December 22, 2025 • 29 mins
Today, we’re honored to sit down with families from Cohort 16 of the FACT Program—Fathers and Children Together. FACT is a program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between men behind the walls at SCI Phoenix and their children. Joining us today are two incredible families who have been actively participating in this journey.
We welcome Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Ariyel Smith-Forth, as well as Tru Davis, and his mom Joi Reeves. ach of these families brings a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the power of intentional family time. We’re excited to hear about their experiences—what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and what FACT has meant to them.
Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.
We welcome Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Ariyel Smith-Forth, as well as Tru Davis, and his mom Joi Reeves. ach of these families brings a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the power of intentional family time. We’re excited to hear about their experiences—what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown, and what FACT has meant to them.
Learn more about the impactful work of the F.A.C.T. Experience at factexperience.org.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, and welcome to Insight, a show about empowering
our community. I'm Lorraine Ballardmorrow. Today we're honored to sit
down with families from Cohart sixteen of the FACT Program,
Fathers and Children Together. FACT is a program rooted in
strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between parents
(00:20):
and their children. Joining us today are some incredible families
who've been actively participating in this journey. We welcome Elizabeth
Smith and her daughter Ariel Smith Fourth, as well as
True Davis and his mom Joy Reeves. Each of these
families bring a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the
power of intentional family time. We are excited to hear
(00:41):
about their experiences, what they've learned, how they've grown, and
what FACT is meant to them. So let's begin by
asking this question of all of you. What made you
decide to join the FACT program and what were you
hoping to get out of it? Let's start with Joy.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Well, honest, my dad was the one who called and
told me, you know what the program was. So my
father's been incarcerated for I'm thirty seven, it's been about
thirty two thirty three years. So for me Honestly, it
wasn't about me anymore. Not to say that I'm past
the healing. I guess you could say from being a
(01:20):
child now I'm adult. You know, we've gotten over a
lot of obstacles in our own way because the FACT
program wasn't around when I was a child. But it
was a great opportunity for my son to get to
know his grandfather and to have that one on one time,
just literally them two together. So he was ecstatic to
(01:42):
do it, and it just worked out.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
It worked out.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
And plus, you know, since the pandemic, visiting has been
it's more, it's harder now. It's so many more obstacles
that you have to go through just to visit your
family members now.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
So the fact that I didn't have to.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Go on the website and register for a visit and
hope that the visit is approved and he was just
able to just go every Saturday for five six saturdays,
was perfect.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
And for those who don't know about the FACT program,
it's a program that goes over the course of many
weeks and it gives the opportunity for dads, grandfathers, mentors
that are behind the walls of sci Phoenix to connect
with their kids, with their children, with all their grandchildren
whoever they are connected with, and really create this bonding
(02:36):
experience that is not really normally possible when it comes
to the regular kinds of visitations that occur at maximum
security prison. So let's go to you, True True Davis. Okay,
so tell us what was the experience like for you
participating in the fact program. You're sixteen now, right, So I.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Really enjoyed it because at first it was just like
me having like, well, wait meeting for him to call me,
so it's like that's the only time like we would
really like talk and that'll be like randomized.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
I don't know when he would call me.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
But now joining the actual like program, seeing him like
every like Saturday in person, because I haven't seen him
in person in a long time. I haven't seen him
in person since I was like really little, and that's
when we used to like go on like visits like me, my.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Mom my, brother, everybody.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
So the fact that I got to see him like
every weekend, it was like, really it was really fun
because we just like yapped about anything, was just talking
about anything, So it was like something I was able
to actually look forward to instead of not knowing when
the actual call would come so I could talk to him.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Yeah, well true. Just to dig a little deeper into this,
what were some of the things that you walked away
that you didn't know about your grandfather? I know that
one of the things that is very special about the program,
So you get to know a lot about their favorite things, right,
tell us more about that.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
So it's crazy because we actually had like in the
program different like activities we would do, and that was
like one of them.
Speaker 5 (04:02):
It was like write down right there.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
They would ask us questions that we had to write
down the answer what the answer was for the other person.
So it was like, for example, if we had to
write what our favorite color was, I would write what
I thought his favorite color was and he would write mine,
and then we would go up and say what our
answers was and say if it was right or wrong,
And it was like it was a whole fun experience.
(04:25):
So it was like just being there, it allowed me
to like get more insight on like he like what
he listened to, like music wise, like just who he is,
and like actually see like his personality like in him
instead of like on the phone.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Yeah, yeah, that's what's so special about the program And
let's talk to Elizabeth Smith. Tell us what got you
into the fact program?
Speaker 2 (04:47):
And your daughter so similar to Joy, you know, her
dad brought it to my attention something that he really
wanted to get into strengthen his bond, you know, with
our child. So I was a little bit like, uh okay,
but again it couldn't hurt, Like what harm could it
deal with? You're right, So it's more of a strengthening thing.
(05:09):
So they already have that connection, but to strengthen it
just for them to like she comes up on the
visits with mom or mostly grandmom, but just for them
to to have that experience together.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
It's what I was looking forward to.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Yeah, Ariel, what was the experience like for you?
Speaker 6 (05:25):
It was a fun time. I feel like the visits
with just us too, I could really express how I
felt if I couldn't talk around everybody, it was a
fun time. I got to know my father way more,
build a stronger connection. Even though we had a strong connection,
it has grown because I would come every Saturday and
got to know more, way more about my father than
(05:45):
I've ever known.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Was there anything in particular that stands out that you
learned from the program that you didn't have before.
