Character Connection...Prison Program

The Basic Offender Program:
The Offender Program teaches basic moral principles that have been neglected by those incarcerated.
The student will learn to weigh the options that exist with each and every thought and decide on the
right way before it becomes an action. The student will learn to respect the institution staff knowing the
staff is responsible for seeing to their daily needs and their overall safety and well being.
The student will begin to see how far-reaching every action really is,
whether positive or negative, while learning to treat others as they would like to be treated.

"After I started attending The Peaceful Solution Program I became
grateful for being alive, clean and sober, even though I'm
incarcerated...I've been an addict for over 20 years. Drugs were my
refuge and comfort. It's what helped me ease my pain of not being
able to live with myself and cope with reality. My oldest Son is in
prison doing 16 to life. My second oldest Son was killed at 23 by gang
members, and my youngest Son was molested at the age of 5 while I
was in prison. I had no self control. I hated myself and my life. I'd
been through rehabs and counseling, but I still didn't understand...I
cheated, stole, manipulated, etc. Now since attending The Peaceful
Solution Program I'm gaining a better understanding of how to cope
with my problems open-mindedly and peacefully. It's helping me
replace destructive habits, thoughts and attitudes. I'm learning to
love myself and be concerned for others. I'm making positive
choices that will bring great and productive consequences...I now
know my behavior is the result of how I think and feel. I'd like to
thank Mr. Yisrayl Hawkins and Mr. Crouse for teaching me The
Peaceful Solution."
Mary Jane Settle....Webb County Jail

"I started using drugs at 12...In and out of juvenille detention 32 times, and one
foster home after another. Physical, emotional and mental abuse were a part of
my daily regiment. As I grew older I saw County Jail 18 times. My life revolved
around organized criminal activities. I spent 3 years in the Federal penitentiary
and 2 years in the State jail. Now a mother of 5 beautiful children I was no longer
hurting myself but also my children, and those who loved me suffered the
consequences along with me. I had attended Catholic private schools growing
up...I came to a point in my life where I knew I needed to be educated in not only
reading, writing and arithmetic, but also the basic foundation of life, like great
morals, values and respect. I was extremely enlightened at my first class with
The Peaceful Solution. It has opened up new horizons that have always been
there but because no one took the time to educate me. I'm learning what deep
down I knew to be right and just. I'm learning to use The Peaceful Solution to
better educate myself, my children and my siblings. I expect my life will take a
better turn as well. I hope I will continue to heed this correction and prosper
successfully in life and love. Thank you Peaceful Solution for all your doing in my
life. It's changing my life in a positive way."
Roberta Georgette Ruiz....Webb County Jail

"The Peaceful Solution has changed my life in various ways. It mostly taught me
to respect myself and everyone around me. Understanding The Peaceful
Solution has brought me a long way when it comes to handling everyday life
situations. Self control allows me to handle situations without having to
retaliate. Thinking positive has more positive results rather than being negative
and dealing with fatal consequences. Making the right decisions allows people
to develop moral character. This program gave me a positive attitude and
another chance with life."
Denise Nicole Dominguez....Webb County Jail

"During my time of incarceration I voluntarily attended The Peaceful
Solution class. Since I've been participating in this class I've learned alot.
I now know what I can do to avoid conflicts in my life. I now know a
peaceful solution to my problems if I only follow rules and obey
instructions. This class has alot to offer people like myself. Today I am
learning a productive way of living. I now catch myself on my negative
behaviors and I practice doing what's right, like controlling myself, being
disciplined, respectful, patient, compassionate and most of all honest to
myself and others. It takes just one step in your life...to want to
change...and The Peaceful Solution has all of our answers to a better way
of living. Now I want to do right things and help others. Mr. Crouse has
helped me. It's a wonderful class.
I've accomplished so much attending The Peaceful Solution. Join us! The
Peaceful Solution has the answers to our problems."
Eliza Mae Fuentas Garcia....Webb County Jail

To: Yisrayl Hawkins,
"I'm Happy there is such a class as The Peaceful Solution Character Education
Program in this facility. I have got alot out of this program, I've noticed a change in
myself such as thinking before I react to a situation. I've also noticed a change in
my character and respect for myself and others. I have been told by other
inmates that they have noticed the difference as well which was a good feeling to
have.
I think The Peaceful Solution is great and should be extended to as many other
detention centers and places as possible. Every time I go to class I get something
positive and learn something new. I'm going to continue studying The Peaceful
Solution Program after I leave this facility, I believe it can only make my life more
peaceful and happier for myself and the people around me". Thanks sincerely,
Jeff Fortner....Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility

Dear Mr. Hawkins,
Hello, my name is Kenneth Knuckles and I am a Federal inmate at the
Pulaski County Reginal Detention Facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. I attend
your class which is taught by Mr. David Knighten. I wanted to thank you for
creating this class, as it has instilled new outlooks and restored my
self-esteem in the times I have attended.
Before I got locked up I was into drugs, gangs, violence, theft and sexual
promiscuity.
Without your class I would not be wanting to live.
I look forward to hearing from you and attending many more classes. May
the higher powers watch over you.
Blessed Be,
Kenneth Knuckles....Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility

" My name is Brett Robinson, I am currently incarcerated at Pulaski
County Jail and since I've been here have been going to The Peaceful
Solution classes. It has made me realize how I don't know how to
manage my life. I am still very new to the program and can't say I am
cured but I can say that without this program I believe my life would
stay unmanageable. Mr. Knighten is a very respectful and helping
teacher.He answers every persons question in a professional
manner. He has become like a friend. To me he is the person with all
the answers he makes me want to keep coming back to see what I
can learn next. I really hope that if I keep attending classes they will
give me the skills to have a happy and fulfilled life".
Thank You, Brett Robinson....Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility

Dear Mr. Hawkins,
" My name is Carol Harrison, I'm 42 and currently an inmate at Pulaski
County Jail waiting to be transferred to Pine Bluff Regional Punishment
Facility. I started going to The Peaceful Solution classes October 31 2006.
I have really enjoyed the class that David Knighten teaches, he has a way
of speaking I can identify with, explaining in detail when I don't
understand. I am also in the advanced Peaceful Solution class.
Now I can tell you I have been to A.A. & N.A. I did manage to get 5 yrs. of
sobriety but I went back out and got worse.
Since I have been in The Peaceful Solution class my thinking and actions
are starting to change. I don't know if they have this class in Pine Bluff
but I will continue to practice The Peaceful Solution and when I get out I
will call to find out if there are any classes outside of jail.
I just want to thank you for the opportunity of being part of The Peaceful
Solution. You see, I now know there is hope for me".
Carol Harrison....Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility

"My life has been filled with selfish acts. I had never really respected
anyone. My main concern in life was me. The first day I met Mr. Crouse he
told me he had a solution to my problem, and that if I would only listen and
obey I could change. In Mr. Crouse's class I learned that The Peaceful
Solution is never to retaliate. Replacing negative characteristics with
positive characteristics has challenged me to be a better person. I learned
every action has a reward or consequence. I guess I had never really
thought about that. I learned the importance of asking permission for
everything I do. I always figured that since I was an adult I didn't have to
ask anyone for permission. This class has taught me to learn from
others' negative behaviors and not repeat them, and to never look back or
I will go back...
Mr. Crouse has opened my eyes through his class. He has urged me to
educate my children, to teach them that peace does not come through
force and that we can live a wonderful, moral life....and that peace begins
with me." Maria Guadalupe Hernandez....Webb County Jail

"At first I thought the class was going to be boring and not help me at
all. I didn't care about anything until I came across The Peaceful
Solution. I learned that when I listen to authority and follow the rules,
everything will always be fine. I was always impatient. I was a drug
addict and was always breaking the law to get drugs. I was always
inconsiderate. Now that I'm learning The Peaceful Solution I can see the
harm I was doing, and I'm seeing so many things I never knew about. I
know that in jail there will always be conflicts between inmates,
but its up to us to make the right choice. I'm learning to respect myself
and others. It is so much different when you make the right decisions.
Now that I'm getting educated I see everything from a different angle. In
jail or in the free world we need to stay calm and make the right, moral
choice. I'm developing a more positive character, learning to be more
responsible and patient. I'm controlling my desires, attitudes,
emotions, feelings and so on. I'm learning to never put anyone on the
spot, as that will only cause conflict. I used to get angry real quick and
start fighting and destroying everything. I was very revengeful.
Feeding my bad thoughts just caused more hatred. Now that I'm
learning to control my thoughts I am more peaceful in my mind and
heart. I really consider the consequences of my actions. I know being
honest and humble will save me from alot of problems. The Peaceful
Solution has alot of benefits. I'm grateful that The Peaceful Solution was
put in my path by our Father. I will return to society as a more
productive citizen." Clementina Aguilar....Webb County Jail

"I have been in jails throughout Texas since I was 17. Every time I went
to jail I wanted to get out and do what was right. In fact that was my
plan every time, but for some reason each time I got out I would end
up back in jail. I even went to rehab because I was a heroin addict. I
was introduced to The Peaceful Solution class. I am very thankful I
went. I have learned that theft is more than just stealing an object.
Theft also pertains to stealing respect, life, etc. Now I know why I kept
falling back in jail...because I didn't have the knowledge I needed to
stay out of jail. The Peaceful Solution is simple, and really just common
sense. When you attend the classes you can see that the whole world
needs The Peaceful Solution. We are all like blind people following
blind people. Blind cannot lead the blind because they both fall. Mr.
Crouse has brought to light many of my stumblingblocks, and he has
made me realize I need to brush up on my parenting skills as well.
Now I'm learning the correct way to teach my children, and other
people who are blind like I was.
It's not all our fault because we were never truly taught right from
wrong, and we were taught by others who didn't know their teachings
were faulty either. Mr. Crouse does not teach us according to what
makes us feel good or things we want to hear. Many times I have to be
humble because he corrects me, even if I don't like the correction. His
motto is, 'If the shoe fits, get rid of it'! I thank The Peaceful Solution for
showing me the truth. This is a life or death situation."
Estele Perez....Webb County Jail

