KidCAT workshops influence resident’s growth, empathy, and introspection

By Cesar Nava, Contributing Writer

Being part of KidCat has challenged, supported, and helped guide me into discovering who I really am. Most importantly, KidCat walked me to the root of why I chose to commit an unthinkable crime of murdering and attempting to murder two innocent human beings.

Being incarcerated since I was 16 years old, I knew KidCat was for me and that I was going to learn a lot about myself. I accomplished this through workshops that focused on environmental influences and taught me empathy and compassion.

I began with First Step and ended with JLSG. Both cohorts gave me so much insight which impacted me so much that when given the honor to give back as a facilitator, I said yes. Now I am able to be of service to others as it was done to me. KidCat challenged me to look further than San Quentin and so I did just that.

The beliefs, values, criminal thinking patterns, denial, toxic behaviors and shame I learned about does not stop at the door but extends out into society. It ensures that what we learn as a collective we practice to make it part of our lives. This makes us a safe person to be around in society and it’s only going to happen when accountability is modeled, talked about and applied. That’s what KidCat is all about-accountability.

We can talk about it all day until we’re blue in the face, but if it’s not shown, we won’t go anywhere and we won’t be free. We won’t forgive. We won’t be safe which is why it’s an honor and such a blessing to be part of KidCat, First Step and JLSG.

I’m around facilitators who are genuine and honest and always willing to give back by being of service. Our high sponsors come in on weekends to support us and share their time.

KidCat has allowed me to be me. It has also given me the effective tools to be safe and productive. KidCat helps me understand the “why.”

Most importantly, KidCat transformed me into the awesome person I am today. Thank you KidCat so very much for challenging and supporting me. You gave yourself until you couldn’t, then you found resources who could.