Author Archives: Compassion Prison Project

Death Row Resident Reveals Poignant Childhood Trauma – Compassion Prison Project Interviews author Jarvis Jay Masters

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Compassion Prison Project Founder and Compassion in Action podcast host, Fritzi Horstman, has released a riveting, in-depth interview with San Quentin death row resident and author, Jarvis Jay Masters. Masters, author of "That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row" and "Finding Freedom: Writings From Death Row," is also a well-known Buddhist practitioner and Covid survivor. Oprah Winfrey has recently selected "That Bird Has My Wings" as her latest pick for Oprah's Book Club.

In this compelling conversation, Horstman and Masters discuss, amongst many absorbing topics, evidence of strikingly similar childhood trauma endured by nearly all death row residents. They reflect on the day Masters stepped in to prevent a gay prison resident from being beaten and discuss his youth, where Masters recalls frequent visits to a local college campus, wondering why he couldn't experience life as a real student.

At once heartbreaking, wise and hopeful, Masters never shies away from the diligent questions posed by Horstman. Masters has steadfastly maintained his innocence for the crime in which he was sentenced to death and is currently awaiting a decision on his case by the federal courts. As part of CPP's innovative trauma-informed outreach, Horstman recently had the unique opportunity to work with several other men living on death row as well.

"It was a great privilege to speak with Jarvis Jay Masters. Not only did he overcome a childhood filled with trauma, neglect and violence, he took every possibility to transform himself, revealing the extraordinary person that he truly is today," said Fritzi Horstman - Founder Compassion Prison Project.

"With over 2,400 people living on death row, there are over 2,400 extraordinary human beings we can rehabilitate and support to find ways to make amends to their victims and give back to society. Gandhi said: 'An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.' If we take another look and realize there are better ways to deal with crime and State-sanctioned murder, we have a chance to see clearly again."

If you would like more information about this topic, please email media@compassionprisonproject.org

Find this podcast and others at: https://compassionprisonproject.org/compassion-in-action-podcast/

About Compassion Prison Project:

Compassion Prison Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Founded in 2019, our mission is to create trauma-informed prisons and communities. Learn more at: https://compassionprisonproject.org/.

Compassion Prison Project Founder and Compassion in Action podcast host, Fritzi Horstman, has released a riveting, in-depth interview with San Quentin death row resident and author, Jarvis Jay Masters, author of "That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row." Oprah Winfrey has recently selected "That Bird Has My Wings" as her latest pick for Oprah's Book Club.

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Compassion Prison Project and CA Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris Raise ACE Awareness in CA Prison

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Compassion Prison Project (CPP) piloted its innovative new series "Trauma Talks," an educational video program with accompanying workbook this week. CPP's mission is to create trauma-informed prisons and communities by bringing trauma awareness education and proven healing modalities to the men and women living and working in prison. Statistically, those involved in the prison system have some of the highest number of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) in society.

As part of the "Trauma Talks" launch, on September 7th, 8th, and 9th 2021, CPP hosted an historic event at Valley State Prison (VSP) in California. Over a hundred men living at VSP shared their childhood trauma stories in Compassion Trauma Circles, joined by CPP Founder Fritzi Horstman, California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and 17 volunteers. CPP and Ms. Horstman are best known for the short film Step Inside the Circle, which has reached over 3.5 million viewers with its unprecedented look at childhood trauma behind bars. Dr. Burke Harris's office has established the bold goal of reducing ACEs and toxic stress by 50 percent within one generation.

The VSP event activities included supportive open discussions, exercises, and lectures. Catalina Villegas, Anchor of Your Weekend on Spectrum News 1, was on-site to capture the event as it unfolded. In addition, CPP provided mentorship training to several incarcerated residents and a specially designed Correctional Officer presentation was also featured for 30+ Correctional Officers.

Every single resident at Valley State Prison (2,900 in total) received the first volume of the "Trauma Talks" workbook and began the curriculum, thanks to the generous donation by one of CPP's supporters. CPP is on track to establish several other pilot launches of "Trauma Talks" in the United States and around the world by the end of 2021, with the goal of having the entire series available in all prisons by 2023.