Speaker 6 (05:54):
Just who my father really is, so the things he likes,
the things he likes to do, and how we are
actually very similar.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Okay, very cool. So can you describe a moment during
the program that really stood out or made an impact
on your family? Now, I know that the moms don't
actually participate in the program, but you can certainly see
the outcomes. So I'm wondering if Elizabeth, you could tell
us about what you feel was a moment during the
(06:23):
program that really stood out or made an impact.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
I think the air it out sessions.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Oh yeah, describe what the aired out sessions are for them.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I think for the kids it was I mean, I
will let them, you know, say their experience. But when
she came out of the air it Out session, she
was different. It was just everything bottled up that she
wasn't able to say on a fifteen minute phone call
or on the visit with grandmom and mom sitting there
or you know, somebody else sitting there was just them
too to express how she really felt. For him to know,
(06:56):
so she expressed it to me or you know, to
some type of extent, but for her to fully say
how she feel about her father being incarcerated, and I
think he needed to hear it. So it was a
good I think that was a great experience. And even
for the moms, we had our own little mini air
it out sessions, and you know, Miss Kay was there
(07:17):
and Miss Darlene and it was a lot.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
So I'm sure there's there's a lot of emotion.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
It was and I didn't think, honestly, I didn't think
I needed it, but when Miss.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
K was like, yeah, you know, you do your erit,
and I'm like, what do I need the air out?
Speaker 5 (07:30):
Like, I'm good?
Speaker 3 (07:31):
But it needed.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
I needed it for us to express just how we
felt and how it really impacted us.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
It was.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
It was I think that was my favorite part of
the experience, just hearing their you know, doing ars and
crests and doing yoga.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
I loved hearing that. But the air it out, I
think was my favorite part.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Let's hear it with the other mom here. Joy.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
So I was the I guess you could call me
the defiant parent because us tell us true sixteen so
he could go up by himself. So I was pretty
much that drop you off at the drop off point.
See when we get back but far as like air
it out the relationship that I have with my father
(08:15):
because it's always been mental. I say mental because majority
of our bonding has been over the phone and I
grew up I don't hold don't hold nothing back like
so and surprised when you say that.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Raising him the same way.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
So I'm very vocal, very communicative, like we don't hold
nothing back at all regardless. So I mean although as
a child, if I could have got an air out session,
oh I would. That's needed, Like, that's needed, It's really
needed for healing.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
Especially as a child.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Sometimes you're not comfortable being able to tell somebody exactly
how you feel.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
That's hard, Yeah, it can.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
It could be intimidating some times because you never know
well as a child, like how are they Are they
going to feel a certain type of way about what
I'm saying. Although those are your feelings and you're entitled
to them. But one thing I learned a long time
ago is say how you feel and get it off
your chest. It doesn't matter how the other person feels.
Now they know, and it's up to them how they
(09:19):
have to interpret and move on from there. So that's
one blessing I can say, within our relationship, just my
father and being his grandfather, we no whole bars if
I'm mad at him. I can honestly tell you, growing up,
there's been plenty times I've been mad at my dad
and he would call and I would tell him, I'm
mad at you.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
I don't care.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I'm not answering your next couple phone calls. Don't call me,
and he'll call me and I wouldn't answer. I'm so serious,
But that was the only way that I could express myself.
And then after it was over, we would talk about
it and we would get through it. And then so
we've always had air out sessions. I guess you could die.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
Right, yeah, informal ones.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
Yeah, right, for sure. For sure.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Well let's talk to the young folks. So true, what
was a moment during the program that really stood out
or you feel made a real impact.
Speaker 5 (10:09):
It's not just one, It's like for me, it's a whole.
It's like a few.
Speaker 4 (10:12):
So I'm gonna just say what I remember. It was
a bunch of moments where I feel like it definitely
made me lacking. It was like the kids' reactions to
when we would leave a bunch of them.
Speaker 5 (10:23):
Was like crying.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
I remember that a lot of them, like nobody wanted
to leave every single time it was time to go.
Speaker 5 (10:31):
So just seeing that it made me feel some type
of way.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
It's like dang, like they dads really can't leave with them,
like and they don't want to leave.
Speaker 5 (10:38):
They dads knowing like we're in this like this space
right now.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
It was that it was also the last thing we
did the graduation because that was when it was like
everybody had wrote something, they had rolled like about b
pieces and so the children did it and the dads
did it. And one of the dads like I think
you know he was a grandpa, he was a grandpa.
(11:02):
He yo, he started balling, he started crying like he
couldn't get through. Well he got through it, but it
was hard for him to get through the peace like
he started crying.
Speaker 5 (11:10):
So that made me feel some type of way. I
start tearing up.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
And I heard my mom in the beat talk about
something you could do it pop up like so I
know like she was she saw it too. So it's
like knowing, like dag, everybody has like like the way
they feel towards like this whole situation. I know for
sure all the dads want to get out and be
able to like experience like their kids' life and make
up all the times they missed, but it's like at
this moment they can't do that. So right now, in
(11:36):
that current moment I'm speaking, this is the only time where,
like the last time I would say, they would get
to like express how they feel freely before it's back
to like monthly visits. So it was like being able
to like say that like kids too, and the dads.
So I was mainly just looking at the dazz cause
it's like seeing the reaction to what they kids were saying.
Speaker 5 (11:56):
It was everything, but it was just that's my memory.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Of moments, right That's a that's a great moment to share.
And I've been to several graduations, and I think the
thing that really makes me more emotional is seeing these
these men, the men they stand up. A lot of
them are big, hulking, strong, masculine looking guys, and here
they are being so tender, like yeah, exactly, and and
(12:21):
like and crying like you said, and and just being
so emotionally vulnerable and expressive. It just if you're in
the room, you're going to be crying. It's just just
how it just how it is.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
Just how it is.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
I cried the entire time, the entire time, is this
I said, Like I said, I was tellings in the
background here at Cutura, I was telling her because for me,
it was very emotional for me because one, I haven't
seen my father in seven years. Wow, I haven't physically
(12:56):
seen him in seven years.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
We've talked, we did zoom visits. That's not the same as.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
A physical hug and seeing, you know, right in front
of you. And I just knew that it was just
emotional altogether. Like it was just emotional and it was
just it was healing for me because it was so healing.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
For my dad.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
So I have a brother but he passed. So I
haven't seen my dad since my brother pass So now
as an official only child, you know, and he looks
at his grandson.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
This is his son now, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
So he's adamant about adding to what I've already been
able to do with true and he just wants to
be able to be there. And so within that moment
and seeing just seeing him looking at my son and
that's his grandson. He went before, he's seen him before,
he was to his chest. Now he's three four inches
(13:54):
above his head.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
He's tall. Yeah, So you know, it makes a big.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Difference in just all of the fathers, and is the
fact that they were able to be as vulnerable as
they were in front of their kids.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
That's a big deal.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
That's a big deal because I feel like we live
in a society now where everybody just has to be
so everybody wants to be so strong, nobody wants to
show emotion and nobody and then when you do show emotion,
you're criticized and ridiculed for showing their emotion that you
should be showing. You know, that's natural, that's how you
get to stress off, that's how you you know, you
(14:28):
feel better about yourself after a good cry.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
I always say that after good cry, you feel better.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
So it was it was beautiful, yeah, Ariel, What about you?
