay with a grade of 80% or better.

  • Creation and delivery of a program completion speech; a personal journey of their reflection on their time in the program and what they are taking away.

  • Participation in group sessions, sharing their personal reflection once they develop trust and vulnerability.

  • Show signs of growth and development in the areas of emotional regulation, interpersonal skills and self-awareness.

  • Embody beginning leadership skills through their “each one teach one” during their week of leadership responsibilities.

  • Phase I completion of weeks 1-4.

  • Phase II completion of weeks 5-10.