Juvenile Probation
Reducing anger and stress with youth involved in the juvenile justice system
This program was started by Terri Mendez, who is also an attorney representing children through the Department of Family and Protective Services (CPS) and juvenile offenders for the last ten years. The Juvenile probation is a program designed to empower the youth generation who are involved in the juvenile justice system.
Terri Mendez, a BEST programs practitioner for more then 2 years and a Dahn Foundation volunteer, felt confident that the benefits she received needed to be expanded to these children she protected.
Dahn Foundation’s volunteers teach a combination of stretching exercises, non-combative martial arts called DahnMuDo and breathing techniques. In our first 6 week summer program, the kids showed amazing results, including less aggressive behavior, greater self worth and spontaneous joy and happiness. Many participants shared they felt less angry, less stressed and their bodies felt more relaxed. To learn more, dowload this pdf file.
A quote from the Conroe Courier, published in June 2007:
"Different movements cause our minds to think different things," said attorney Terri Mendez. "It is good for them to feel and listen to the body. If they feel the body, the hope is, they will not want to harm the body."
Mendez, who often represents juveniles in court, instructs yoga classes during the week as well. While attending a DahnMuDo seminar, she learned how much emphasis the body's alignment has on the mind. She began talking to Montgomery County Juvenile Probation officials about offering DahnMuDo to juvenile offenders. Mendez remembers, "I was talking to Sarah (Hernandez), with juvenile probation, and she said, 'We normally build kids from the outside in by telling them what to do and what clothes to wear - and we need to build them from the inside out,'"
Reaction from Parents by Terri Mendez (names of the children have
been changed):
Trevor’s step-dad said that Trevor was so happy about the workshop and wanted to do more training. Trevor said it was “awesome”. says Trevor’s stepfather.
Beth’s mother said: “Beth changed so much after the class. When I picked her up she was smiling from ear to ear. Beth said “Mom can I do the EVERY Saturday?” She came home and the first thing she did was put on her HSP smile T-shirt and HSP smile pin that she was given in the class. She then began showing us the dances she learned that day. She has smiled more since the class and seems happy.”
Charles’ mom said: “I have seen the changes in Charles since he began DahnMuDo in the summer. He seems more directed. When we used to ask him what he wanted to be he never acted like it mattered. After the summer, Charles began talking about what he wants to study and do with his life.