The outcome of this event is that Valley State Prison will be the first fully trauma-informed, trauma-responsive prison in the country. With the "Trauma Talks" pilot, CPP has opened the doors for important transformation in the United States Criminal Justice community. The positive impact this educational and emotionally supportive program will have on incarcerated citizens and their families is immeasurable.

"When I found out I was traumatized by my parents and my upbringing, it changed how I felt about myself," Fritzi Horstman reflected on her way back from Valley State Prison. "I want to share what I've learned and make sure every person living in prison understands the principles of trauma, brain science and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) so people can forgive themselves, make amends and begin the healing process, not only for themselves, but for their families and their communities."

For more information, please contact Melonie McCoy, Media and Communications Director at media@compassionprisonproject.org or visit https://compassionprisonproject.org/

MULTIMEDIA

IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0923s2p-Horstman-and-DrNBH-300dpi.jpg

Caption: Compassion Prison Project's Fritzi Horstman & California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris

MEDIA CONTACT:

Compassion Prison Project

Melonie McCoy - Media and Communications Director

media@compassionprisonproject.org

425-628-4611

Compassion Prison Project (CPP) piloted its innovative new series "Trauma Talks," an educational video program with accompanying workbook this week. CPP's mission is to create trauma-informed prisons and communities by bringing trauma awareness education and proven healing modalities to the men and women living and working in prison.

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Inaugural Run Across America For Trauma Awareness (#RAAFTA) Event

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Media Alert: June 19 - 27 2021 -- Compassion Prison Project (CPP) is very pleased to announce their Inaugural Run Across America For Trauma Awareness (#RAAFTA) fundraising event in partnership with Be The Good. The objective is to run a cumulative 3,000 miles, so only by joining together can we reach our goal. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome to run, walk, stroll or roll in the great outdoors to support this wonderful cause.

CPP's mission is to transform our nation's prisons, currently places of repetitive traumatization and isolation, into centers for healing and education. Based on the Norwegian correctional model, CPP's focus is on Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) awareness and trauma-responsive training.

Long after the fresh air endorphin glow wears off, participants can feel great about their efforts to support the most traumatized people in our society. All proceeds from the $10 registration fee and from monies raised by sponsoring friends and family goes directly toward supporting CPP's mission.

Best known for its widely acclaimed short film "Step Inside the Circle," CPP's goal for 2021 is to establish ten pilot prison programs across the U.S. These programs will highlight the proven healing modalities and professionally designed trauma curriculum CPP has developed for use by both prison residents as well as staff.

CPP's advocacy work includes the newly launched Compassion in Action podcast which welcomes acclaimed experts in the field of trauma research including Dr. Gabor Mate', CDC ACE study Co-Founder Dr. Vincent Felitti and coming soon Dr. Bruce Perry and Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk.

If you would like more information about the #RAAFTA event, or to schedule an interview, please email media@compassionprisonproject.org.

Registration for the event: https://compassionprisonproject.org/raafta

Compassion Prison Project is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Founded in 2019, our mission is to transform prisons and communities through compassionate action. Learn more at: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

MEDIA CONTACT
Melonie McCoy, Media and Communications Director
Email: media@compassionprisonproject.org

Compassion Prison Project (CPP) is very pleased to announce their Inaugural Run Across America For Trauma Awareness (#RAAFTA) fundraising event in partnership with Be The Good. The objective is to run a cumulative 3,000 miles.

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Dr. Bruce Perry and Compassion Prison Project (CPP) Uncovering the Hidden Truth of Childhood Trauma Within Prisons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Over the last 30 years, Dr. Bruce Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children's mental health and neurosciences, holding a variety of academic positions. His work on the ramifications of abuse, neglect and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice and policy across the world. Reflecting on his new book with Oprah Winfrey, "What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing," Dr. Perry sits down this week for an in-depth conversation with Compassion Prison Project Founder and award-winning film producer Fritzi Horstman.

The interview, which will be shared as an episode on CPP's podcast, Compassion in Action, delves into the concept of "Getting to the Cortex" while examining ACEs in society versus ACEs in prison.

In CPP's research, using the CDC/Kaiser Permanente ACEs study (Adverse Childhood Experiences), they discovered that childhood trauma is disproportionately high within the prison system. CPP is focused on bringing childhood trauma awareness and responsiveness training to prisons and communities both in the U.S. and globally. CPP's programs include a new six-part video series and corresponding workbooks titled Trauma Talks which shed light on the devastating impact of childhood trauma, while guiding prison residents and staff through various healing exercises.

