Intervention program urges positive thinking

[The Streets Don't Love You Back]

Intervention program urges positive thinking

The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area has distributed $400,003.56 among 34 deserving organizations in the region. The foundation's Unrestricted Grants Program is primarily funded by Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. This week, we introduce readers to nine of the countless individuals who have been helped by the foundation.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Jericho Jackson knew he was on a path to prison. He was prone to fighting, and though he'd never been caught or put in jail, he was sure it was coming.

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Jackie Ricciardi/Staff

Jericho Jackson (left) and Devon Harris, the director of Full Circle Gang Refuge, help guide young men away from the cycle of violence by teaching them to think differently. Jackson thought he was destined for prison before enrolling in the program.

"The street influences the way you think," the 18-year-old from Aiken said. "I knew better, but I chose not to listen to that. I chose to fight."

When Jackson met Devon Harris at a gang-prevention seminar, he decided to enroll in a life skills program piloted by Harris' organization, Full Circle Refuge.

Members of the class, called One Degree at a Time, met once a week at Christ Central of Aiken for a 10-week course that stresses critical thinking and positive decision-making.

Some of the participants are assigned to the class through the Aiken County Department of Juvenile Justice, although others, including Jackson, come on their own accord.

"I realized that in every fight there's a loser," Jackson said. "Now if someone calls me up and they want to fight, I've got to say no. I've got a future. I don't want that coming up on my record when I look for a job."

Now he helps Harris lead other young men through the course, which is in its third cycle.

"I'm starting over with a new reputation," Jackson said.

Harris has plans to expand the program in Aiken and Richmond counties.

A $15,000 Community Foundation grant helped Full Circle buy curriculum for 100 students to complete the course by the end of this year. Harris is recruiting male leaders willing to dedicate one evening a week to the program.

"We want to turn lives around one degree at a time. It's all about changing the way you think and act," Harris said. "We'll pick them up and bring them to the facility if we have to. They sit in front of us for two hours, and we speak truth into their lives. We're seeing tremendous change."