Reaching Out from Within
Reaching Out From Within is a Kansas City-based non-profit organization founded in 1982 by violence prevention advocate and author SuEllen Fried. The program is dedicated to providing programs that prevent violence in our community. By breaking the cycle of violence, participants become contributing members of their families and society. Incarcerated men and women lead meetings using a curriculum written by offenders that teaches life skills and encourages them to make positive changes in their lives.
The WCF program began in 1994. Meetings, which are open to every inmate in the facility, are held two nights each week. During the meetings, inmates work with various materials and reference books that help in their quest to learn new ways to meet life's challenges and change their behavior. Select program participants, who have met special criteria, routinely speak to students and other groups in their community about choices and consequences.
Giving back to society in a meaningful way is one of the core beliefs of the program. The group gives back to society by supporting eight charities:
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cowley County
- Cowley County Safe Homes
- Winfield Community Food Pantry
- Grace Episcopal Outreach Fund in Winfield
- Sally's Teen Palace in Arkansas City
- Venture House in Wichita
- Miracle House in Wichita
- Outreach Program in Kansas City
For more information, contact Mr. Chris Kaufman at (620) 221-6660, extension 248.
