From Daniel
Here at Green Haven Correctional Facility Pinpoint is the Youth Assistant Program’s (YAP) sponsor. YAP is a diversionary program that works with at-risk youth from surrounding communities. I have been volunteering with YAP since 2005 when I was at Great Meadow Correctional Facility.
In the summer of 2019, Pinpoint’s President, Rasheed Wallace, asked me to consider presenting a topic discussion at their annual event. I am grateful for this opportunity and the doors it has opened for me. The audience was awesome and in the time since I’ve been tapped into to lead presentations for other organizations and classes.
We asked Daniel a few follow up questions:
WHAT WAS YOUR PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION ABOUT?
The title was Facing Truth. The premise of this discussion encouraged the audience to examine their present understanding of themselves and the importance of being honest with oneself.
HOW HAS YAP HELPED YOU?
YAP is an avenue for me to give back to society and provides me with a meaningful sense of purpose. Having come to prison as a 17-year-old high school student, I easily identify with YAP’s main demographic of at-risk youth. During these interactions, I often gain unexpected insights that help me understand my younger and present self. These lessons then get applies to my daily life and future groups. Plus, I work with a team of people whom I regularly learn from and vice versa.