Testimonials

Real People, Real Names, Real Information

Take some time to see and hear what over 500 ARISE learners, group facilitators, trainees, and others have to say about the ARISE Life Skills Program. The testimonials have been arranged by topic as follows:

ARISE Training & Curricular Testimonials

Brandon Kyle, Community Center Programs Director, The Salvation Army, North Portland, OR
Click here to read the entire Letter
“I am please to report that our incorporation of the ARISE Big Kids Book of Life Lessons, and ARISE Work In Progress: Anger Management, curricula has been a success with our at-risk youth in North Portland, OR.

The ARISE curriculum has done an outstanding job of challenging each child on a personal level and as a team, and creates a dialogue for some of life’s most difficult issues. In a short time since introducing them to ARISE, we have seen laughter and tears, kids go from being closed, shy, and introverted, to being able to share their concerns and experiences with new friends.”

Kenneth Cecil, Clinical Manager, Department of Public Welfare
“We recently started using the Anger Management and Violence & Conflict curricula in two of our facilities. Both the staff and youth involved in these groups report overwhelmingly positive experiences from the sessions. Our youth are more engaged in these groups with higher levels of participation. We are very pleased with the ARISE format and the ongoing support that we have received after our initial training.”

Bryan Coleman, Trainee
“Dear Mr. & Mrs. Benson,
My name is Mr. Bryan Coleman and I thought I would take the time to thank the both of you for the Anger Management Program you devised. At first, I thought it was just like the other program I had completed about 3 years ago. Yet after a few modules I found it to be quite on the contrary. Not only did your program progress in a smooth straight forward way, but I found myself able to understand anger and actually become engrossed in the modules, anticipating the next. I realize that through my life there were triggers all around me that would bring me into the red zone escalating my anger to 10 on my anger scale…wait wait let me not get you all confused with my anger management jargon that I picked up during my classes…lol. In laymen terms, I found many things in my everyday accounts that would cause my anger to boil to proportions that would get me into trouble, one way or another, which before your classes, I never even recognized them as such. I am now able to press toward any mark I set before myself and not become angry in a traffic jam, while waiting on a delayed bus, at a movie while people are being rude talking during the showing…ect. This program has given me much more than I can put into words, but mostly a new me. I am so thankful for Mrs. Judy Lyons presenting to me your program and teaching me along the way. I would also like to thank Minister Deborah Corley who has not only been a hammer on my head…lol, but a minister in Christian mannerisms and support to me spiritually. I recommend this program to anyone who is angry, was angry, don’t know they are angry and those in denial of anger. Again, I thank you and may GOD watch between me and thee daily.”

Feirmon E. Johnson, Chief Probation Office, Juvenile Assessment Center, WPB, FL
“A belated Happy Birthday Wish, and a wish that God will continue to bless you in all of your endeavors as you continue to provide ARISE services to families, children, youth, staff and employees around the State and Country. Be assured that many have benefited in their growth and development in working and dealing with numerous situation that confront them thanks to your programs. Again, A Happy Belated Birthday.”

Elma Adame, Superintendent, Polk Regional Juvenile Detention Center
“I would like to thank you, your staff for all the support and services that you have provided to this facility and the youth in our care, throughout the years. Your commitment to the at-risk youth in our community is a gift, which can have a lasting positive impact on their lives and is very much appreciated by my staff and me.”

Carol Lang, MSW, LCSW, Divisional Social Services Director, The Salvation Army
Click here to read the entire Letter -
“The ARISE curricula is an outstanding tool for at-risk kids that The Salvation Army works with on a daily basis. Our work with this population involves children who have moved from location to location, lived out of their cars, on the streets, and who have had to change schools frequently. These children have not been able to form relationships or establish roots because of the transient nature of their parent’s lives.“

Stephen C. Mullis,Central Regional Director, Detention Services, Department of Juvenile Justice
Click here to read the entire letter -
“ARISE has been involved with providing training and services to juvenile detention staff for the past several years. I would like to express the overwhelmingly positive feedback I have received from those staff with regards to your training. The Drop It At The Door training has provided these staff with new concepts and ideas about themselves, their work, and the youth…”

Barbara Clemmons, The Salvation Army, USA Central
Click here to read the entire letter -
“Since we have talked previously, you know that I am impressed with the materials received from the Arise Foundation. The foundation has been extremely generous in sharing both instructors and student’s versions of several tools….”

