Compassion Prison Project

Another Trauma Talks graduating class in Mississippi. Thank you Charles Owens for you leadership and commitment to this transformative work.

Men at SMCI Graduate from Life-Transforming “Trauma Talks” Program

Last week, several incarcerated men at the South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) in Leakesville graduated from the Compassion Prison Project’s (CPP) Trauma Talks curriculum.

The ceremony marked the completion of a 16-part series designed to address some of the underlying causes of behavior that lead to incarceration.

By exploring the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), graduates gained critical tools to regulate their nervous systems, resolve self-limiting beliefs, and develop empathy for themselves and others.

The Trauma Talks curriculum, founded by Fritzi Horstman, uses a combination of educational videos, interactive workbooks, and peer-led "circles" to foster accountability and vulnerability.

At SMCI—a facility housing nearly 3,000 men—this program provides a vital pathway for residents to break cycles of violence and prepare for successful reentry into their communities.

“When people realize their inherent value, they don’t just transform themselves; they create a ripple effect that makes the entire prison environment safer,” said a CPP representative.

The graduation is another example of the Mississippi Department of Corrections' commitment to prioritizing rehabilitation.

I stood in front of the Ironwood State Prison Trauma Talks graduates—Alpha and Bravo Yards—and asked four questions about relationships: with family, with children, with their prison community, with themselves.

95% of hands went up. Every single time.

I asked the group:

Since taking the Trauma Talks course, how many of you have:

Better relationships with your family?
Better relationships with your children?
Better relationships in your prison community?
Better relationships with yourself?

For each question 95% of the participants raised their hands.

Trauma awareness doesn’t just change individual lives—it transforms prison communities, strengthens families, and creates safer societies.

Prison Project

I’m so excited to introduce our first cohort of Trauma Talks graduates from Montana State Prison. This milestone reflects the courage and commitment of the men who showed up, did the work, and chose growth and transformation. We’re honored to continue expanding this program and bringing trauma-informed healing to more individuals across the state.