The Fortune Society: Believing in the Power of Criminals to Change
December 13, 2008
Hosted by Susan Bartelstone
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Episode Description
Three words symbolize the month of December: miracles, redemption and renewal. Regarding crime, about two-thirds of ex-offenders relapse into crime after they get out of prison; but some miraculously DO turn their lives around. For the rest of December, Crime Prevention Specialist Susan Bartelstone will be speaking with former bad guys who are now law-abiding citizens—and inspiring others to do the same. This week, meet Glenn Martin, Executive Vice President of the Fortune Society of New York, the largest self-help organization for ex-offenders in the country. The Fortune Society is a model program providing such services as substance abuse treatment, counseling, career development, education, housing, recreation and lifetime aftercare all in one place; and it's one of the few programs that really does help ex-offenders become productive, contributing members of society. Also, stay tuned for more holiday shopping safety tips and some great personal safety gift ideas for kids.
Crime Prevention 101
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Welcome to Crime Prevention 101, the Personal Safety radio show with an optimistic perspective on a sober subject. Get set for personal safety stories that demand to be heard whether heartbreaking, infuriating or just plain weird; learn about hot crime topics and people who are making the headlines; and find out about the trends and legal developments that are going to impact your life, either positively or negatively, in the future. Most importantly, be empowered and inspired by success stories about people who've fought off an attacker or deterred a crime. You’ll also get a chance to address your own personal safety concerns, either by phone or e-mail. So, tune in to “Crime Prevention 101.” It'd be a crime not to listen!
Susan Bartelstone
Talking the talk because she's walked the walk! Years ago, Susan Bartelstone had a bad break-up with a guy, complete with physical and emotional bruises, and determined to learn how to protect herself. Today, she's a certified Crime Prevention Specialist and personal safety expert, with 17 years combined training in WWII Combatives, self defense and martial arts. Along the way, she deterred five extremely dangerous criminal encounters, fought her way out of a surprise attack and, for more than 18 years, from such organizations as American Express, the U.S. Post Office and the Livery Cab Owners Coalition of New York.. Author of Think Fast and Prevent a Violent Crime: How to Respond to Danger in 20 Seconds (or Less!), which is based on her own experiences, she’s been featured in a long and varied list of media, including the “Today Show,” “America’s Most Wanted” and Self Magazine.
Over the years, she’s helped thousands of people solve their personal safety dilemmas with her personal safety programs and her practical advice—which stresses the many opportunities you have to avoid or defuse a criminal encounter and how to use your brains instead of your muscles in a fight.
