“It’s Taken Over the Compound”: How a Prison Pilot Program Became a Movement

What began as a single presentation quickly grew into something much larger. The Real Talk with REAL LIFE curriculum was first delivered to a group of fifty men; from there, select participants were invited to train as peer facilitators.

Over the course of five weeks, 17 selected participants, narrowed down from over 40 applications, were trained in facilitating the program. REAL LIFE staff returned weekly to coach, evaluate, and support the inmate trainee facilitators, who each practiced teaching in front of their peers and received direct feedback from both staff and one another.

“Teaching others made them take the material even more seriously,” Tommy, our DV Prevention Coach, said. “They weren’t just participants anymore—they became leaders.”

These 17 facilitators just finished delivering the full curriculum to 96 participants. The program has generated such a buzz within the compound that sign-up sheets are now posted in every building, and there’s a waitlist of men eager to join. We held a beautiful graduation ceremony and have just begun our second “train the trainer” cohort, training even more men to deliver the program within the compound.

One of the lead facilitators, Craig, put it best: “REAL LIFE has taken over the whole compound. Everyone wants in.”

Tommy shared: “ These men are hungry to learn, to lead, and to be part of something bigger than themselves. You walk into the compound and feel it—this program has given them purpose.”

Class participant, Mujahid, says, “Real Talk gave me something I didn’t have then—the power of knowledge. It helped me confront my own trauma, strengthen my marriage, and become a voice in preventing domestic violence.”

Mujahid now uses what he’s learned to protect and uplift his family—and mentor others. Like so many inside Lawrenceville, he’s committed to change. “Over 90% of domestic violence is perpetrated by men, but almost 100% of those trying to prevent it are women. It’s time we take responsibility.”

Tommy says this project has been the most meaningful work he’s done. “It just does something to your spirit. These are still human beings. Some of them may never leave that compound, but they still deserve purpose. And they’re finding it through this.”