Eric Dawkins, aka Dolo
Eric Dawkins spent most of the last five years in August Aichhorn Center, a treatment center for kids with psychiatric issues. Dawkins discussed the difficulties he’s had getting his life back on track.
Michael Yan, aka Polite
Michael Yan spent six months in Rikers Island last year for violating his parole. After a tough readjustment period, he recently got married and is working towards his dream of a music degree.
Niasia Alvarez, aka Lady Infinite
Niasia Alvarez spent her adolescent years on the street and in and out of detention centers. Through hard work and determination, she’s out of the system and moving on with her life.
“I’m Going to do Something Different”
Griselda, 17, was arrested when she was 14. In this audio piece she talks about bad influences in her neighborhood, and how a program called exalt helped her get her life back on track.
Aiming to Change Attitudes on a Tight Budget
Transition programs work to keep court-involved youth out of trouble by connecting them to paid work, teaching them to manage stress and set goals. But successful programs are hard to find and are threatened by budget cuts.
Erasing the Past
Dr. David Ores helps ex-offenders start over by removing visible gang and prison tattoos for free. But after his laser tattoo removal machine broke last year, the doctor has a long waiting list.
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