What what moment during the program really stood out or
made a big impact on your family?
Speaker 6 (14:43):
Probably the air it out because I felt like I
do hold back a lot of emotions at times when
I'm on visits with my mom or my grandma. So
for me just to express how it made me feel
to not have my father here with me. Yeah, I
get to talk to them, but It's like the connection
that we had was all over the phone. So for
(15:04):
me to express how I felt to not have my
father there, it kind of helped me like really sit
back and think on, really, what can I do if
you're not here? What can I do to keep myself
motivated to keep going throughout life?
Speaker 3 (15:20):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
So, what were some challenges that you faced in the
program and how did they overcome them together? Because you know,
it's it's a wonderful program, but I'm sure there's some challenges.
It's tough, you know, it's you're having to excavate a
lot of emotions and a lot of history, right, That's
that's you know occurred over the course of your relationship.
(15:43):
So Elizabeth, what was what was that for you? What
are some of the challenges that were faced?
Speaker 2 (15:48):
A lot of I think communication, but I know that
the fathers and grandfathers had to go through their own
process before the kids and the parents came on board.
So I think the the therapists or the psychologists that
they had to go through first. I think that really
helps with cole parents. In cole parents and has been
(16:09):
really hard, but with them talking to the psychiatrists or
the therapists and the inside that I think that rilled
her dad in a little bit to see.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
A different perspective.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
So it's not just about him, it's about the child,
and it's about the mom too, and how that kind
of blends in to make everything work. So I think
that was a lot of our issues with a lot
of miscommunication or not communicating at all. When I get angry,
I don't communicate.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
I shut down. So just a phone call, you.
Speaker 6 (16:42):
Know.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
It's but I think them going through the parents and
classes and the cold parents and classes, it it helped
a lot.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Yeah, yeah, because essentially, you know, to co parent, it's
it's a whole different scenario because the dad is not
able to be there or their grandfather's not able to
physically be there. So to have that support and connection
is so important and so challenging. What about you, Joy,
just tell us what the challenges were.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
The only challenge considering because that's his grandfather, that's my father.
He's as as supportive as he can be. It's only
but so much support he can get. And the only
challenge for us, I would say, is the fact that
you know, because his grandson is doing so many things
(17:31):
like True's a poet, and you know, he can't be
there to see.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
Him blossom the way that he's blossomed.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
But he's supportive, like I said, he's supportive as he
can be. But the best thing about the fact was
that he was able to experience True and how he
is now and you know, his glory and to see
you know, how artistic he is. Because I know that
their first visit was it the first it was the
(18:02):
first visit. True did a poem. He's always heard how
his you know, like his grandson does poetry. He's and
so he did a poem for you know, for the group,
and then from there it just it blossomed into a thing,
like he even did a poem for about the entire
program at the end that was you know, miss k
had it recorded and everything like that, which was so
(18:23):
beautiful and like she bored everybody to tears.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
This one has away with his words.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
But like my dad, it just even after that when
he called us, he was just like he couldn't believe it,
Like it was just and it awakens something in him,
a more of a more fight, more fight, you know,
because as far as his legal battle, he's trying to
get his sentence overturned so that he can come home.
It's been years, you know, laws have changed and you know,
(18:49):
the prison reform. Everything is different now. So he's like,
really like, I gotta, I gotta do what I gotta do.
I gotta make it. I gotta something has to change
so that he can at least for the rest of
his years be with his grandson. So yeah, that's yeah,
it's been it's been good, Like it's really been good.
(19:10):
The fact is, I'm so happy, like we really got involved.
I'm really happy that we did, because if this was
around for me as a child, it would have made
a total difference. It would have made a big difference
in the way that I handle certain things.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
Because there's a female.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
A daughter needs her father, Like I mean, everybody needs
their father, but specifically, like girls need their dads just
as much as the son does. You know, Like even
at the graduation when they gave the they gave bouquet
of roses to the daughters and ms K and T.
I broke down the first thing, I says, because you
(19:50):
are mad. I could never imagine getting flowers from my father,
So just just that little it might not you know,
they're young and no, my dad give me flowers. It's okay,
but later on in life they're gonna remember, like, no,
my dad, my.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Dad gave me flowers, Like I got flowers from it.
Like it means something.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
It might not might seem minuscules small, but it means
a lot. Like just that little gesture means a lot,
and that it just it held my inner child just
to even see that, just to know like they're getting
what they need from their dad. Their dad might not
be here now eventually when things are circumstances changes, but
(20:28):
at least they know while he's away, I'm still the
first person on his mind, you know, and that's what
matters the most.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yeah, you know, in my experience working with men who
are behind the walls, first of Greater Ferd and then Phoenix,
is that you get to know the man, right, you
don't outside of whatever they were there for. You get
to experience I've got to experience these extraordinary men. Look
(20:59):
at some one like Magic, for instance, who's one of
the primary individuals. You all nod your head, Yeah, Magic,
Magic is is in for life, but he's very much
has been instrumental in the fact program. So outside of
everything that might have occurred that got him there. What
I see before me is a man who has tremendous
(21:21):
leadership ability, incredibly smart, who is just wants to give back. Right, So, Katura,
you're you're standing up next to me, What did you
want to say?
