This October, female residents of the Albert M. “Bo” Robinson Assessment and Treatment Center in Trenton, New Jersey were asked to create artwork and writing in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.
The October project for residents of the residential reentry center helped raise awareness of the disease’s early warning signs, as well as the importance of screening, treatment access, education, peer support and early detection. Staff members at Bo Robinson coordinated the project not only to engage residents in learning about the disease, but to give them an opportunity to express their feelings.
Throughout the month, residents wrote poetry, created art and shared stories that focused on awareness of the illness. Many of them were empowered to describe their personal experiences as incarcerated women in comparison to challenges faced by breast cancer sufferers and survivors. Through the project, residents not only learned about breast cancer prevention, but about having the courage to move forward in a positive way.
GEO Reentry Services is the service provider for Education and Health Centers of America, Inc. at the Bo Robinson center, which offers a range of programs and services including individual and group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, substance abuse programming and educational services.
The center also provides life skills classes, cultural diversity programs, family programming, gender-specific treatment, workforce development activities, work release services, faith-based services and alumni and aftercare programs.