Books
Responses from
South MS Newburgh NY
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Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Through Forgiveness
Breaking the Cycle presents award-winning assemblies that feature personal stories of overcoming conflict through forgiveness. Our assemblies, whether in-person or live online, support your schools' social-emotional learning goals – and can come at no cost to your school, although donations are welcome. Our speakers present examples of core competencies such as social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making from their own lives, which readily elicit discussion opportunities in the classroom.
Schedule an Assembly
“Forgiveness is the economy of the heart... forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.”
—Hannah More
Social-emotional learning
A panel of dynamic speakers present solutions to:
Schedule an Assembly
VIDEO
What is Breaking the Cycle?
Let our speakers help your students develop the foundational emotional skills needed to resolve conflict and build healthy relationships in today's challenging social environment.
VIDEO
How We Got Started
Colleen McVey of CFN Live interviews Heinrich Arnold, son of the founder of Breaking the Cycle, who speaks of his father's legacy.
IN THE NEWS
Paterson School #2
In the afternoon of April 30, 2026 Breaking the Cycle was at Paterson Public School #2 to speak with 150 6-8th grade students. Jim Whittel and Hashim Garrett begged them to get help if they are struggling, and to let go of bitterness and hate. At the end the Vice Principal, Michael Ollo, had the speakers stand and welcomed them as honorary members of the school, and all the student body stand up and give them a round of applause.
All students are just given amnesty. IE all slates wiped clean of any after hours detentions or suspensions...to practice forgiveness!—Vice Principal Michael Ollo
IN THE NEWS
Paterson School #10
First Sergeant Jim Whittel and Hashim Garrett spoke at Paterson NJ School #10 the morning of April 30, 2026. 120 6-8th grade students listened as they told their stories of tragedy, pain, and the healing power of forgiveness.
Let somebody know. Just tell somebody, 'I'm struggling' and somebody will be there for you. —First Sergeant Jim Whittel
IN THE NEWS
Benjamin Franklin School No. 13
On April 28 Hashim Garrett and Chief Williams spoke to 120 6th-8th grade students at Benjamin Franklin School #13 in Elizabeth NJ. Also attending was Mayor Chris Bollwage, who thanked the speakers for their efforts on behalf of the students.
Forgiveness is a tool you can use to get through difficult times that will definitely come your way. —Chief Williams
IN THE NEWS
Alonzo Moody Academy
100 high school students in Paterson NJ listened on April 21, 2026 as Hashim Garrett told the story of getting shot and partially paralyzed at age 15. "Condolences to all of you for the loss of your classmate, but don't let it make you become bitter."
Hold onto your faith, family and real friends. True friends don't pull you into the violence. —Paterson Officer in Charge Patrick Murray
IN THE NEWS
Rosa Parks School
On the afternoon of March 27 the team was at Rosa Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts in Paterson, NJ for an assembly with 220 High School students. Pat and AnnMarie D'Aliso told the story of their son, who committed suicide at 16, listing the missed opportunities that could have led to getting help for him.
There is nothing more powerful than a friend that speaks up ...that is the part of this family that can't stop. —Principal Kaela C. Quince-McMillan