Today we’d like to introduce you to Reginald Washington.
Reginald, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a young kid, I was emotionally illiterate and lacked problem-solving skills. I got involved with gangs and received a life sentence for a gang-related shooting and it was in prison that I first became aware of childhood trauma and how it affected me. I began the process of change in prison and also developed my corporation in there as well. Working on myself and developing social skills as well as other skills, I became the first African American gang member to receive a parole date, the first time I went to the BPT. Once I was home, I gave my life to change my community by working with our youth using Restorative Practices and Trauma-Informed Practices. I am currently a Federal and State Gang Expert and work with the SDCOE to help develop social skills and emotional literacy skills to at-risk youth all around San Diego County.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Major challenges came from connecting back to my community dealing with systematic racism and overcoming the stereotype of being involved with gangs and being in prison.
Please tell us about Project A.W.A.R.E Enterprises, Inc.
Project AWARE is a program that focuses on emotional literacy skills, social skills and problem-solving skills using individuals with life experiences while collaborating with probation and other systems. I’m most proud of the fact that our integrity has given us opportunities to work with Probation Police Departments and other systems to help redirect our youth.
Pricing:
- 8-week sessions $2000
Contact Info:
- Address: 2733 Lemon Grove Ave
Lemon Grove, CA 91945 - Website: projectawareenterprisies.org
- Phone: 760-828-7002
- Email: projectawareprogram@gmail.com
- Instagram: Project Aware Enterprises
- Facebook: Project Aware
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