"I am an inmate at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center. Currently I
am taking all of the classes I can. Two in particular I would like to thank you
for is The Peaceful Solution and Advanced Peaceful Solution. These two
classes have influenced my character in a very positive way. Used to if I saw
money on the ground I would pick it up and put it in my pocket...it's stealing
and I don't want to do it now. I pray more inmates participate in these two
programs because nothing but good can come from them. These are two
classes that should remain in the curriculim."
Shelly Silver....Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility

"My name is Davenport Talideen and I am an inmate at Pulaski County
Regional Detention Facility as well as a student attending The Peaceful
Solution class.
I think the program gives people, such as myself an opportunity to show
others discipline, respect and self control, basically a look at life in a
positive way.
I think without programs like The Peaceful Solution, we have no sense of
direction, entertained by ignorance and unable to decide and realize life
and one's purpose.
I'm thankful and well pleased to have a teacher such as Mr. Knighten, he
shows interest in all of his students, gives us the ability to exercise our
thoughts as well as avoiding conflicts that are manipulated by our actions.
I'm one of many students that are thankful for The Peaceful Solution
class."
Davenport Talideen....Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility

To: Yisrayl Hawkins,
I really truly believe this program should be recognized because of the tools it
gives a person to work with.
Since I have been in the program I have made a big change in my life. I have
been in so many programs, but not like The Peaceful Solution Character
Education Program. I have been in the S-A-T-P Program, the A-A Progtram, the
N-A Program and the C-A Program. I have been in the Turning Point Program
and the Basic Life Skills Program. None of these programs can match up with
The Peaceful Solution. Also I have been in the 9 months Therapeutics Program
at Tucker Unit. I just like to say thank our Heavenly Father for The Peaceful
Solution Program. There is not another program better than this one.
I have been in and out of jail since the age of 21. I truly know without a doubt, if
I Hozie Ervin would have been taught these moral principles from youth I
would have never made the bad choices I did in life. I will continue these
classes when I get out of jail. I will further desire to implement these high
moral traits in my day to day walk in life. Also I will share the information with
my family and friends that's not in jail.
This program has taught me how to respect others, self-control, do not steal,
acceptance, life skills, responsibility and the importance of asking.
There is hope. I had just about given up on programs because I was not
getting the proper tools to work with. The information I have received from
The Peaceful Solution has helped me mentally and physically.
I think if more people in the world would take The Peaceful Solution class
the world would be a better place to be.
I would really like to thank Mr. Yisrayl Hawkins, author of The Peaceful Solution
and David Knighten, of The Character Connection.
David is very concerned about people, also he is a great teacher, I would say
one of the very best on earth. Thank you Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Knighten and
whoever helped put this program together. I truly appreciate all you have done
for me, my life has just begun...you are truly a miracle workers.
If anybody has any question about this letter please don't hesitate to call me at
the Pulaski County Jail or call me at 501-562-7014 or 501-224-7436 day or night."
Respectfully submitted,
Hozie Ervin....Pulaski County regional Detention Facility
Thank You Again, may peace be unto you

Mr. Yisrayl Hawkins,
I am incarcerated at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility. I don't go
to court until April 2007, my taking The Peaceful Solution Class has helped
me tremendously.
My character has improved so much. Both my mind and my heart are
changing. I use this program and use it compared to my religion and feel at
peace knowing I'm getting an education which will change my life forever.
Recently my son died at the early age of twenty of a drug overdose. This was
within a year of my husband dying at 40 from a heart attack and my mother
dying at 64 from lung cancer.
Your program has helped me deal with my loss and anger. I cannot express
my gratitude enough for your program and positive influence. What's even
better is the Advanced Peaceful Solution class which was added here
recently. I pray more people get the opportunity to experience The Peaceful
Solution.
Shelly Silver....Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility

Former Webb County Sheriff Rick Flores was
instrumental in allowing The Character Connection
Classes to be taught diligently to the citizens that
were incarcerated in the Webb County Jail.
Teaching The Peaceful Solution to those
incarcerated has helped to reduce all types of crime
and violence in Laredo and Webb County.

We at The Character Connection and The Peaceful
Solution thank him for the care and conccern he
showed for the community in allowing this program
to be taught and his standing behind it 100 percent