John Salzar, ACTS
“Thank you!! We love using ARISE here, it is perfect for our needs and for the kids we work with.”

ARISE Life Skills Instructor Training

Mattie Broxton, Salvation Army, Pensacola, Florida
“ I found the lessons on self esteem and anger management very helpful. These two issues are what I see in most people I see in my office. Working in groups was really most helpful . I feel prepared to teach ARISE Life Skills Lessons because of attending this training.”

Katie Weeks, Families Count, Fort Walton Beach, Florida
“I learned how to conduct brainstorming and mind mapping with learners to help them participate and feel important. This training met all of my expectations. Practicing the lesson planning will really help me”.

Anna Mendez , Santa Rosa School District, Santa Rosa, Florida
“ The part that was most valuable to me was re-naming something negative to give it a positive connotation such as calling rules standards or guidelines. . I found the hands on teaching that was non-judgmental very helpful”

Natasha Mitchell, Families Count, Pensacola, Florida
“ It was very helpful to split off into different groups and learn ways to teach the students, so that the students get to know each other. The information on how to increase group participation was invaluable. The ARISE formula is most helpful. I learned more information than I though. Su is a great instructor.”

Robin R. May, Youth Count/ Families Court, Ft Walton Beach, Florida
“ I really needed to be reminded to plan a large number of discussion questions . I often think I can wing it, but groups always go more smoothly if I plan. This training gave me wonderful tools for planning and a way to structure what I teach”.

Robert Cameron, Palm Beach Juvenile Justice Center, FL
“I learned a lot on how to approach kids with a positive attitude and apply my new skills with everyday life. I now know how to create an activity to reinforce learning. (ARISE Life Skills Training)”

Rachel Holmes, Teacher Leadership Training Institute – Hempstead, NY
“The training was fantastic. I have learned so many new techniques and strategies that I can’t wait to go back to the classroom to use the ice breakers, tips on body language and better listening skills. I feel after this training , I am a stronger teacher.”

Yolanda Garcia, AMI Kids, North Miami Dade County, Florida
“The training was very well taught. It was positive and fun. The positivity cards were very useful. The topics offered in the workbooks are relevant to the adolescent population that we work with. At times the most difficult part of running a group is choosing a topic that captivates your audience. ARISE workbooks provide us with that material”

Yashica Cobb, AMI Kids , North Miami Dade County, Florida
“The following is what I found most helpful: ways to keep your group participating and interesting, ways to deal with not so good behavior, ways to open and close a group. The training was clear and to the point and easy to understand.”

Dorothy Adams, McClendon Center , Washington DC
“You can use this training for most any situation you are dealing with. You can change the activities to fit your needs. You learn how so many people view things and how they deal with them . This training exceeded my expectations.”

Teresa Smallwood, The Elizabeth Ministry Inc., Washington DC
“The training helped me to theorize how to frame and for present a topic and/or activity to a group of people. I was very impressed with the training manual. The training will be very beneficial in my work.

ARISE Master Training

Lilly Gallardo, Director of Social Services, The Salvation Army
“Last week I attended the Master Life Skills Training in Tampa. It was a great training! I enjoyed all aspects of it. It was very detailed, hands on and very relevant to what we do. The trainers, Joliett and Su, are excellent and really know what they are doing. The program is an excellent tool to implement the different Life Skills that are essential to the success of our children and adults living in our transitional housing programs. I am grateful to Major Hogg for allowing me to attend the training and to the Arise Foundation for making it available to us. I will be in contact with you later to make arrangements to get some materials to teach our kids great Life Skills. Thank you very much”

Johnny Marrero, ARISE Master Trainer, Pinellas Regional Juvenile Detention Center
“Some of the youth at the Pinellas Regional Juvenile Detention Center don’t want to attend church services Sunday mornings. They want to go to ARISE groups instead.”

Nicole Ventour, Harbor Creek, Erie PA
“The facilitator’s style of teaching was highly motivational. She incorporated active listening when discussing topics. I feel prepared to conduct an ARISE training.”

Walter A. Easley, North Carolina“ The training model and methods accomplish all the things needed to target at-risk youth. The instructor gives it legs and feet. I want to attend the 2 day Drop it at the Door and the Master Drop it at the Door.”

