At the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), youth in close-custody facilities participate in Power Source, a research-based program designed to help them build emotional awareness, resilience, and decision-making skills. While many start the program simply because they are required to, their experiences reveal a deeper impact. “At first, I didn’t think much of it. But as I went through it, I realized it helped me understand my triggers and myself better.” Through structured discussions, self-reflection, and practical exercises, Power Source gives youth the tools to navigate their emotions and shape a better future.
One of the most significant benefits of Power Source is how it helps youth recognize their emotions and manage their reactions. “The biggest change was that it taught me to think before I act,” one youth shared. Another reflected, “If I did an anger group, I noticed I wasn’t getting angry as easily.” Several participants spoke about learning to pause and think before acting, rather than reacting out of impulse. “It helped me find better ways to cope instead of doing things I shouldn’t,” one explained. By addressing emotional regulation in a structured way, Power Source equips youth with skills they can carry into their daily lives.
Beyond emotional awareness, Power Source also encourages youth to shift their perspectives. “The program helped me open my eyes, forgive myself, and learn how to forgive others.” One participant described how the program helped them see things in a “third-person” view, allowing them to reflect on their choices with greater clarity. Another shared, “The biggest lesson was realizing I had been too hard on myself.” This kind of self-reflection is critical in helping young people move forward with a sense of agency and hope.
Perhaps most importantly, Power Source fosters a sense of leadership and accountability. On youth shared they recognized “The more groups I finished, the more I realized they were making a difference, even if I didn’t notice right away.” Another participant discovered a new understanding of loyalty, shifting from a belief in blind allegiance to a commitment to helping others make better choices. “This program showed me that true loyalty is about helping others.” One youth summed it up simply: “It helped me set myself as best as I can for the community.” By engaging in these discussions, youth not only work on themselves but also become role models for their peers.
For many at OYA, Power Source is more than just another requirement – it is a transformative experience that reshapes how they see themselves and their futures. “I want to take these skills with me when I leave so I don’t come back.” While each youth’s journey is unique, their words echo a common theme: this program helps them build self-awareness, emotional control, and the ability to make better choices. Through Power Source, OYA is providing youth with tools not just for today, but for a lifetime.
