Realness Project

Realness Project is a Colorado nonprofit that provides trauma-informed mental, social and behavioral health programming to incarcerated people and parolees.

Through interactive workshops, Realness Project is inspiring a transformation in the culture of incarceration by empowering human connection. 

The bedrock of our approach is a social, relational and behavioral technology called Authentic Relating (AR). AR combines mindfulness, embodiment, Nonviolent Communication, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other scientific approaches to empower real human connection. 

Human connection has been proven to be a powerful antidote to isolation, depression, addiction, anxiety and loneliness. The impact of expanded human connection? A significant reduction in rates of recidivism over a five year period: from the state average of 44%, Realness Project has a 6% recidivism rate.  

Realness Project became the first organization to provide these powerful relational tools in correctional facilities in 2018. As of October 2023, the organization has served over 1000 people in 10 Colorado facilities.

Learning Outcomes of Realness Project programming:

• Empathy

• Pro-social skills and behaviors

• Increased Self awareness

• Vulnerability, Humility, and Dignity

• Advanced listening skills

• Conflict management without violence

• Nervous System Regulation

• Resilience 

• Emotional Intelligence

• Nonviolent Communication