SAN QUENTIN STORYTELLING WORKSHOP BRINGS HOPE

Back to the Start at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center announced the successful graduation of its second cohort from its writing program, an initiative designed to empower incarcerated participants through the therapeutic power of storytelling.

Using a trauma-informed approach, participants are given a range of prompts to explore their childhood experiences over a six-month period, using curriculum co-created with its incarcerated program facilitators. Topics include reflections about their home and school environment, childcare, access to support services, involvement in the foster system, trauma and loss, and first contact with the criminal justice system.

The second cohort of 35 participants was a much larger group than initially planned, in order to accommodate the demand. The cohort included significant representation from the Spanish- speaking community, reflecting Back to the Start’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

“This graduation marks a significant milestone for our organization. Throughout the workshop, I witnessed participants share raw, vulnerable moments with their peers, while they read excerpts of stories from childhoods filled with trauma and violence. This workshop fosters a real sense of community, connection, and mutual support amongst the participants, which is unprecedented in a setting like San Quentin,” said Jenny Espinoza, executive director at Back to the Start. “We believe these stories are powerful and persuasive in advocating for policy change and are exploring exciting collaborations to bring the voices of the incarcerated to the public.”