‘Somebody notices:’ Kindness classes taught at Utah State Correctional Facility boost community

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The community inside the Utah State Correctional Facility is getting a chance to learn more about kindness. Kindness to others, but maybe more importantly, kindness to themselves.

One Kind Act a Day — an organization funded by the Semnani Family Foundation — is bringing lessons that encourage kindness inside the prison. These classes help a community in need of an extra boost.

“I took this course and I keep coming back every week because I have learned so much. I have completed it 3 times, and I keep coming back. I feel the more kindness I put in, the more kindness I put out,” Justin Johnson, a participant in the class, said.

Kimberly Bettellyoun has participated in the class on the female side of the prison. She has had a similar experience to Johnson.

“This class has been amazing on how many people it is affecting and the ripple effect it has created. The circles of inclusion has been the biggest success of this entire class,” Bettellyoun shared.

Each week, Curtis Bennett and his son, Mason, teach three classes inside the prison. People can come if they are interested, and generally, there is a good crowd. The goal is simply connection and living kindness.

Bettellyoun explained that these classes are especially good for people inside the prison. 

“We have all gone through a lot of things, and we come from backgrounds that are not that appealing,” Bettellyoun said. “For a lot of us, we weren’t taught what would be taught in a home with two parents very involved.”

Talk to anyone in the class, and they will be quick to tell you they are grateful for the opportunity to better themselves.

“I keep coming back to put as much kindness into me as I can,” Johnson added.

Another popular part of the class? Kindness Cards.

“What we like to do with these is if you notice someone doing kind, you stop, recognize and celebrate that,” Mason Bennett explained. “You can give it to anybody, and anybody who collects 10 will get the coin and the letter sent to a loved one.”

The cards are a visual recognition of good inside the prison.

“The kindness cards are motivation, and the coin and the letter is also motivation. You are putting in all of this work and doing all of these things to be better, and somebody notices,” Bettellyoun said.

The kindness cards and coins have created opportunities for people to reconnect with loved ones and start conversations. It’s an opportunity for those inside the prison to show someone outside that they are doing something to make a difference in their life.