Although no therapist is present, each section includes questions that evoke intense, intimate, invasive, thoughtful and reflective responses from members. ROFW members use their own experiences, concerns, fears and remorse to engage in a healing process for themselves and each other. There are respect and confidentiality standards that are essential to the level of trust that is required to render the program effective. The sense of shared ownership of the group sessions by each member also greatly contributes to the program’s effectiveness.

 

Each ROFW group meeting begins with a positive thought from every attendee. A trained Reaching Out From Within volunteer joins in the sharing session as asked, but individual groups are run by their own set of bylaws and elected officers. The organization’s beliefs are read aloud:

 

When sharing his insights with a Japanese delegation who had come to the United States to study successful reentry correctional programs like ROFW, former Lansing Correctional Facility Warden Rex Pryor noted: “It not only reduces recidivism, the members of the group become role models inside the walls as well. They contribute to a safer environment for our staff.”