A SECOND CHANCE FOR SHAWN GARDNER A VOICE TOO POWERFUL TO SILENCE

In a world where redemption should be celebrated, Shawn Gardner stands as a living testament to the power of transformation. From the shadows of incarceration to the light of community leadership, Shawn turned his life around to become the founder of Behind the Wall Mentor—an organization that uplifts and educates at-risk youth through real stories, raw truth, and relentless hope. As an author of cautionary tales and children’s books, Shawn has inspired countless young minds to choose a better path, long before they ever face a prison wall.But now, despite the lives he’s changed and the communities he’s empowered, Shawn’s future hangs in the balance. This petition isn’t just about one man. It’s about the principle that no one should be defined forever by their past—especially when their present is dedicated to healing, service, and change. The

SHAWN GARDNER'S PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY ONCE RELEASED

MISSION STATEMENT

The #SecondChance4ShawnGardner campaign is a call to action—for justice, for mercy, and for recognizing the worth of every human being who fights to make a difference. Shawn Gardner deserves more than a second chance. He deserves to be seen for who he is today—a mentor, a builder, a father figure, a light in dark places. Your signature is more than support—it’s belief. Belief in redemption. Belief in second chances. And belief in the undeniable truth that people can change—and that change should be honored, not ignored.

The #SECONDCHANCE4SHAWNGARDNER campaign is a movement dedicated to securing the freedom of Shawn Gardner an incarcerated author, mentor and founder of Behind The Wall Mentors. Our mission is to expose his voice, legacy and the transformative work he's done from Behind prison walls. 

Shawn has inspired countless lives through his writing and mentorship, proving that true rehabilitation and leadership can thrive even in confinement. We fight not just for his release, but to honor the dignity of those who seek redemption and to challenge a system that silences change-makers like him. 

This campaign stands as a call to action for justice, freedom and recognition of the power of second chances. We believe in restoring lives not warehousing them. We are advocating that Shawn Gardner be freed so he can continue building futures, not behind bars, but in the communities that need him most.

CONTINUE SHAWN GARDNER'S BTW MENTORS COMMUNITY OUTREACH ON A HIGH  SCALE  AND IMPLEMENT INTO OTHER CITIES UPON HIS RELEASE

Founder Shawn Gardner and his BTW mentors has created powerful community outreach events that uplift and unify neighborhoods. From Back-to - School supply giveaways with entertainment, Youth Talent Show Contest to Teacher Appreciation School supply giveaways with awards and Bike Drive Giveaways, each event rooted in love, support and empowerment.His initiatives like Thanksgiving meal distributions and sponsorships of youth sports programs help meet both immediate needs and long-term growth for families and young people. These events don't just give they inspire pride, hope and connections across the community. Shawn's vision proves that real change starts with showing up for each other.

Through future BTW Mentors community outreach events, including youth summits, parent workshop and reentry programs, Shawn's leadership will uplift families, reduce violence. Along with, building bridges where the system has created gaps. His experience, vision and resilience make him not just a returning citizen but a vital asset to the future of his community.

SHAWN GARDNER'S MISSION TO REBUILD OUR YOUTH MINDSET PROGRAM UPON RELEASE

Founder Shawn Gardner and his Behind The Wall Mentors  (BTW mentors ) is a powerful movement focused on rebuilding the mindset of our youth through real guidance, healing and purpose. Once his is released, the program will expand its reach bringing lived experience, truth and mentorship directly to the streets, schools and community centers where it's needed most. Through mindset coaching, leadership training, BTW Mentorship is rooted in accountability and growth. BTW Mentors will help young people break cycles of violence, overcome trauma and realize there full potential. With Shawn's leadership and vision, the program will make communities better by becoming  a lifeline for youth searching for identity,direction and hope

SHAWN GARDNER'S MISSION TO USE ABANDON SCHOOLS FOR BTW MENTORS YOUTH CENTERS

Shawn Gardner is prepared to make a powerful and uplifting impact on communities all over the Nation upon his release. Shawn stands on his deep commitment to healing, growth and giving opportunities to the youth. Shawn  plans to launch the BTW Mentors Youth Talent & Career Center, giving young people access to job training, creative outlets and mentorship that can change their life paths. He will also establish the BTW Mentors Mental Health Center, offering drug treatment, trauma informed care and emotional support to under served communities.

