Special Programs
2007
Elizabeth Kahura
Elizabeth presented an African program with drumming, poetry and stories.
“The teens really enjoyed the program, especially the musical culmination in which five teens armed with African musical instruments played music with Elizabeth.”
Spike Gillespie Writing Program
Spike worked with the kids in a special afternoon session, four groups at 40 minutes each. After an
introduction of her life and writing she had the teens participate in two quick writing projects. She left
time for volunteers to read their writing. Spike was very frank about her past life and how writing has
provided her a necessary outlet for her emotions. The teens' writing was very sincere and impressive even
though they only had a short time.
Spike's Official Website
Writing Created during Spike's workshop:
I Cry
I cry at night thinking where I’d be, if it wasn’t for you
I’d be dead in the streets; I know that you really care,
Because if it wasn’t for you’re approval I wouldn’t be here,
Realize that I’d been putting up a front, knowing
That it’s hurting you because its not what you want,
This is my poem to say thank you
To ya’ll, finally you’ve helped me break down this wall.
- Anonymous
My Life
This is my last chance something I’m willing to take
Scared to go out and make another mistake
I want to open my eyes from this dream.
And start showing people the real me
I’m ready to go home because I’m tired of being so alone
It wasn’t worth it why im here
Doing this for almost two years
People thinking my life will never change
Look at my life now it is all rearranged
- Anonymous
2006
Cody Fisher
Cody Fisher is one of Austin's shining stars in the Magic Industry. Cody has worked all over the world. He brought his expertise to the Leadership Academy as a part of our Summer Reading Club. The kids were amazed and eager to learn more. We look forward to a long relationship with Cody.
Cody's Official Website
2005
Kabul Austin (Capoeira group)
With 10 Capoeiristas and 66 kids the program was a huge success. The
Capoeiristas had the teens' attention from the start with live music using Brazilian instruments and
audience participation. (The players switched between playing instruments and playing in the roda, as all
Capoeiristas are expected to learn to play instruments, sing songs in Portuguese, as well as learn the art
of Capoeira fighting.) The staff of Gardner Betts allowed the kids to form the roda (a half circle that
designates the area for the Capoeiristas to "play", two at a time). The teens forming the roda were given
tambourines; the rest was expected to participate in the call and response parts of the traditional
Capoeira songs. The room filled with energy, singing and Brazilian beats.
Spike Gillespie Writing Program
Writing Created during Spike's workshop:
I come from the black top, back board, and net.
I come from the star in the middle of Texas.
I come from a building with a mom, two brothers, pets, and food.
I come from a place with no freedom and everyone looks like a pumpkin.
I come from the top of a car on the opposite side of the north.
- Jamal
I come from a place where all people do is fight, and shot
all night long.
I come from a man that made the world and made everyone.
I come from a football field outside of Travis H.S.
I come from cereal that goes in my mouth.
I come from the basketball court.
- Ruben
I come from the drive bys and the place where the stars are born.
I come from a great mother, a great father, and 2 sisters and 1 baby on the way.
I come from 1 great friend who's with me all the time.
I come from orange and white.
I come from noodles, broccoli, and goat meat that goes with it.
I come from the spot where you always see a cop.
I come from love, care, honesty, and compassion.
- Anonymous
Raul Salinas Poetry Workshop
Raul Salinas is a local poet and owner of Resistencia bookstore. He worked
with the teens during their regular morning class schedule, four groups at 40 minutes each. He was an
inspirational speaker to the youth of Gardner Betts. He read a few of his poems, a few from other Hispanic
poets, and a few from teens in other juvenile detention centers that he has worked with in the past. He
then encouraged the teens to try to write a poem themselves. The teens wrote spontaneous poems with his
encouragement and some volunteered to read them out loud.
Raul's Official Website
Writing Created during Raul's workshop:
Big Blue
Big Blue
Sometimes I hate you!
Sometimes not.
You open, you close,
You lock and shut.
You keep me from my freedom
But you also keep me safe.
I wish you would break and fall down
So I could run from this place.
Big Blue, if I had it my way
I'd never look at you again
but since I've made these
stupid mistakes
you are my greatest most trusting
friend.
- Ashley
Now
Some time I sit in my cell
and think about what to do
when I out of jail.
No more doing it the hard way,
Now do it the smart way.
No more running with friends,
who try to make my end.
Now time to make new friends,
no more pulling all-nighters
trying to make money
run around with gun
now it time to run.
- Brydn
Darrel
Everyday I wonder why you had to leave.
I ask myself is everything my fault,
is it my fault you died is it my fault you had an aneurysm.
Your gone and I blame myself that you died,
everyday I wish you were home but you are not,
I ask the same question everyday
is it my fault you died, is it my fault?
What am I going to do when your not here,
here down on earth with your family.
We miss, we live, we want you home, its not right!
Why did he have to take you?
Why did God have to take you so soon!
We miss you and love you!
Please give me an answer so I can know why.
Everyday I wonder why you had to leave.
- Anonymous
John Rowe
Laura Rodriguez, Casework Manager at Gardner-Betts delineated some of the benefits derived from a
program that feature English poet, John Rowe, hosted at Gardner Betts. “Our kids were captured by his
[John Rowe] narration. It was amazing to see these kids participate during his reading of the poem and
being right on cue.”
Tony Sansevero
"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Gardner Betts. I've done programs for over a hundred schools and libraries and rarely has a visit been so memorable. The kids were polite, incredibly inquisitive, and asked such marvelous questions! Thank you Gardner Betts!"
Tony's Official Website
USA Kung Fu Academy
One student asked the instructor if his body was considered a deadly weapon. Asked to clarify by the
instructor, he said “you know if you kill someone” The answer was golden: “Martial arts teaches you how
to never find yourself in that situation.”
USA Kung Fu Academy's Official Website
2003
Tony Sansevero
Tony is a local artist who has done illustrations and covers for many children's books. He is best
known for his work on the Bruce Coville series, "I Was a Sixth Grade Alien."
Mark Jordan - Prodigal Son
Local rapper Prodigal Son preformed at the center inspiring the kids to write their own poetry and put
it to music. Also sharing with them that rap doesn't have to carry a negative message to be powerful.
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