CPP's ultimate mission is to transform prisons into centers of healing and education so that the most traumatized members of our society can begin the process of healing, creating a lasting positive impact on families and communities. Dr. Perry's analysis of childhood trauma within prisons is at once insightful and thought-provoking, making this a noteworthy, groundbreaking exchange.

Dr. Bruce Perry and Compassion Prison Project (CPP)

"Dr. Bruce Perry is one of the pioneers working today in the childhood developmental trauma field. His insights and compassionate perspective will ultimately change how the systems of our society treat the poor, disenfranchised and traumatized. It is an honor to have this conversation," says Fritzi Horstman - CPP Founder and Executive Director.

About Compassion Prison Project

Compassion Prison Project is a grassroots organization with a mission to transform prisons and communities through compassionate action. To learn more please visit www.compassionprisonproject.org a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melonie McCoy, Media Communications
Phone: 425-628-4611
Email: media@compassionprisonproject.org

MULTIMEDIA

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/q6v9L321WIk

Reflecting on his new book with Oprah Winfrey, "What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing," Dr. Perry sits down this week for an in-depth conversation with Compassion Prison Project Founder and award-winning film producer Fritzi Horstman.

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Childhood Trauma – The Dark Secret 64% of Us Share: Compassion Prison Project with Dr. Vincent Felitti

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Two years ago this month, film producer Fritzi Horstman, and Compassion Prison Project founder, walked into a California maximum-security prison and sat down with the men who were serving time, hoping to bring them compassion and trauma-awareness. One of the first things she said was, "I was traumatized when I was a child - my mother emotionally and physically abused me. I was neglected and my father was an alcoholic."

Ultimately, she was entrusted with the many stories these men shared, stories of unimaginable childhood abuse and neglect. Statistically the men and women living, and working, within our prison system are amongst the most traumatized members of our society. Prisons, often places of dehumanization, solitude and hopelessness, traumatize them even more.

Two years later, Compassion Prison Project, founded by Horstman, is marking its anniversary by announcing the launch of its unprecedented new podcast, "Compassion in Action."

Compassion in Action gives listeners the unique opportunity to join Horstman and trauma experts as they shed light on ACEs: Adverse Childhood Experiences. ACEs can include childhood physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, poverty or having a family member in prison. Compassion in Action examines ACEs as they pertain to society as a whole. Topics include the impact of childhood trauma on our overall health, the root cause of addiction and the significant burden of shame. Perhaps most importantly, Compassion in Action guests share insight into healing modalities which promote self-awareness and a willingness to address our collective trauma.

Building on the momentum of the new podcast launch, special guest Dr. Vincent Felitti, MD, co-creator of the original ACE Kaiser Permanente CDC study, joins Fritzi in a new Compassion in Action episode. Dr. Felitti details the crucial importance of the ACEs study, its ramifications for the public and the vital importance of supporting healthy parenting. A graduate of John Hopkins Medical School and Founder of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Kaiser Permanente San Diego, Dr. Felitti's understanding of childhood trauma was gained over years spent analyzing data from thousands of patients.

Horstman commented, upon reaching the organization's two-year anniversary "I am thrilled to share this interview with Dr. Vincent Felitti who is the Co-Author of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Quiz - the most important health survey which has changed the lives of so many."

She adds, "Our work at Compassion Prison Project has just begun. We are on track to create trauma-informed prisons throughout the United States and spread our Trauma-Awareness Campaign to all men and women living in their own prisons - inside and outside."

If you would like more information about this topic, please email media@compassionprisonproject.org.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/7-VAUnGV1Vs

About Compassion Prison Project:

Compassion Prison Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Founded in 2019, our mission is to transform prisons and communities through compassionate action. Learn more at: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Fritzi Horstman, Founder and Executive Director

Phone: 310-428-8908

Contact: Melonie McCoy, Media and Communications Director

Email: media@compassionprisonproject.org

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:

[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0012s2p-Horstman-on-location-300dpi.jpg

Caption: CPP Founder Fritzi Horstman on location in California

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0112s2p-Horstman-and-Felitti-300dpi.jpg

Caption: CPP's Fritzi Horstman and guest Dr. Vincent Felitti - "Compassion in Action" podcast.