Mazk P. DeVillier, Grafton Schools, Berryville, Virginia “I have been in the mental health field for 35 years and this was the best group process and life skills training I have attended. The planning process of the lessons plans were very helpful.”

ARISE Drop It at the Door

Detective J. Nubin, Riviera Beach Police Department
“The information was very helpful in dealing with ideal ways to release stress , tension and anger. This is very helpful when working with so many officers who are already stressed out form the job of working with citizen cases that involve homicide, battery and everyday life in the police department. This information can be applied to all – work and home life.”

Nicole Robinson, Riviera Beach Police Department “This training exceeded my expectations. I learned that you have to identify the reason for your anger and if you hold on to it, it can make you unhealthy. I think I understand anger better now. It is so very important to open up and not bottle so many things inside. This training was excellent.”

Roderick White, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
“This training experience was great. It allowed me to explore different ways to deal with my emotions in a healthier manner. I love the positivity cards, the positivity stones and the passion of the trainer. I can use all the tools at work and at home.”

Mayra Bagnoi, Barry University
“I thought the information was meaningful and easy to use. It reminded me of some important topics I already knew but were not using, and it taught me new tools to handle stress in my life. I loved learning how to re frame my thoughts to be more positives and the blessing journal is a blessing for me. “

Queteline Fabe Salvation Army
“The tools are very useful in professional and personal life settings and can easily be implemented. The use of the power of positive statements had a strong impact on me. I would like a graduate level of this training. Lean that anger is a secondary emotion triggered by primary feelings well help me better deal with the stress in my life. I always recognized when I am angry but have rarely discovered the root , so this was very helpful”

Carla-Craig Wright- Pasco Regional Juvenile Detention Center
“The training was simply presented and easy to apply. The training should be five days. I see myself using the ARISE positivity cards and the positivity stone. /I have learned to step away and not be sucked into negativity and I will use the “I” statements” instead of accusatory statements. “

William Nahordny- Pinellas Juvenile Detention Center
“I feel I have a tool box of things I can use at home and work to be happier. I can see myself using the positivity cards to diffuse anger.”

Kacha Allen – Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center
“I learned how to control my anger in a positive manner. I also learned that fear can turn into anger very quickly. I want to use thie information learned with my 13 year old son to help him have a positive attitude.”

Edwin Wesley Department of Juvenile Justice
“I feel like I have learned a lot about how to handle stressful situations. I learned that teamwork can release work-related deadlines. I have learned not to be judgmental to the point where I can make a person feel bad.”

Elizabeth Miller Department of Juvenile Justice
“I feel the information obtained at the training will allow me to make better choices when dealing with my clients and family. I will remember I have the power to make positive choices and to let go of anger.”

Other ARISE Testimonials

Curricula

Robert M. Levine, Manatee Regional Juvenile Detention Center “ The ARISE Sprouts Curriculum provides a consistent structure with the ability to use the lessons as presented, or to structure our own using the ARISE formula.”

Harve Mogul, President & CEO, United Way of Miami Dade County
“I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate you and your remarkable series of ARISE Life-Management Skills. For many years your highly integrated tool has served children of all ages in our community to have the best chance for success as they grow older. Your products and staff trainings are creative and targeted and therefore, very useful in the challenge that we all share when working to improve life for young people. I know you are sharing this wonderful program with others around the country. If I can be useful at any time to help inspire others to review and adopt the ARISE Foundation’s programs, I would be pleased to do so.”

Jayme Rowe, Director-Juvenile Programs
Dear Mr. Benson:
This letter is to place a second order for student workbooks for the City of Norman REAL Program. We recently completed the first year of our life skills program for juvenile offenders in the City of Norman, Oklahoma. This Program has been a resounding success and has earned positive reviews from prosecutors, educators, parents and even the juveniles. When we began working with ARISE to develop the curriculum for our Program, we were novices in the life skills arena. We just knew the youthful offenders we saw in our juvenile court didn’t have the tools they needed to succeed. Your staff worked many hours with us and together we created an awesome curriculum that allows us to grab and hold the kids’ attention. From the cover through the content, the workbook itself is something the students are glad to delve into and complete. As we surveyed the parents, we received requests to expand the curriculum and develop an additional literacy component. I hope this is something we can work further with ARISE on in the future. In closing, 1’d like to thank the staff of ARISE for their guidance and assistance in helping us create a worthwhile, yet enjoyable, program for the youthful offenders in Norman. We look forward to maintaining our relationship with ARISE for many years to come.