Speaker 6 (21:35):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Okay, So Katura, who's You're the executive director of Fact,
the president of Fact. Katura is behind the scenes. She was,
she was. She handed me a question to throw over
to Joy. What did what did? What did your father
give you?
Speaker 2 (21:51):
He gave me a single rose? He gave me a
single Yes, I did, I did give Yes, I did.
I did get my flower. My flower is currently getting
pressed and dry so I can have it forever because
that meant the world to me.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Well, I just want you know, as I was saying,
you get to really see who these men are outside
of whatever got them there. And I wonder if you
can each of you describe the man that your father
or your grandfather is to you and also to would
(22:33):
I be putting you on the spot if I asked
you to repeat a poem? No? Oh great, okay, good,
all right, then I'm gonna put a pin on that
because I want to end with you, because Wow. But
let's start with you, Ariel. What is who is your
father to you? What are the qualities that your father
represents to you?
Speaker 6 (22:52):
Mostly my source of strength. I can look up to
my father about anything. If I can't talk to my mom,
and I know I can talk to my dad about it.
Someone who is trustworthy, active in my life, and just
someone who is always there for me on my down days.
I know will pick me up, will always know what's
(23:14):
wrong with me, just based off my tone my voice,
know if I'm happy sad. So it's just someone who
I know is always there for me, no matter how
far he is. I know my father is always.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Here and true. Before I hit you up with in
this poem, what is your grandfather to you? What are
the qualities that you see in this man?
Speaker 4 (23:38):
The first thing that comes to me is like the
wise old men with the long beards and like fantasy
stories because it's like yeah, like I'm telling you, because
he always got some form of advice to give me,
no matter what the situation is. It can be from
like for example, like basketball, to like something breaking down
(24:01):
like emotions and stuff like that, to why you shouldn't
do this, or like what you should do if this
had and stuff like that, Like he always got some
form of advice. So he's just like that smart old
boy that I could always go to. And then he
funny too, so it's like it's a mix to all
this stuff at the same time. And so it's like, yeah,
like my source of fun too. He'd be introducing me
(24:22):
to like some of these games and stuff. I remember
we played cards. One time.
Speaker 5 (24:25):
I introduced him to this game called spoons, and he
was so competitive.
Speaker 4 (24:29):
He won one time and he was on top of
the world, like saying like he was drawing. But then
I beat him and he't won't play no more. He
really smart, like he just he got it.
Speaker 6 (24:39):
Yo.
Speaker 5 (24:39):
That's my guy.
Speaker 3 (24:41):
All right.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
So, as I said before, I'm gonna put you on
the spot, and I understand that you are a poet,
so share some poetry for.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
Us, all right.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
I'm gonna do the one I did at the graduation,
right all right? Fathers and children together, Fathers, what if
y'all become just another title giving another word to say
about pe But when pregnated women, nah, another reason for
women to have to be the mother and father to
take care of their daughters, but leave the sons to
explore a field full of traits the mother couldn't provide
(25:09):
them with. And for what I don't want to hear
no if AND's or but saying if it wasn't for this,
or if this happened, but this nah, if you were present,
that would have been a present for them. Regardless of
your past, your kids should be your future. Instead, y'all
dropped the ball and left your kids there with an
empty glove in their hand. And that's a fact. The
a is just a separation between the fathers and children.
(25:29):
So no matter how many times we come to visit,
there will always be the thought that we're going to
have to leave soon, and all for what an action,
an accident. I hope what happened was worth that space,
because now you got to live with that space. I
hope you have a suit and helmet, and hope that
the environment around you doesn't make you cold, or hope
the distance between you and your little world doesn't choke you.
(25:50):
Us children have to live, and the result of your
mistakes force detachment reaching out for a hand. We won't
be able to hold waiting for a phone call with
the time limit, withholding emotions just to have a good chat,
only to hear you have one minute left, a reminder
that this relationship is monitored and controlled. We lived with
the weight of anticipation, knowing that we have to wait
(26:11):
for giving time or taking time, a phone call or
freedom that should have stayed yours. Why couldn't we always
have been together, not backs against walls, not tears spilled,
not withheld emotions, but with the connection that was meant
to be rightfully ours. It should be a relationship between
fathers and children and not a relationship between children and
(26:31):
empty space. And that's the fact, and that is for fact,
fathers and children together. This program the bridge over what's missing,
the breath of fresh air for gasping lungs, gave freedom
and confined spaces. Its magic the way it happens, turn
distance into feelings and reach one hand over the other.
(26:52):
And that's the ideal fact experience.
Speaker 6 (26:55):
Right.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
Wow, that was a true Davis. You are a poet.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
And you know it.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
I love all you guys coming in and sharing your
experience because people need to know that this is what
your experience is like, and that the men behind the walls,
you know there are some guys who belong there and
need to stay in there, and there's some guys that
really evolved and are better people because of it and
don't really need to stay there, right. So you know,
(27:29):
I love the FACT program because it does once again
remind us that the men behind the walls are human
beings that have children that they love and want to
connect with. And FACT is all about connecting fathers and
children together. We've been sitting with families from Cohort sixteen
of the FACT program Fathers and Children Together FACT, a
(27:49):
program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting
connections between parents and their children. We had been joined
by two incredible families who've been act of participating in
this journey, Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Ariel Smith Forth
and Joy Reeves along with her son, the very talented
(28:09):
poet True Davis sixteen. Each of these families have brought
a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the power of
intentional family time. Thank you all for joining us today.
That was beautiful.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:27):
You can listen to all of today's interviews by going
to our station website and typing in keyword community. You
can also listen on the iHeartRadio app ye Words Philadelphia
Community Podcast. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard.
