Peace Programs at the Father McKenna Center
Our Peace Circles at the Father McKenna Center are a safe space to share the authentic versions of ourselves that show up each day — and to love the real versions of our neighbors. In these Cicles, we encounter the fullness of life — the joy of friendship and deep laughter; the playfulness of making crafts or riding the Peace Train; and the heavy burdens of grief, lonliness, homelessness, addiction, and incarceration.
Our Peace Circles at the Father McKenna Center are a safe space to share the authentic versions of ourselves that show up each day — and to love the real version of our neighbors. In these Circles, we encounter the fullness of life — the joy of friendship and deep laughter; the playfulness of making arts crafts or riding the Peace Train; and the heavy burdens of grief, loneliness, homelessness, addiction and incarceration.
We continue to encounter men who remind us to be grateful for another day of life, a listening ear, and a place to rest. McKenna men also celebrate simple joys — like getting new clothes, a bike or bus pass; spending time at the library or in nature — on their journeys to more dignified living. They inspire us to practice gratitude and celebrate others as much as ourselves in community.
The tool cards we practice are simple, but they make a tremendous impact. One tool card that we discuss often is Stop, Think, and Act. Men share that they hear MJ’s voice in their heads as they find themselves in conflict — whether bumping into someone in line at a shelter, on public transit, or elsewhere around D.C. Our friends at the McKenna Center continue to credit LFFP’s tool cards as a means to avoid recidivism, improve personal relationships, and prepare themselves for jobs and independent living.
We also often make art or play games to bring a smile to our faces despite our struggles. Some men are hesitant to express themselves, but we are learning that all our voices and lives matter and that we all deserve to laugh (even at ourselves) and be childlike. In our large-group sessions, we play a follow-the-leader game called Zip, Zap, Zoom, which brings peace to our bodies.
We continue to encounter men who remind us to be grateful for another day of life, a listening ear, and a place to rest. McKenna men also celebrate simple joys — like getting new clothes, a bike or bus pass; spending time at the library or in nature — on their journeys to more dignified living. They inspire us to practice gratitude and celebrate others as much as ourselves in community.
The tool cards we practice are simple, but they make a tremendous impact. One tool card that we discuss often is Stop, Think, and Act. Men share that they hear MJ’s voice in their heads as they find themselves in conflict — whether bumping into someone in line at a shelter, on public transit, or elsewhere around D.C. Our friends at the McKenna Center continue to credit LFFP’s tool cards as a means to avoid recidivism, improve personal relationships, and prepare themselves for jobs and independent living.
We also often make art or play games to bring a smile to our faces despite our struggles. Some men are hesitant to express themselves, but we are learning that all our voices and lives matter and that we all deserve to laugh (even at ourselves) and be childlike. In our large-group sessions, we play a follow-the-leader game called Zip, Zap, Zoom, which brings peace to our bodies.