Point Break – Renewing Hope

The purpose of Point Break is to improve the behaviors, values and attitudes of high school students on their campuses and in their communities, intervening before acts of bullying, hatred or violence occur. As a result, better learning environments are created, relationships are forged and reconciliation begins. Students, who before the workshop bullied others, often feel a sense of empathy towards their fellow students and the desire to stop their bullying behavior after experiencing Point Break.

Point Break Coordinator Keith Chase reflects on the impact of local Point Break workshops:

“At every workshop we see the same thing. A group of students come in at 9am with heads down and dragging their feet wondering why they didn’t stay home instead of coming to this lame field trip where people think they can “fix ‘em.” Then the day begins and in the first hour attitudes begin to change. Students start to become more engaged and start to see that this isn’t the “same ol’ thing.” Fast forward to 1pm and students are sharing things they never thought they would or more importantly could. Hope is seen in the faces of the students and smiles are the common expression…Then the students share. We hear comments like. “We’ve been in school together since Kindergarten and this is the first time we have had a chance to really get to know one another.” OR “I am sorry for the way I have treated you all, I thought I was the only one dealing with things like this.” Faculty share “I am so proud of you…us.” Over and over we hear these comments. We share a lot of tears, but just as many laughs as we enter on the journey together throughout the Point Break day…That is the success story, HOPE! And I am honored to be a part of a group of folks who can offer it. Thanks Allegany County United Way for giving us this opportunity. “

For more information on Point Break or to learn how you can host this program in your school, contact Keith Chase at 585-593-5472