I'm Lorraine Ballard Morrow, and I stand for service to
our community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
(28:47):
You've been listening to Insight and thank you
Good morning, and welcome to Insight, a show about empowering
our community. I'm Lorraine Ballardmorrow. Today we're honored to sit
down with families from Cohart sixteen of the FACT Program,
Fathers and Children Together. FACT is a program rooted in
strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting connections between parents
(00:20):
and their children. Joining us today are some incredible families
who've been actively participating in this journey. We welcome Elizabeth
Smith and her daughter Ariel Smith Fourth, as well as
True Davis and his mom Joy Reeves. Each of these
families bring a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the
power of intentional family time. We are excited to hear
(00:41):
about their experiences, what they've learned, how they've grown, and
what FACT is meant to them. So let's begin by
asking this question of all of you. What made you
decide to join the FACT program and what were you
hoping to get out of it? Let's start with Joy.
Speaker 2 (00:59):
Well, honest, my dad was the one who called and
told me, you know what the program was. So my
father's been incarcerated for I'm thirty seven, it's been about
thirty two thirty three years. So for me Honestly, it
wasn't about me anymore. Not to say that I'm past
the healing. I guess you could say from being a
(01:20):
child now I'm adult. You know, we've gotten over a
lot of obstacles in our own way because the FACT
program wasn't around when I was a child. But it
was a great opportunity for my son to get to
know his grandfather and to have that one on one time,
just literally them two together. So he was ecstatic to
(01:42):
do it, and it just worked out.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
It worked out.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
And plus, you know, since the pandemic, visiting has been
it's more, it's harder now. It's so many more obstacles
that you have to go through just to visit your
family members now.
Speaker 3 (01:57):
So the fact that I didn't have to.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Go on the website and register for a visit and
hope that the visit is approved and he was just
able to just go every Saturday for five six saturdays,
was perfect.
Speaker 1 (02:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (02:12):
And for those who don't know about the FACT program,
it's a program that goes over the course of many
weeks and it gives the opportunity for dads, grandfathers, mentors
that are behind the walls of sci Phoenix to connect
with their kids, with their children, with all their grandchildren
whoever they are connected with, and really create this bonding
(02:36):
experience that is not really normally possible when it comes
to the regular kinds of visitations that occur at maximum
security prison. So let's go to you, True True Davis. Okay,
so tell us what was the experience like for you
participating in the fact program. You're sixteen now, right, So I.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Really enjoyed it because at first it was just like
me having like, well, wait meeting for him to call me,
so it's like that's the only time like we would
really like talk and that'll be like randomized.
Speaker 5 (03:06):
I don't know when he would call me.
Speaker 4 (03:07):
But now joining the actual like program, seeing him like
every like Saturday in person, because I haven't seen him
in person in a long time. I haven't seen him
in person since I was like really little, and that's
when we used to like go on like visits like me, my.
Speaker 5 (03:21):
Mom my, brother, everybody.
Speaker 4 (03:22):
So the fact that I got to see him like
every weekend, it was like, really it was really fun
because we just like yapped about anything, was just talking
about anything, So it was like something I was able
to actually look forward to instead of not knowing when
the actual call would come so I could talk to him.
Speaker 1 (03:37):
Yeah, well true. Just to dig a little deeper into this,
what were some of the things that you walked away
that you didn't know about your grandfather? I know that
one of the things that is very special about the program,
So you get to know a lot about their favorite things, right,
tell us more about that.
Speaker 4 (03:54):
So it's crazy because we actually had like in the
program different like activities we would do, and that was
like one of them.
Speaker 5 (04:02):
It was like write down right there.
Speaker 4 (04:04):
They would ask us questions that we had to write
down the answer what the answer was for the other person.
So it was like, for example, if we had to
write what our favorite color was, I would write what
I thought his favorite color was and he would write mine,
and then we would go up and say what our
answers was and say if it was right or wrong,
And it was like it was a whole fun experience.
(04:25):
So it was like just being there, it allowed me
to like get more insight on like he like what
he listened to, like music wise, like just who he is,
and like actually see like his personality like in him
instead of like on the phone.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Yeah, yeah, that's what's so special about the program And
let's talk to Elizabeth Smith. Tell us what got you
into the fact program?
Speaker 2 (04:47):
And your daughter so similar to Joy, you know, her
dad brought it to my attention something that he really
wanted to get into strengthen his bond, you know, with
our child. So I was a little bit like, uh okay,
but again it couldn't hurt, Like what harm could it
deal with? You're right, So it's more of a strengthening thing.
(05:09):
So they already have that connection, but to strengthen it
just for them to like she comes up on the
visits with mom or mostly grandmom, but just for them
to to have that experience together.
Speaker 3 (05:19):
It's what I was looking forward to.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
Yeah, Ariel, what was the experience like for you?
Speaker 6 (05:25):
It was a fun time. I feel like the visits
with just us too, I could really express how I
felt if I couldn't talk around everybody, it was a
fun time. I got to know my father way more,
build a stronger connection. Even though we had a strong connection,
it has grown because I would come every Saturday and
got to know more, way more about my father than
(05:45):
I've ever known.
Speaker 1 (05:46):
Was there anything in particular that stands out that you
learned from the program that you didn't have before.
Speaker 6 (05:54):
Just who my father really is, so the things he likes,
the things he likes to do, and how we are
actually very similar.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
Okay, very cool. So can you describe a moment during
the program that really stood out or made an impact
on your family? Now, I know that the moms don't
actually participate in the program, but you can certainly see
the outcomes. So I'm wondering if Elizabeth, you could tell
us about what you feel was a moment during the
(06:23):
program that really stood out or made an impact.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
I think the air it out sessions.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Oh yeah, describe what the aired out sessions are for them.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
I think for the kids it was I mean, I
will let them, you know, say their experience. But when
she came out of the air it Out session, she
was different. It was just everything bottled up that she
wasn't able to say on a fifteen minute phone call
or on the visit with grandmom and mom sitting there
or you know, somebody else sitting there was just them
too to express how she really felt. For him to know,
(06:56):
so she expressed it to me or you know, to
some type of extent, but for her to fully say
how she feel about her father being incarcerated, and I
think he needed to hear it. So it was a
good I think that was a great experience. And even
for the moms, we had our own little mini air
it out sessions, and you know, Miss Kay was there
(07:17):
and Miss Darlene and it was a lot.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
So I'm sure there's there's a lot of emotion.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
It was and I didn't think, honestly, I didn't think
I needed it, but when Miss.