Reverend Lee Hawkins,JUMP Program Coordinator, Miami River of Life, Inc.
“I herald the benefits of utilizing your practical and user-friendly material to all organizations that are facilitating services to youth and/ or families. For the past three years, ARISE’s Life Management Skills material and training have been an integral part of Miami River of Life’s service provision. We have sponsored training opportunities for over fifty churches to equip them with your invaluable tools.”

Sara Speer Selber, President, Prepared for Life
Dear Susan & Edmund,
Michael Holthouse a Houston business leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist has chosen to dedicate
his life to middle school inner city youth. His passion is empowering our middle school youth to gain
the life skills necessary to become healthy and contributing members of society. To fulfill his dream of
creating a program to meet this need, he embarked on a research journey and hired a Rice University
MBA student to find the “Cadillac” of all Life Skills curricula. That led us to your wonderful program!
After we met in Houston, we were even more convinced that you were the perfect partners to help
us infuse all our after school activities with your life skills curricula. Through this partnership, we
believe we will now help to eliminate prevention based programs and begin to all focus on OPPORTUNITIES
based learning for our youth.

Tammy Wright, Covenant House Washington (Respite Center)
The most positive experience was to see this difference the lesson made in the lives of the youth and to witness the youth change for the better.” “Yes! I thank God for ARISE because the lessons have not only helped me with the youth, but the lessons also helped me personally.” “The youth have become much more committed to their life goals.” “Since
becoming an ARISE Life Skill Instructor I have seen youth become more interested in life.”

Lori Hardyman
“A few months back we received 5 new ARISE books for the officers to use while conducting their group sessions. The officers are very pleased with all of the activities the books provide and have taken advantage of role playing, job interviewing and other activities. The youth are engaged and look forward to the sessions. The topics help provide the youth with skills to help in their decision-making while in custody as well as when they re-enter the community.”

Learner’s Testimonials

The following testimonials were provided by youth under the age of 18. Their names have been made private for this reason.

SH- DC Cares – “ I enjoy the ARISE because they taught me how to think before I act and not to allow others to control me.”

Learner - “ARISE has definitely helped me with my anger problems by focusing on my strong points and eliminating my weaknesses. Now I can handle negative situations without blowing up.”

Learner - “ARISE groups have helped me with my low self-image. I learned how to make better and more positive decisions. I have also learned how to confront my problems in a more positive way.”

R.H. – Polk Regional Juvenile Detention Center- “Arise Four Wheel drive for the Mind books taught me how to have better coping skills and better self esteem. It also taught me to control my actions and that is good because I never controlled my actions”.

J.W. – Polk Regional Juvenile Detention Center- “Learning about reaction and action helped me find better ways to handle situations that were hard for me… I love to draw and we were able to have drawing activities and this was fun.”

J.F. – Orange Regional Juvenile Detention Center-“ I like the ARISE books because they don’t sugar coat it for us. They tell us how it is in prison. They tell us they don’t like us being here. They talk to us for hours trying to get us to change our ways., They tell us about kids doing 10 years , 15 years or life for a crime with a gun. They tell us about reality. I like that you can talk about the seriousness of our charges that they aren’t a joke.”

I.D. – Orange Juvenile Detention Center “– I like the lessons they taught that I can use them later in life. The lesson on anger control gave various reasons on how to control yourself. I would like more hands on activities and more artistic and creative things.“

K.J. – District of Columbia Group Home “I have learned to control my anger and not to “Kirk off” so quickly.. I also learned about affirmations and compliments and how to give them.

A.M. – District of Columbia Group Home, “I learned how to communicate effectively and to listen. I learned the difference between sympathy and empathy. I also learned that a smile is one of the most powerful tools you can have.

K.O. – District of Columbia Group Home “I learned about self-efficacy”

Y – “I enjoy working in these books because they’re very fun and easy to do. Everything I’m going through is in these books.”

K – “This book helped me learn how to handle criticism and difficult people. Also, why dropping out of school is a very bad idea. I think students should stay in school because that’s the best thing you can do to be something in life and become something in the future. And getting pregnant is the worst thing ever because when you become a mother you can’t go to school, have fun, enjoy your life. No, that is not the right decision to make!”