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Our general objectives RESOLANA's broad program goals are: To teach women healthy coping skills related to addiction and trauma To provide incarcerated women with opportunities for personal growth through self-awareness and creative self-expression To teach communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills to women To teach women practical life skills which foster self-sufficiency To support incarcerated mothers in building parenting skills To model positive social values and foster participation in community To connect women with resources for their return to their families and communities   Priorities RESOLANA's is committed to inclusive programming that is respectful of cultural, spiritual and learning style differences, as well as programming that is woman-centered and trauma sensitive. RESOLANA's programming is designed to be gender responsive. Being gender responsive in the criminal justice system requires an acknowledgment of the realities of women's lives, including the pathways they travel to criminal offending and the relationships that shape their lives.* Substance abuse, family violence and their struggle to support themselves and their children are the main factors that drive women into crime. Disconnection and violation rather than growth-fostering relationships characterize the childhood experiences of most justice involved women; many report a lifelong history of trauma. Our program focuses on the core issues underlying addiction because unless these issues are addressed, other programming is likely to be ineffective. A recent study on trauma exposure, mental health functioning and programming needs of women in jail (Green, Daroowalla & Siddique, 2005) validates our own experience by concluding that unless trauma and abuse experiences, mental health needs and functional difficulties are taken into account in program development, incarcerated women are unlikely to get the full benefit of either in-house or post-release programs. A physically and psychologically safe environment contributes significantly to positive outcomes for women. RESOLANA seeks to create a relational environment that fosters growth, self-exploration, creative expression and mutual cooperation. We build a culture of safety, openness, collaboration and empowerment; at the same time we emphasize honesty, integrity and facing the real. RESOLANA is also particularly committed to incorporating creative and experiential activities in all its programs. In an environment that is sensory deprived, limited in acceptable physical activities and intimidating to self-expression, artistic and kinesthetic activities are immensely appealing to the women. These activities build self-esteem and are inherently community building; they model positive/pro-social ways for the women to spend their time and contribute to their community. Many incarcerated women have learning disabilities and alternative learning styles. Creative and experiential activities represent effective ways to engage them in the learning process. Also, trauma has an impact on the brain's capacity to process verbal information, so therapeutic activities that include nonverbal expression (art, music, drama, movement) can be very healing. *Please see: http://nicic.org/pubs/2005/020419.pdf Drug use is the primary pathway to incarceration for women. Childhood abuse experiences are identified as the primary pathway to substance abuse. Poverty, trauma, metal health and addiction are interrelated issues in the lives of women offenders - and these problems are often exacerbated by their incarceration. photo by Sarah Jane Semrad Resolana classes motivate, encourage, educate and nurture. I used my time at Dallas County Jail safely and productively and received tools to last forever. Sheri photo by Sarah Jane Semrad We cannot express the gratitude and appreciation we have for such a successful program. The Dallas County Sheriff's Department thanks Resolana for their persistent dedication to giving back to the Dallas County community. Sheriff Lupe Valdez photo by Sarah Jane Semrad RESOLANA  -  PO Box #225175  -  Dallas, Texas 75222  -  USA