Speaker 3 (07:27):
K was like, yeah, you know, you do your erit,
and I'm like, what do I need the air out?
Speaker 5 (07:30):
Like, I'm good?
Speaker 3 (07:31):
But it needed.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
I needed it for us to express just how we
felt and how it really impacted us.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
It was.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
It was I think that was my favorite part of
the experience, just hearing their you know, doing ars and
crests and doing yoga.
Speaker 3 (07:45):
I loved hearing that. But the air it out, I
think was my favorite part.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Let's hear it with the other mom here. Joy.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
So I was the I guess you could call me
the defiant parent because us tell us true sixteen so
he could go up by himself. So I was pretty
much that drop you off at the drop off point.
See when we get back but far as like air
it out the relationship that I have with my father
(08:15):
because it's always been mental. I say mental because majority
of our bonding has been over the phone and I
grew up I don't hold don't hold nothing back like
so and surprised when you say that.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Raising him the same way.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
So I'm very vocal, very communicative, like we don't hold
nothing back at all regardless. So I mean although as
a child, if I could have got an air out session,
oh I would. That's needed, Like, that's needed, It's really
needed for healing.
Speaker 3 (08:50):
Especially as a child.
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Sometimes you're not comfortable being able to tell somebody exactly
how you feel.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
That's hard, Yeah, it can.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
It could be intimidating some times because you never know
well as a child, like how are they Are they
going to feel a certain type of way about what
I'm saying. Although those are your feelings and you're entitled
to them. But one thing I learned a long time
ago is say how you feel and get it off
your chest. It doesn't matter how the other person feels.
Now they know, and it's up to them how they
(09:19):
have to interpret and move on from there. So that's
one blessing I can say, within our relationship, just my
father and being his grandfather, we no whole bars if
I'm mad at him. I can honestly tell you, growing up,
there's been plenty times I've been mad at my dad
and he would call and I would tell him, I'm
mad at you.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
I don't care.
Speaker 2 (09:40):
I'm not answering your next couple phone calls. Don't call me,
and he'll call me and I wouldn't answer. I'm so serious,
But that was the only way that I could express myself.
And then after it was over, we would talk about
it and we would get through it. And then so
we've always had air out sessions. I guess you could die.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
Right, yeah, informal ones.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
Yeah, right, for sure. For sure.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Well let's talk to the young folks. So true, what
was a moment during the program that really stood out
or you feel made a real impact.
Speaker 5 (10:09):
It's not just one, It's like for me, it's a whole.
It's like a few.
Speaker 4 (10:12):
So I'm gonna just say what I remember. It was
a bunch of moments where I feel like it definitely
made me lacking. It was like the kids' reactions to
when we would leave a bunch of them.
Speaker 5 (10:23):
Was like crying.
Speaker 4 (10:24):
I remember that a lot of them, like nobody wanted
to leave every single time it was time to go.
Speaker 5 (10:31):
So just seeing that it made me feel some type
of way.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
It's like dang, like they dads really can't leave with them,
like and they don't want to leave.
Speaker 5 (10:38):
They dads knowing like we're in this like this space
right now.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
It was that it was also the last thing we
did the graduation because that was when it was like
everybody had wrote something, they had rolled like about b
pieces and so the children did it and the dads
did it. And one of the dads like I think
you know he was a grandpa, he was a grandpa.
(11:02):
He yo, he started balling, he started crying like he
couldn't get through. Well he got through it, but it
was hard for him to get through the peace like
he started crying.
Speaker 5 (11:10):
So that made me feel some type of way. I
start tearing up.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
And I heard my mom in the beat talk about
something you could do it pop up like so I
know like she was she saw it too. So it's
like knowing, like dag, everybody has like like the way
they feel towards like this whole situation. I know for
sure all the dads want to get out and be
able to like experience like their kids' life and make
up all the times they missed, but it's like at
this moment they can't do that. So right now, in
(11:36):
that current moment I'm speaking, this is the only time where,
like the last time I would say, they would get
to like express how they feel freely before it's back
to like monthly visits. So it was like being able
to like say that like kids too, and the dads.
So I was mainly just looking at the dazz cause
it's like seeing the reaction to what they kids were saying.
Speaker 5 (11:56):
It was everything, but it was just that's my memory.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Of moments, right That's a that's a great moment to share.
And I've been to several graduations, and I think the
thing that really makes me more emotional is seeing these
these men, the men they stand up. A lot of
them are big, hulking, strong, masculine looking guys, and here
they are being so tender, like yeah, exactly, and and
(12:21):
like and crying like you said, and and just being
so emotionally vulnerable and expressive. It just if you're in
the room, you're going to be crying. It's just just
how it just how it is.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
Just how it is.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
I cried the entire time, the entire time, is this
I said, Like I said, I was tellings in the
background here at Cutura, I was telling her because for me,
it was very emotional for me because one, I haven't
seen my father in seven years. Wow, I haven't physically
(12:56):
seen him in seven years.
Speaker 3 (12:58):
We've talked, we did zoom visits. That's not the same as.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
A physical hug and seeing, you know, right in front
of you. And I just knew that it was just
emotional altogether. Like it was just emotional and it was
just it was healing for me because it was so healing.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
For my dad.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
So I have a brother but he passed. So I
haven't seen my dad since my brother pass So now
as an official only child, you know, and he looks
at his grandson.
Speaker 3 (13:29):
This is his son now, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
So he's adamant about adding to what I've already been
able to do with true and he just wants to
be able to be there. And so within that moment
and seeing just seeing him looking at my son and
that's his grandson. He went before, he's seen him before,
he was to his chest. Now he's three four inches
(13:54):
above his head.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
He's tall. Yeah, So you know, it makes a big.