SHAWN GARDNER'S PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY ONCE RELEASED MISSION STATEMENT: BEYOND THE WALL MENTORS

Behind the Wall Mentors was born in confinement but built to inspire freedom from violence,hopelessness, and generational cycles of trauma. Our vision is to transform formerly incarcerated mentors into Beyond The Wall Mentors (BTW Mentors) leaders who return to their communities with purpose, power and lived wisdom.

We believe the same voices that broke down their communities, and were once silenced, are now the voices that can heal, guide, and redirect the generation, By stepping beyond the wall, these mentors become proof that change is possible, redemption is real, and every life no matter where it started can make an impact.

SHAWN GARDNER'S PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY ONCE RELEASED

FOUNDER SHAWN GARDNER'S AGENDA ONCE RELEASED FOR BEYOND THE WALL MENTORS COMMUNITY AND REENTRY & YOUTH IMPACT PLAN

1.MENTOR REENTRY & CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

• Goal: Prepare released BTW Mentors to lead with purpose and structure.
• Reentry mentorship & life planning support
• trauma-informed leadership training
• Youth mentor certification & background checks
• Partnership with local reentry organizations and youth centers

2.  MENTOR-LED YOUTH OUTREACH TEAMS

             Goal: Create mobile, street-connected teams of Beyond The Wall          Mentors.

• Mentors deployed in at-risk schools, rec centers and juvenile detention centers
• Weekly check-ins with youth struggling with violence, school dropout, or trauma
• Restorative circles, real talk sessions and crisis intervention training

3. HEALING & EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOPS

Goal: Help youth transform pain into purpose.

• "My Story isn't Over" Journal and healing sessions
• Conflict resolution, goal setting and mental health awareness
• Creative art therapy: poetry, music, storytelling

4. PARENT & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Goal: Rebuild the bridge between youth, families and Mentors.

• Family connection nights with mentors and youth
• Community round-tables with schools, rec centers, spiritual leaders and Department of Juveniles Services
• Public Events: talent shows,community clean ups, sports leagues

5. MEASURE IMPACT & TELL THE  STORY

Goal: Document success and inspire systems change.

• Collect data: school engagement, reduced youth arrests, job placement
• Video storytelling and documentary content about mentor transformations

Annual "Beyond The Wall Legacy Awards" honoring Youth & Mentors

SHAWN GARDNER'S PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY ONCE  RELEASED

Beyond The Wall Mentors Will Use Shawn's Blueprint to His "Rebuilding Our Youth Mindset"  Mentoring Program

BTW Mentors "Rebuilding Our Youth Mindset" mentoring program is a 24 week program aimed at helping these young individuals develop effective communication, positive life skills, build self-esteem and ultimately build a brighter future. Mentees are required to complete 120 hours of mentoring during the program to ensure they receive comprehensive support and guidance.

OBJECTIVE  :

The objective of the BTW Mentors "Rebuilding Our Youth Mindset" mentoring program is to support at-risk youth in overcoming challenges they face in their lives, helping them steer  away from negative influences and towards a more positive successful path. BTW Mentors will provide guidance on  education, career and personal development. We too will support cognitive behavioral interventions, mental health and trauma care.

SHAWN GARDNER'S PLAN FOR THE COMMUNITY ONCE RELEASED

PROGRAM CURRICULUM:

1. Orientation and Goal Setting:

• Mentees will attend an orientation session to understand program expectations, goal and rules
• Mentors will work with mentees to set personal and professional goals for the program

2. Weekly Mentorship Sessions:

• Mentees will meet with their assigned mentors for one-on-one mentoring sessions on a weekly basis.
• Mentors will provide guidance, support and encouragement to mentees thorough the program.
• Session will include topics such as building bonds/relationships, having moral and principles, education/careers, financial literacy, job readiness, community outreach and goal setting short & long-term vision boards

3. Skill Building Activities:

• Mentees will participate in skill-building activities designed to enhance their personal and professional development, in being an asset to their communities
• Activities may include one-on -one discussions with successful people who may have been committed to the Department of Juvenile Services. The Mentors and Mentees will do role-playing exercises and community service projects.

