Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Santa Barbara-based Freedom to Choose Project marks two decades of empowering individuals and families impacted by incarceration across California as it looks ahead to extending its reach further.
With more than 7,000 incarcerated individuals served, some 218,700 hours of in-person education, and nearly 1,000 volunteers with 100,000-plus hours of volunteer service, has not only provided its curriculum in the Santa Barbara County Jail, it has been a pivotal force in fostering rehabilitation and reintegration in every state prison across California.
The Freedom to Choose Project equips participants with essential life skills, including conflict resolution, nonviolent communication, emotional intelligence, social intelligence, positive choice-making skills, and self-awareness.
The programs have significantly reduced recidivism and supported participants in overcoming challenges like educational deficits, substance abuse, and emotional health issues.
The curriculum is delivered through three program areas: in-person workshops that focus on emotional competence and trauma recovery; small study groups to facilitate self-directed learning and peer mentorship; and a correspondence program that extends educational opportunities through written assignments.
The Freedom to Choose Project plans to enhance and expand its in-person and correspondence programs to additional facilities, aiming to broaden its impact even further across California and to other states and countries.
“Our 20th anniversary is not only a reflection of past successes but also a launching point for future expansion,” said Forrest Leichtberg, executive director. “We are well-poised to increase our impact, helping more incarcerated individuals and their families rewrite their futures.
“This next phase of growth will enable us to touch even more lives, fostering personal and community transformation.”
Founded in 2004 in Santa Barbara, California by Drs. Bonnie and David Paul, the Freedom to Choose Project’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration through compassionate experiential education.
For more, visit www.freedomtochooseproject.org, or contact info@freedomtochooseproject.org or 805-323-6543.