Speaker 2 (13:57):
Difference in just all of the fathers, and is the
fact that they were able to be as vulnerable as
they were in front of their kids.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
That's a big deal.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
That's a big deal because I feel like we live
in a society now where everybody just has to be
so everybody wants to be so strong, nobody wants to
show emotion and nobody and then when you do show emotion,
you're criticized and ridiculed for showing their emotion that you
should be showing. You know, that's natural, that's how you
get to stress off, that's how you you know, you
(14:28):
feel better about yourself after a good cry.
Speaker 3 (14:30):
I always say that after good cry, you feel better.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
So it was it was beautiful, yeah, Ariel, What about you?
What what moment during the program really stood out or
made a big impact on your family?
Speaker 6 (14:43):
Probably the air it out because I felt like I
do hold back a lot of emotions at times when
I'm on visits with my mom or my grandma. So
for me just to express how it made me feel
to not have my father here with me. Yeah, I
get to talk to them, but It's like the connection
that we had was all over the phone. So for
(15:04):
me to express how I felt to not have my
father there, it kind of helped me like really sit
back and think on, really, what can I do if
you're not here? What can I do to keep myself
motivated to keep going throughout life?
Speaker 3 (15:20):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
So, what were some challenges that you faced in the
program and how did they overcome them together? Because you know,
it's it's a wonderful program, but I'm sure there's some challenges.
It's tough, you know, it's you're having to excavate a
lot of emotions and a lot of history, right, That's
that's you know occurred over the course of your relationship.
(15:43):
So Elizabeth, what was what was that for you? What
are some of the challenges that were faced?
Speaker 2 (15:48):
A lot of I think communication, but I know that
the fathers and grandfathers had to go through their own
process before the kids and the parents came on board.
So I think the the therapists or the psychologists that
they had to go through first. I think that really
helps with cole parents. In cole parents and has been
(16:09):
really hard, but with them talking to the psychiatrists or
the therapists and the inside that I think that rilled
her dad in a little bit to see.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
A different perspective.
Speaker 2 (16:18):
So it's not just about him, it's about the child,
and it's about the mom too, and how that kind
of blends in to make everything work. So I think
that was a lot of our issues with a lot
of miscommunication or not communicating at all. When I get angry,
I don't communicate.
Speaker 3 (16:36):
I shut down. So just a phone call, you.
Speaker 6 (16:42):
Know.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
It's but I think them going through the parents and
classes and the cold parents and classes, it it helped
a lot.
Speaker 1 (16:49):
Yeah, yeah, because essentially, you know, to co parent, it's
it's a whole different scenario because the dad is not
able to be there or their grandfather's not able to
physically be there. So to have that support and connection
is so important and so challenging. What about you, Joy,
just tell us what the challenges were.
Speaker 2 (17:09):
The only challenge considering because that's his grandfather, that's my father.
He's as as supportive as he can be. It's only
but so much support he can get. And the only
challenge for us, I would say, is the fact that
you know, because his grandson is doing so many things
(17:31):
like True's a poet, and you know, he can't be
there to see.
Speaker 3 (17:37):
Him blossom the way that he's blossomed.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
But he's supportive, like I said, he's supportive as he
can be. But the best thing about the fact was
that he was able to experience True and how he
is now and you know, his glory and to see
you know, how artistic he is. Because I know that
their first visit was it the first it was the
(18:02):
first visit. True did a poem. He's always heard how
his you know, like his grandson does poetry. He's and
so he did a poem for you know, for the group,
and then from there it just it blossomed into a thing,
like he even did a poem for about the entire
program at the end that was you know, miss k
had it recorded and everything like that, which was so
(18:23):
beautiful and like she bored everybody to tears.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
This one has away with his words.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
But like my dad, it just even after that when
he called us, he was just like he couldn't believe it,
Like it was just and it awakens something in him,
a more of a more fight, more fight, you know,
because as far as his legal battle, he's trying to
get his sentence overturned so that he can come home.
It's been years, you know, laws have changed and you know,
(18:49):
the prison reform. Everything is different now. So he's like,
really like, I gotta, I gotta do what I gotta do.
I gotta make it. I gotta something has to change
so that he can at least for the rest of
his years be with his grandson. So yeah, that's yeah,
it's been it's been good, Like it's really been good.
(19:10):
The fact is, I'm so happy, like we really got involved.
I'm really happy that we did, because if this was
around for me as a child, it would have made
a total difference. It would have made a big difference
in the way that I handle certain things.
Speaker 3 (19:26):
Because there's a female.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
A daughter needs her father, Like I mean, everybody needs
their father, but specifically, like girls need their dads just
as much as the son does. You know, Like even
at the graduation when they gave the they gave bouquet
of roses to the daughters and ms K and T.
I broke down the first thing, I says, because you
(19:50):
are mad. I could never imagine getting flowers from my father,
So just just that little it might not you know,
they're young and no, my dad give me flowers. It's okay,
but later on in life they're gonna remember, like, no,
my dad, my.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Dad gave me flowers, Like I got flowers from it.
Like it means something.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
It might not might seem minuscules small, but it means
a lot. Like just that little gesture means a lot,
and that it just it held my inner child just
to even see that, just to know like they're getting
what they need from their dad. Their dad might not
be here now eventually when things are circumstances changes, but
(20:28):
at least they know while he's away, I'm still the
first person on his mind, you know, and that's what
matters the most.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yeah, you know, in my experience working with men who
are behind the walls, first of Greater Ferd and then Phoenix,
is that you get to know the man, right, you
don't outside of whatever they were there for. You get
to experience I've got to experience these extraordinary men. Look
(20:59):
at some one like Magic, for instance, who's one of
the primary individuals. You all nod your head, Yeah, Magic,
Magic is is in for life, but he's very much
has been instrumental in the fact program. So outside of
everything that might have occurred that got him there. What
I see before me is a man who has tremendous
(21:21):
leadership ability, incredibly smart, who is just wants to give back. Right, So, Katura,
you're you're standing up next to me, What did you
want to say?
Speaker 6 (21:35):
Oh?
