What is the Character Counts! program?
It is nationally recognized curriculum, utilized by NewDay chaplains, to instruct and encourage detained juvenile offenders in six traits of good character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring & Citizenship. "Character building"-specific classes are taught weekly and the character trait is reinforced in all other classes.
Is there any incentive for detained juveniles to participate?
To further encourage the juveniles to put into practice the traits they have learned they are offered an incentive. If a detainee maintains a level 1 behavior rating (that's the highest level and best behavior rating possible) for one week, then they earn a Prayer Bear that will be given to a sick child at Cook Children's Hospital in their name. This is often the first experience that many of these juveniles have in seeing that their behavior can affect others in a POSITIVE manner. It is a win-win situation - a sick child receives comfort in the form of a cuddly bear and an at-risk child sees that they can accomplish good.
Where do the PrayerBears come from?
The Prayer Bears are donated to NewDay by church groups, individuals and community organizations. The bears are distributed at the hospital through a collaboration with the hospital chaplaincy. To date, over 1000 bears have been "earned" by detained juveniles for sick children.
At Kimbo, Character Counts!
