Program Deep Dive: CHOOSE Freedom
We’d like to introduce, or re-introduce, you to CHOOSE Freedom. CHOOSE Freedom is one of the nine programs we offer here at CHOOSE 180. This program is a community-based approach to reentry from incarceration as well as violence prevention and healing for young people. CHOOSE Freedom was built because of the benefits we saw from our school-based diversion and court diversion programs.
We recognize that the traumas of incarceration and violence severely impact young people in our community. We believe in a restorative approach to healing and preventing future harm. Instead of perpetuating the cycle of violence and punishment, we can heal and form a stronger community.
CHOOSE Freedom Community Navigators are people with lived experience from the communities we serve. Our team holds different skills and experiences that come together through a passion to serve young people. Community Navigators hold group sessions both in detention facilities and in community via Zoom to build relationships, learn from each other, and heal.
“I wish I had a program like this growing up.”
- Alvin “Boomer” Lowe, CHOOSE Freedom Community Navigator
CHOOSE Freedom has multiple cohorts each year, each lasting 14 weeks. During these weeks, our staff uses the curriculum created by our organization to empower our participants meeting regularly to discuss topics such as:
Goal setting
Identifying personal strengths
Alternatives to retaliation
Accountability
Trauma recovery
…and more
These topics are continuously expanding and evolving with every cohort that we have the opportunity to serve. We believe in juvenile justice and that together, we can empower young people to make positive choices and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
“If it wasn’t for Choose Freedom I would be dead or in jail. They gave me a vision and seen something in me nobody did.”
-Program Participant
Program eligibility:
Aged 12-24
Located in King County
Impacted by incarceration and/or gun violence
If you or someone you know could benefit from participating in this program, we encourage you to fill out the Community Referral Form and check the box for CHOOSE Freedom.
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