4. Progress Monitoring:

• Mentors will regularly monitor the progress of mentees in achieving their goals and overcoming challenges.
• Mentors will provide feedback and guidance to mentees to help them stay on track and make positive changes in their lives

5. Graduation and Follow Up:

• Upon completion of the 24-week program and 120 hours of mentoring, mentees will participate in a graduation ceremony to celebrates their achievements.
• BTW Mentors will continue to offer support and guidance to mentees even after the program ends to ensure a successful transition to independence.

Final Message;

Beyond the Wall Mentors are not just returning citizens they are community healers, bridge builders and cycle breakers. Shawn  Gardner's vision is clear: those who once walked the hardest roads are the ones uniquely built to guide others on them.

SHAWN GARDNER'S ROAD TO REDEMPTION

Mr. Gardner has participated in volunteer cognitive behavioral programs that utilize skill building techniques with an emphasis on pro-social behavior. This model places responsibility at the core of its philosophy, emphasizing that behavioral change can occur, and that substance dependent individuals like himself are amendable to treatment. Also, he has employed the following educational and life skills to assist in the rehabilitative aspect of his confinement inside and outside of prison.

PRESENT TO PAST

1. BTW Mentors Presents "WORD OF REALNESS" YOUTH MENTOR FUNCTION@The Downtown Cultural Arts Center (May 24,2025)

2. Hired as Happy Hounds Rescue Dog Handler (April17,2025)

3. Recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (April 06,2025)

4. Behind The Wall Mentors one of many who sponsored Urban Reads Bookstore Youth Summit (August 20,2024)

5. City of Baltimore Certificate of Recognition Award from Mayor Brandon M. Scott (June 15,2024)

6.The Maryland General Assembly Official Citation Award from Senator Jill P. Carter of Baltimore City-Legislative District 41 (June 15,2024)

7. Self-Published Cautionary Tale "The Broken Code" Co-Author Kianga Gardner (April 2024) Available on Amazon.com

8. Cypherworx. Inc. Continuing Education Units 3349 Monroe Avenue STE 119, Rochester, New York. Student Accreditation Number# 5461180-2 {Start Date October 07, 2023 as of March 2024 complete 24 E-Learning Courses) see transcripts

9. "Decision Points" Social Work Program @Roxbury Correctional Institution, Certificate of Completion (September 6, 2023)

10. Behind The Wall Mentors & Downtown Cultural Arts Center Presents 1st Annual Teachers Appreciation Back to School Event (Aug. 5, 2023)

11. Behind The Wall Mentors sponsor 2nd Annual Freedom Community Celebration/ Juneteenth Event (June 18, 2023)

12.Behind The Wall Mentors published our first issue of "Behind The Wall Mentors Magazine Incarcerated Youth" issue Vol. 1 (April 28, 2023)

13.Behind The Wall Mentors & Critique Empire Presents Our Next Star Talent Search@ Security Mall (March 18, 2023)

14.Behind The Wall Mentors sponsored Strategic C Network's Youth Entrepreneurs Expo (February 11, 2023)

15.Behind The Wall Mentors & Downtown Cultural Art Center Presents #ROAD2REDEMPTION Pop-up shop event that allow women and men who were formerly and currently incarcerated individuals tell their stories of growth (December 10, 2022)

16. Behind The Wall Mentors Annual Thanksgiving Dinner & Hygiene Kit Giveaway (November 23, 2022)

17. Behind The Wall Mentors Annual Back to School Bash in the Park Heights Community (August 27, 2022)

18. Behind The Wall Mentors one of many who sponsored Urban Reads Bookstore Youth Summit (August 20, 2022)

19. Behind The Wall Mentors & First Reform Self sponsored Bike Drive giveaway for the youth of Baltimore City (June 18, 2022)

20. Self-Published "The Morals & Principle Pals Workbook" A children's workbook available on Amazon.com (published date June 15, 2022)

21 .Book proceeds donated to Susan G. Kamen (June 6, 2022)

22. Book proceeds donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

23. First Reform Self & Behind The Wall Mentors hosted #IARTTOBEFREE, pop-up shop to _highlight currently, and formerly incarcerated authors and artists (May 16, 2022)

