Buy the S.A.V.R. Daily Mediations Journal!
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The Stress Anger Violence Reduction (SAVR) Program
The Stress Anger Violence Reduction (SAVR) program is designed to aid incarcerated individuals in addressing harmful, impulsive behaviors, stress, anger, and violence.
SAVR's Goal
What is SAVR?
Developed and implemented by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the program guides incarcerated individuals through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy techniques to develop positive foundational behavioral tools like self-awareness, emotional control, and impulse regulation.
Goal
SAVR's goal is to create a foundation for a peaceful, productive life both inside and outside of correctional facilities. SAVR prepares individuals for engagement in other educational and rehabilitative programs, operating as a basis for further success in educational classes, vocational training, and eventual reintegration into society.
The S.A.V.R. Daily Meditations Journal
The Journal
The S.A.V.R. book is a comprehensive, 365-day activity journal that encourages incarcerated men to explore their feelings, hopes, and ambitions.
Our Approach
The book, which is available in both English and Spanish, provides individuals with space for daily reflection based on quotes from historical and cultural figures from the ancient past to the modern era. These motivational quotes allow individuals a framework within which they can understand and further their journey of positive transformation.
The Concept
The S.A.V.R. book has a simple, yet striking concept: For every day of the year, individuals draw inspiration from the lives and words of famous men, engaging directly with diverse perspectives that operate as wisdom to guide their own path toward change.
S.A.V.R. Supports the Workforce Initiative
The S.A.V.R. Daily Meditation Journal will support the Workforce Initiative and will be sold to benefit and empower justice-involved individuals by supporting their personal growth and self-sufficiency, while also encouraging social inclusion. A portion of the proceeds from the book will benefit the Hampden County Sheriff’s Workforce Initiative.
“We’ve learned that when you can convince people to pause and reflect, and they learn how to do it on their own, the outcome is less of the impulsive behaviors that can lead someone to us in the first place.”
Sheriff Nick Cocchi
More on the SAVR Program at HCSO
SAVR was founded by HCSO Programs Manager Dan Cavanaugh, Assistant Superintendent John Evon, and other staff. The program integrates mindfulness meditation practices, cognitive therapy techniques, and self-reflective journaling, all unifying into a holistic program for justice-involved individuals.
Core Principles
- Awareness and Attention Regulation
- Cognitive and Emotional Awareness
- Encouragement and Motivation
- Intention and Responsibility
- Goal-Setting and Behavioral Regulation
- Impulse Control and Stress Reduction
- Resilience and Recovery
- Empathy and Boundary Awareness
- Mindfulness and Acceptance
These principles prioritize the development of critical skills, including patience, self-efficacy, impulse regulation, and emotional resilience. Individuals are provided the opportunity to move through the process at their own speed, allowing them to take full advantage of the program.
Progressing in the SAVR Program
As the participants progress, they are provided access to a designated meditation room equipped with yoga materials. The space operates as an environment where individuals can develop their mindfulness and reflect on their progress within the program.
Commitment to Rehabilitation and Reducing Recidivism
Since its inception in 2019, the SAVR program has proven to be an effective tool in transforming the lives of justice-involved individuals. SAVR’s emphasis on mindfulness and self-regulation has contributed to successful reintegration into society, contributing to the HCSO achieving one of the lowest recidivism rates in the United States.
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