The First Step Curriculum
Brief History
In 2010, a group of men at San Quentin State Prison came together with a shared intention: to create a space that would directly address the unique needs of the Juvenile Lifer community. What initially began as an effort to advocate for change through proposed legislation quickly evolved into something deeper—an internal commitment to accountability, community service, and making meaningful amends for the harm caused by their commitment offenses.
Recognizing that the crimes they had committed occurred during their own youth, the founders made a powerful decision: to give back to the youth of today. From this commitment, Kid Creating Awareness Together (C.A.T.) was born—an initiative grounded in the belief that education, mentorship, and restorative practices can awaken humanity and foster transformation.
As their work grew, the founders were challenged to offer something that could positively impact the broader San Quentin population. In response, they designed a self-help curriculum centered on personal development, emotional awareness, and responsibility. That curriculum became known as The First Step.
Today, The First Step is available throughout California’s prison system, with a vision to one day reach every prison—and extend its impact far beyond the walls.
Program Description
The purpose of Kid C.A.T.’s The First Step program is to help participants understand their life development, beginning with their childhood. By understanding the origins of who and how they have come to be today, this program helps participants gain a deeper awareness of their present day thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The First Step offers participants the opportunity to connect their life dots; to heal the relationship between childhood and present day; and prepare for a more conscious, accountable, empowered, and integrated life.
Objectives
-
Identify and explore the origins of past pain in order to create opportunities for healing.
-
Develop and cultivate emotional intelligence as a way to become more aware and take ownership of self.
-
Provide a space that acknowledges and celebrates the fulness of each individual.
-
Integrate new concepts and skills into their lives and relationships.
-
Expand as human beings.
About The First Step Program
The First Step program offers participants a place to gain a deeper understanding of their self through the work of writing and sharing; listening to the stories of others, interactive activities, circle process and being in community. Together, participants will work towards a common goal of gaining insight into themselves, addressing harm, deepen in relationships and create space for healing and transformation.
This program is designed to follow the same format through the nine modules: pre-incarceration (past), incarceration (present), and post-incarceration (future). The program is divided into nine, three-week modules, each class two hours.
Participants experience large group dialogues, guest lectures, small (breakout) groups, and activities. The First Step is a twenty-eight (28) week program, including three weeks for participant/program introductions, and program completion/closing. The following are the program’s modules:
-
Identifying Emotions & Sensations
-
Self Identities
-
Gender
-
Communication
-
Environmental Influences
-
Consequences
-
Empathy/Compassion
-
Forgiveness
-
Trauma
The First Step uses a harm reductive model through a trauma informed lens; we do not aim to create harm, but to unravel past pains in order to foster an environment of learning, personal growth, and healing.
The first step to preparing for and living a more connected and meaningful life is to begin by understanding the Self.