Two years ago this month, film producer Fritzi Horstman, and Compassion Prison Project founder, walked into a California maximum-security prison and sat down with the men who were serving time, hoping to bring them compassion and trauma-awareness.

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

Transforming the Nation’s Prisons into Places of Healing: Compassion Prison Project and ‘Step Inside the Circle’ PSA Film

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- On February 12, 2020, 235 incarcerated men gathered in the yard of a maximum-security prison in California. They formed a circle, and in the center of that circle stood Grammy Award winning film producer Fritzi Horstman. She read aloud ten questions from the ACE test, a survey of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

So begins the documentary "Step Inside the Circle," the PSA film which is at the heart of the grassroots organization Compassion Prison Project. With a production team that included Academy Award nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, "Step Inside the Circle" has, in just a few short months since its release, reached over 2 million views.

By addressing subject matter that is often cloaked in shame, "Step Inside the Circle" bears witness to the damage done by childhood trauma, then ultimately guides us to embrace the ability of the mind, body and spirit to heal.

CDC research shows more than 60 percent of American adults have experienced at least one ACE as children, and almost a quarter of adults have experienced 3 or more ACEs. ACEs are a contributing factor in a range of health-related issues including increased risk for cancer and heart attack, ability to regulate emotions and even the altering of transgenerational DNA.

Compassion Prison Project's mission is to transform prisons and their communities through compassionate action, focusing on ACE awareness, facilitation of trauma healing programs, giving back projects and returning citizens support. Based on her own experiences with childhood trauma, Founder and Executive Director Fritzi Horstman and a core organizing team designed

Compassion Prison Project's approach to include partnerships with volunteers, governments, community-based organizations and prison administrations.

"Compassion Prison Project believes that the power to heal future generations is in changing the way we treat the most traumatized members of our society today," said Fritzi Horstman - Founder Compassion Prison Project.

"Trauma Is A Fact of Life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence," said Peter A Levine.

If you would like more information about this topic, please email media@compassionprisonproject.org or call Fritzi, Executive Director, at 310-428-8908.

Compassion Prison Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Founded in 2019, our mission is to transform prisons and communities through compassionate action.

Learn more at: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0908s2p-horstman-cpp-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: CPP founder Fritzi Horstman and Richard, serving a life sentence in California.

On February 12, 2020, 235 incarcerated men gathered in the yard of a maximum-security prison in California. They formed a circle, and in the center of that circle stood Grammy Award winning film producer Fritzi Horstman. She read aloud ten questions from the ACE test, a survey of Adverse Childhood Experiences

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/

New York Times Bestselling Author Bestows Gift to Nation’s Prisons

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- In partnership with Compassion Prison Project, Sam Harris - neuroscientist, philosopher, podcaster and five-time New York Times best-selling author - has just donated his top-rated app, Waking Up, to ALL prisons in the United States.

This compassionate gift is for use by people who are incarcerated as well as correctional officers employed in the prison system. Additionally, Sam is offering the Waking Up app at no cost to anyone who cannot afford to purchase it.

Sam is the New York times bestselling author of several titles, including "Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion." Sam earned the 2017 Webby Award in the category of Science and Education for his podcast titled "Making Sense."

By sharing the Waking Up app with the men and women living in prisons, Sam has enabled them to experience the healing benefits of meditation and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Clinically, meditation has been proven to be of benefit in stress reduction, promotion of mental health and aiding in overcoming addiction.

"Meditation is one of the most important ways to change the wiring in our brains after a lifetime of toxic stress, violence and abuse," said Fritzi Horstman, founder of the Compassion Prison Project. "Everyone in the prison environment can benefit from this incredible healing resource from Sam Harris."

About Compassion Prison Project

Compassion Prison Project is a grassroots organization with a mission to transform prisons and communities through compassionate action.

To learn more please visit https://compassionprisonproject.org/ a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/FVxjuTkWQiE

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0827s2p-sam-harris-300dpi.jpg
*Caption: Author Sam Harris

In partnership with Compassion Prison Project, Sam Harris - neuroscientist, philosopher, podcaster and five-time New York Times best-selling author - has just donated his top-rated app, Waking Up, to ALL prisons in the United States.

Related link: https://compassionprisonproject.org/