Using Chess as Tool for Reducing Recidivism

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Paul, Galatians 6:9

The Peter Wulff Center has received a donation to start a chess club at St Leonards House in honor of Craig Armstrong. The donation consists of 50 chess textbooks and 20 chess sets. A chess coach will also be provided for 10 lessons. This program is being done in collaboration with Outside the Walls, a nonprofit that that directs its efforts toward individuals, adult and juvenile, coming out of incarceration, as well as using drugs or in recovery from drug. This organization provides reentry support, recovery support, spiritual support and assistance with basic human needs, (food, clothing and shelter).The Peter Wulff Center would like to join in the effort to build self esteem and facilitate rehabilitation for juveniles and young adults. Chess is a great vehicle for improving math, social and cognitive skills and provides a sense of belonging in a group that channels competition and drive in healthy ways.

Teenagers Krish Nara and Jack Weed will be available for online assistance as both of them are youth volunteers for the Peter Wulff Center and intermediate chess players. They are supervised by Christopher Majkowski as they serve on many social entrepreneurial ventures.

The chess club will meet once a week and the impact of this program will be assessed a year later to see if fulfills some of the goals teacher Peter Wulff was trying to achieve. Peter was conducting a pilot program to see if regular chess classes could reduce anxiety, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and improve self esteem among the individuals who attended.

This is a great opportunity to reach out directly to individuals who can turn their life around and be valuable members of society through your efforts.

If anyone is interested in providing support for this venture in the form of funds for chess textbooks or chess sets, coaches or ideas please contact Kiran Frey at peterwulffcenter@gmail.com