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Okay, So Katura, who's You're the executive director of Fact,
the president of Fact. Katura is behind the scenes. She was,
she was. She handed me a question to throw over
to Joy. What did what did? What did your father
give you?
Speaker 2 (21:51):
He gave me a single rose? He gave me a
single Yes, I did, I did give Yes, I did.
I did get my flower. My flower is currently getting
pressed and dry so I can have it forever because
that meant the world to me.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Well, I just want you know, as I was saying,
you get to really see who these men are outside
of whatever got them there. And I wonder if you
can each of you describe the man that your father
or your grandfather is to you and also to would
(22:33):
I be putting you on the spot if I asked
you to repeat a poem? No? Oh great, okay, good,
all right, then I'm gonna put a pin on that
because I want to end with you, because Wow. But
let's start with you, Ariel. What is who is your
father to you? What are the qualities that your father
represents to you?
Speaker 6 (22:52):
Mostly my source of strength. I can look up to
my father about anything. If I can't talk to my mom,
and I know I can talk to my dad about it.
Someone who is trustworthy, active in my life, and just
someone who is always there for me on my down days.
I know will pick me up, will always know what's
(23:14):
wrong with me, just based off my tone my voice,
know if I'm happy sad. So it's just someone who
I know is always there for me, no matter how
far he is. I know my father is always.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Here and true. Before I hit you up with in
this poem, what is your grandfather to you? What are
the qualities that you see in this man?
Speaker 4 (23:38):
The first thing that comes to me is like the
wise old men with the long beards and like fantasy
stories because it's like yeah, like I'm telling you, because
he always got some form of advice to give me,
no matter what the situation is. It can be from
like for example, like basketball, to like something breaking down
(24:01):
like emotions and stuff like that, to why you shouldn't
do this, or like what you should do if this
had and stuff like that, Like he always got some
form of advice. So he's just like that smart old
boy that I could always go to. And then he
funny too, so it's like it's a mix to all
this stuff at the same time. And so it's like, yeah,
like my source of fun too. He'd be introducing me
(24:22):
to like some of these games and stuff. I remember
we played cards. One time.
Speaker 5 (24:25):
I introduced him to this game called spoons, and he
was so competitive.
Speaker 4 (24:29):
He won one time and he was on top of
the world, like saying like he was drawing. But then
I beat him and he't won't play no more. He
really smart, like he just he got it.
Speaker 6 (24:39):
Yo.
Speaker 5 (24:39):
That's my guy.
Speaker 3 (24:41):
All right.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
So, as I said before, I'm gonna put you on
the spot, and I understand that you are a poet,
so share some poetry for.
Speaker 5 (24:47):
Us, all right.
Speaker 4 (24:48):
I'm gonna do the one I did at the graduation,
right all right? Fathers and children together, Fathers, what if
y'all become just another title giving another word to say
about pe But when pregnated women, nah, another reason for
women to have to be the mother and father to
take care of their daughters, but leave the sons to
explore a field full of traits the mother couldn't provide
(25:09):
them with. And for what I don't want to hear
no if AND's or but saying if it wasn't for this,
or if this happened, but this nah, if you were present,
that would have been a present for them. Regardless of
your past, your kids should be your future. Instead, y'all
dropped the ball and left your kids there with an
empty glove in their hand. And that's a fact. The
a is just a separation between the fathers and children.
(25:29):
So no matter how many times we come to visit,
there will always be the thought that we're going to
have to leave soon, and all for what an action,
an accident. I hope what happened was worth that space,
because now you got to live with that space. I
hope you have a suit and helmet, and hope that
the environment around you doesn't make you cold, or hope
the distance between you and your little world doesn't choke you.
(25:50):
Us children have to live, and the result of your
mistakes force detachment reaching out for a hand. We won't
be able to hold waiting for a phone call with
the time limit, withholding emotions just to have a good chat,
only to hear you have one minute left, a reminder
that this relationship is monitored and controlled. We lived with
the weight of anticipation, knowing that we have to wait
(26:11):
for giving time or taking time, a phone call or
freedom that should have stayed yours. Why couldn't we always
have been together, not backs against walls, not tears spilled,
not withheld emotions, but with the connection that was meant
to be rightfully ours. It should be a relationship between
fathers and children and not a relationship between children and
(26:31):
empty space. And that's the fact, and that is for fact,
fathers and children together. This program the bridge over what's missing,
the breath of fresh air for gasping lungs, gave freedom
and confined spaces. Its magic the way it happens, turn
distance into feelings and reach one hand over the other.
(26:52):
And that's the ideal fact experience.
Speaker 6 (26:55):
Right.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
Wow, that was a true Davis. You are a poet.
Speaker 3 (27:03):
And you know it.
Speaker 1 (27:06):
I love all you guys coming in and sharing your
experience because people need to know that this is what
your experience is like, and that the men behind the walls,
you know there are some guys who belong there and
need to stay in there, and there's some guys that
really evolved and are better people because of it and
don't really need to stay there, right. So you know,
(27:29):
I love the FACT program because it does once again
remind us that the men behind the walls are human
beings that have children that they love and want to
connect with. And FACT is all about connecting fathers and
children together. We've been sitting with families from Cohort sixteen
of the FACT program Fathers and Children Together FACT, a
(27:49):
program rooted in strengthening bonds, building communication, and creating lasting
connections between parents and their children. We had been joined
by two incredible families who've been act of participating in
this journey, Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Ariel Smith Forth
and Joy Reeves along with her son, the very talented
(28:09):
poet True Davis sixteen. Each of these families have brought
a unique perspective on growth, resilience, and the power of
intentional family time. Thank you all for joining us today.
That was beautiful.
Speaker 2 (28:22):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (28:27):
You can listen to all of today's interviews by going
to our station website and typing in keyword community. You
can also listen on the iHeartRadio app ye Words Philadelphia
Community Podcast. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard.
I'm Lorraine Ballard Morrow, and I stand for service to
our community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
(28:47):
You've been listening to Insight and thank you
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