Release the Fear

Release the Fear (RTF) is a health and human services non-profit that presents an evidence-based curriculum that has helped thousands of troubled, vulnerable youth, in jails, detention, treatment centers, and schools as prevention. Through the creative processes of art, music, and communication, we teach kids cognitive behavioral skills to build self-esteem. They learn tools that help them with school work and with conflict resolution, to combat peer pressure, bullying, and gang involvement.

Our programs have made a significant reduction in the recidivism of the youth who have participated in the workshops, saving society millions and most importantly saving young lives.

Over the past seventeen years, RTF has positively impacted the lives of over 7,000 youth who now know their wishes and dreams can come true, they have new found purpose in their lives, and -- they know that they matter!

RTF vision is to inspire and empower kids with the tools to make better life choices.

Our primary objective while reducing recidivism through workshops is to help disadvantaged youth prepare for their future, learning valuable life skills so they can be positive contributing members of their community.

The Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Office released a report demonstrating the value of Inside Out Bridging Possibilities workshops on 357 of their juvenile population. Thirty percent of incarcerated youth recidivate—meaning three out of ten will again find themselves in conflict with law and society and back behind bars. For the incarcerated youth who participated in just one Release the Fear workshop, that recidivism figure dropped by 23 percent. For those who were able to benefit from multiple workshops, it dropped by 16 percent - nearly half. That is an impressive impact on any child’s future as well as the community in general. Youth are encouraged to share the new skill sets they learned in RTF workshops with their family and communities. For every child you help, national statistics show seven times that number will be positively affected.

In our many workshops, like the Bridging Possibilities 3-day workshop, we serve youth, ages 12-17 in many Arizona communities.

Release the Fear believes there is no such thing as a bad kid, they just haven't found their gifts yet! Please help us empower them to open their gifts.