Lena's Lens

In this final episode of this five‑part Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens shares the last roundtable discussion recorded inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This conversation features Brian Butler and Andrew Carlisle, who reflect on breaking cycles, personal growth, responsibility, and their hopes for the future.This episode also includes two special closing pieces. Councilwoman Su:k Fulwilder shares a poem she wrote for the clients, and Eric Wood delivers the reading that the entire class asked him to share as their final message for the series. These moments bring the mini‑series to a thoughtful and meaningful close.Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. *********************Call for Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Artists!O’odham Action News wants to publish your artwork. Visual or Literary! Deadline is November 20, 2026General GuidelinesSubmit your Artwork

In Episode 4 of this 5‑part Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens shares the second roundtable discussion recorded inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This conversation features Nathan Antone and Edgar Carlyle, joined by Re‑Entry Services Supervisor Nicolette Parrish, who helps guide the session. Nathan and Edgar speak openly about recurring themes from the therapeutic writing program, including grief, anger, trauma, emotional suppression, breaking cycles, and the challenges of learning to care for themselves and their families. Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. *********************Call for Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Artists!O’odham Action News wants to publish your artwork. Visual or Literary! Deadline is November 20, 2026General GuidelinesSubmit your Artwork

In Episode 3 of this 5‑part Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens transitions from individual readings into the first of three roundtable discussions recorded inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This conversation features Adam Jackson, Wayne Butler, and Eric Wood, who speak openly about themes explored in their writings, which include grief, addiction, identity, and the cycles they hope to break. During this session, Lena observes while Councilwoman Su:k Fulwilder guides the discussion, allowing the clients to speak naturally in the environment they are familiar with. Their reflections highlight shared experiences, the importance of connection, and the courage it takes to express long‑held emotions. Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. *********************Call for Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Artists!O’odham Action News wants to publish your artwork. Visual or Literary! Deadline is November 20, 2026General GuidelinesSubmit your Artwork

In Part II of the Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, here on Lena’s Lens, Lena continues sharing the writings created during a 12‑week therapeutic program inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This episode features emotional and deeply personal readings from Adam Jackson, Wayne Butler, and Brian Butler. Their writings explore themes of addiction, grief, breaking cycles, accountability, and the desire to change their futures. At the end of this episode, all seven client readings are complete. The mini‑series will now move into three roundtable discussions, where the clients speak openly about the experiences, emotions, and realizations connected to their writing.Questions or comments? Email [email protected] *********************Call for Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Artists!O’odham Action News wants to publish your artwork. Visual or Literary! Deadline is November 20, 2026General GuidelinesSubmit your Artwork

In this first episode of our special Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens enters the Salt River Department of Corrections. Participants read the writings created during a 12‑week program designed to support healing, reflection, and self‑expression. The episode opens with a traditional gourd song performed by Edgar Carlyle, followed by three powerful readings from Andrew Carlisle, Nathan Antone, and Eric Wood. Their pieces touch on themes of identity, manhood, childhood experiences, sobriety, fatherhood, grief, and confronting long‑held emotions. Each client also reflects briefly on what it felt like to write and read their piece aloud.Questions or comments? Email [email protected] *********************Call for Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Artists!O’odham Action News wants to publish your artwork. Visual or Literary! Deadline is November 20, 2026General GuidelinesSubmit your Artwork