Testimonials

"In 1992 I began a profound transformative journey thanks to God and AVP, from being a tough guy (Hammerin' Hank) to that of one whose social consciousness, community activism and advocacy for the hungry / homeless / seniors / folks in need of conflict resolution skills guides me today.  As Handsome Hank I recognize conflict is inherent in the human spirit, with variegated choices from which to choose.  I appeal to you to help us to help others still stuck in their win-lose mindset, in moving to see the win-win within." 

- Henry Rivera, AVP Facilitator, food pantry manager and halfway house leader.

"In 1983 I was a 20 year old young man who was serving a 20 to life sentence.  I was introduced to AVP by an older gentleman.  Little did I know, that was the beginning of my life... After spending twenty-two years in prison, and growing up with AVP being an integral part of my life I can truly say that if it wasn't for AVP, I would not have obtained my AA, BA and masters Degrees while in prison.  I recently started a not-for-profit agency that houses formerly incarcerated individuals.  AVP and Quaker principles are its guiding forces." 

- Mark Graham, Director, The Redemption Center, Brooklyn, NY

"If there is such a thing as a miraculous change, then I can truthfully say that it was through AVP.  I began to grow from a person filled with hate, anger and despair into a person who believes that he, too, is responsible for the protection, preservation and enrichment of humanity."

-Robert Martin, AVP/NY Board Council member

"I can honestly say that if it had not been for AVP, I never would have gotten out of prison. AVP opened doors for me that I never knew existed.  Before taking AVP, I was an extreme introvert with a fifth grade education and no social skills. Because of AVP, I went to college and earned five degrees, along with many other accomplishments. I served 37 years in prison and upon my release, I got in touch with AVP in Buffalo and attend monthly facilitators meetings. Life has never been better."

- Jerry Balone

"My grandfather was in the Indonesian military during World War II and he brought his wartime experiences of violence into his home and then my father brought that violence from his childhood into my childhood.  I know that war and violence do nothing to create true resolution, that violence only creates more violence.  AVP has transformed my ability to love and continually inspires me when I see others who are also changed by AVP."

-Sarah Mandolang, AVP Facilitator in prisons, the community and Aceh, Indonesia.