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Quiyona Bridges
Akuyoe Founder and Quiyona Graduate of the writing program
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Students getting ready for a foundation Reading
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Writes Of Passage
A SAF 'Writes of Passage" presentation
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building characters, raising self esteem, one child at atime
"Building Character, Raising Self Esteem, One child at a time"
What"s new?
For those not familiar with Spirit Awakening Foundation, we are a 501 ( c )( 3 ) charity that was formed fifteen years ago; our work is primarily- although not exclusively, with youth detained in the juvenile justice system and those formerly detained. Currently, Spirit Awakening programs are being implemented at juvenile camp schools Joseph Scott and Kenyon Scudder and also at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall and Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. We teach a very unique contemplative creative writing program that has at its core some very practical spiritual practices such as meditation and creative visualizations. We also include dramatic improvisations and role-plays, and teach deep listening techniques as a way of fostering mutual respect and compassionate understanding for divergent points of view. As an organization we are committed to selfless acts of service for the betterment of humanity and teach the children, teens and young adults entrusted to our care appropriate ways to give of themselves, their talents and unque gifts to those who can truly benefit from them. Service, as we practice it, is a dynamic way to transform our lives so that we may became ever more invaluable to our communities and the world.
Our site
Browse the site and learn more about us and our programs and most importantly the Spirit Awakening students. Many of our students feel as though they are "throw-aways" due to years of neglect and abuse; and I daresay that their pain is no less than the pain borne by the heroic people and wildlife of the gulf coast so brutally engulfed by the catastrophic BP oil spill. So buy a book of student writings and help us build our scholarship fund, or make a tax deductible donation, your contributions are always welcomed and needed. We are passionate about the work we do and love the children that we have the privilege of working with and you can rest assured, we do give our absolute best to this work- so thank you for stopping by. Become a friend and lifelong supporter- you'll be glad you did.
Peace and blessings.
Sincerely
Akuyoe Graham
Testimonial
My name is Michelle Williams and I was a detainee at Camp Scott juvenile facility when I was 17 years old. When I was a juvenile I had many uncertainties in what I wanted to do with my life and my self esteem was very low. I came to camp counting my days and ready to go home so that I can go back to doing what I was before I arrived there. I had no idea who I was and had no relationship with myself and really didn’t even care. Then I met Akuyoe. Every Wednesday Akuyoe came to camp with a refreshing new project we should do. She had us start off by having a relaxation period to just clear our minds from all our frustrations and stress. Then she would give us a project to work on mostly through writing. At first I was very reluctant to do all this writing because I thought it was a waste of time. But when I started to comply it was actually giving me an outlet to let out all my built up emotions. Akuyoe asked us to right about very simple questions such as “who am I” or “who do you want to be”. These questions made me think so hard because honestly I didn’t know who I was. Going through Akuyoe’s Spiritual Awakening program has opened my eyes to see the woman I want to be and helped me become the woman I am today. Without Akuyoe’s love and support and her accommodation to help me want to be better, I don’t think I would have the great relationship I have with myself or my family. So I thank you Akuyoe for this program and love you so much.
