Testimonials

I like Still Waters because it makes me remember who I am. (Also because I have a lot of problems in my house, so when I come here it helps me.)

— J., age 13


I am proud of myself for taking the initiative in doing this. I feel like I have broken the chains that have been holding me down and keeping me still, since I’ve given birth to my son. I feel proud that I am on this journey of using a pen and paper to profess all that is going on in my head. I need this opportunity to let go of some thoughts by writing them on paper. I feel like I am making a difference in my life and Aiden’s life.

— Yaritza, age 23


I love class so so so much. Class is so so so much fun. We get to listen. I love my people.

— Angelisa, age 6


If I had a place on this planet it would be in a quiet place where there is nature all around me. I would dig a hole to find what I could talk about or what I could act. The group is a quiet place.

— Moises, age 9


This writing group started as just a group but we became more than a group we became family.

— Jocelyn, age 17


To me, Still Waters is familia. It is life. It is a safe haven to be yourself. All creeds are welcome. Where else does that happen? It rebuilds confidence, ignites passions for learning. It's therapeutic. If you didn't care about people before you visited, you leave caring.
I am forever indebted to Still Waters in a Storm for helping me become the person I am. For allowing me to meet some of my close friends today. Nothing makes me feel more powerful than when I put pen to paper. The stories I've heard, the camaraderie I have shared, the bonds that will never be broken, the minute you arrive,y ou feel like you matter to the people here.
Strength. Love. Freedom. Caring. Priceless.
Donate your time, money.
More importantly come.
Still Waters is my family. Please visit. Become a part of my family.

— Ernesto, age 22


This is my second time here. Being here is cool because I don’t be outside hangin’ out and getting in trouble. Sharing my thoughts is something I don’t do but being here I really start expressing myself.

— Jason, age 20


Still Waters in a Storm has helped me to open myself with strangers who are now friends, however feel like family. We sit in a room and read whatever we have written and comment on how we relate to the writing or how it inspires them to think of how the person is.

— Curtiiz, age 16


Still Waters in a Storm is more than just a writing group. For me, it’s the only time that I have for myself to be myself. I can openly express my creativity and vulnerability without judgments or criticism. It’s become my second family.

— Denise, age 25


I like here because we could read and we could play.

— Christopher, age 9


While working with the Still Water's group in photography, I have grown a strong attachment to the group and it's members. The kids are thoughtful and kind. Still Waters fosters an atmosphere of learning through love and peacefulness, unlike any other learning group I have ever seen.

— Emma, age 20


I love Still Waters so much. I make lots of friends and I feel loved.

— Jasmine, age 9


Still Waters in a Storm is a place for me to take a break from my everyday life. A getaway from my troubles and worries. A place to reflect on a variety of subjects from the hard times of life to the good as well as my ideas and personal truths. It’s a place to be heard when no one else will listen.

— Jaysunn, age 24


Still Waters is a very peaceful place where you read joyful books. I love to write stories.

— Karen, age 10


Still Waters in a Storm is a welcoming safe environment where I can meet people, make friends and be inspired. There are no wrong questions or silly answers so everyone is free to develop and remember that learning is fun and knowledge is power, not a set of rules and forced activities. My experience with Still Waters has reinforced my idea that creativity is magical.

— Gabriel, age 25


I was a rapper that raps for fun. But it wasn’t until Haff’s program that I started writing and thinking about writing. I like coming here because no matter what you write about they appreciate you writing and with this constructive environment we can take our writing to our highest potential.

— Matthew, age 16


Everyone writes, reads and listens to each other, and no matter what age you are, there's always something to learn. It's the closest thing to belonging to a tribe.

— Reeyaz, age 18


The group is very fun. This is a fun place. I like it a lot. It makes me express my good feelings and my bad feelings. I want the group to stay because it helps kids and adults to find their own way of feeling.

— Kayla, age 7


Now I know that I am a philosopher. I love to think and tell people about my ideas.

— Chris, age 17


A place for children and young adults to develop as writers, artists, but most of all, human beings. I've been coming here three years, and the bonds I've formed with others, lessons learned, and the feeling of being an active part of change is priceless.

— Kimberly, age 23


I come to Still Waters to make new friends and to learn new things.

— Kim, age 9


I like Still Waters because it makes me remember who I am. (Also because I have a lot of problems in my house, so when I come here it helps me.)

— J., age 13


Still Waters is peaceful and fun. You can play so many things here.

— Lydia, age 8


Still Waters is a refuge for me from harsh criticism, competition, and judgment. THere is strength here in vulnerability. We learn together to be comfortable with our own and others' silences. We don't struggle or resist difficult emotions, but learn through writing, listening, and sharing that we are never alone, and always stronger as a group.

— Amanda, age 35


I like this place because it's quiet and there is always something fun to do. And I come because I need help in reading and writing.

— Rachel, age 11


This is our therapy. I’m always surprised when people are impressed/ by words I wrote because I was depressed.

— Rafael, age 26


I love the wolf coming. My Dad is here. I love my Dad.
— RJ, age 5


I am happy.

— Jonathan, age 10