24. Time To Recover an independently based support group solely to help those incarcerated during the Covid-19 outbreak. When prison groups was shut down. Shawn completed * Crisis Prevention, *Employment Readiness * Mindfulness Meditation/ Spiritual Awareness *Addiction Awareness *Medical/Health/Diet *Advance Parenting Skills * Etiquette/Professionalism (7 courses) {Certificates of Completion)

25. Self-Published Cautionary Tale "Two-Faced- A Baltimore State of Mind" Volumes 1 & 2. Available on Amazon.com {published date Feb. 2022) (teaching tool to young adults why they should stay out of the streets)

26. Roxbury Housing Unit Building Clerk January (2020-present)

27.Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Maryland, Certificate of Appreciation for thoughtful contribution (May 06, 2020)

28. Shawn became Chairman of Maryland Chapter of "Jailhouse Lawyers Speak" (April 2020)

29.    Blind Escort training, through Blind Industries (Certification Completed) February 2020.

30. Reader's Workshop "What the Eyes Don't See" by Author Mona Hana­Attisha (Facilitator) September 2019.

31. Victim Impact Classes' (12 sessions) August 2019.

32. Shawn donated a percentage of book proceeds to Feed The Children (2018-present)

33. Shawn and his Behind The Wall Mentors signed on as contributor youth mentoring articles with Urban Reality State vs. Us Magazine, Volume 2,3,4,5,6 (2018-present)

34. Blackstone Paralegal Certification (October 15, 2018)

35. Shawn partnered with Mother's Helping Mother's to sponsor "Polish & Cut Back to School Bash" free school supplies, games, etc. (Sept. 2, 2018)

36. Shawn partnered with Mother's Helping Mother's to sponsored the Next­Star youth talent and fashion show at the Downtown Cultural Arts Center (summer 2018)

37. Shawn partnered with Mother's Helping Mother's to sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt for the youth of Baltimore City 2018

38. Self-Publisher's Workshop (Facilitator) August 4, 2017.

39. Office Technology Program, Microsoft Office 2010 Suite & Business Communication, Word, Excel, Access. (Certificate of Completion) (July 19, 2017)

40. State of Maryland Department _of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Certificate of Technical Achievement for Office Technology, (July 19, 2017)

41. Self-Publisher's Workshop (Facilitator) May 26, 2017.

42. Self-Publisher's Workshop (Facilitator) March 24, 2017.

43. Life for Lifer's Organization, February 15, 2017.

44. Self-Published "The Morals & Principle Pals- Curriculum Unit Published date 2017 available on Amazon.com (Spanish & English versions)

45. Self-Publisher's Workshop (Certificate of Completion) for serving as the Facilitator November 18, 2016.

46. Maryland Alternative to Violence Project (Second Level Course)(Certificate of Completion) July 31, 2016.

47. Stress Management Group (12 Sessions) (.Certificate of Completion) June 24, 2016.

48. Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing (Certificate of Completion) December 31, 2015.

49. Self-Published "The Morals & Principle Pals- In The Track Meet/ Children book available ori Amazon.com (Spanish & English versions) Published dates 2015, e-book version. 2018 soft back version

50.Self-Published Cautionary Tale "A Hustlaz Dreams & Nightmares" available on Amazon.com Published date 2012 e-book version & Re­published 2021 e-book, soft back/ (teaching tool to young adults why they should stay out of the streets) 

51. Shawn partnered with The· Cultural Arts Center and Paper Chase . Publishing to sponsor The Winter Book Giveaway Galla, to promote children's literacy (Dec. 15, 2012)

52. Shawn partnered with Paper Chase Publishing to sponsor Back to School Supplies giveaway for ·children in the South Baltimore community on Washington Blvd. {Aug, 2012)

53. Creative Writing Course through the Frostburg Center for Creative Writing (Certificate of Completion) Wednesday, June 22, 2011.

54. Founder of Behind The Wall Mentors -for at risk youth, March 2009.

55. Youth Challenge Program (Mentor) (Certificate of Completion) May 2008.

56.  Alternative to Violence Project (Certificate of Completion) April 26, 27, May 3, 4, 2008 Basic Course.

57. lnside Out Dad (Certificate of Completion) August 9-30, 2007.

"STEPS OF SELF-WORTH WHILE UPLIFTING OTHERS"

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SHAWN GARDNER

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