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A PRISONERS QUEST TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE WORLD (Restorative Justice Model Mental Health and Incarceration Autism and the Justice)

Updated: Mar 24


A somber prison scene with empty food and water trays on the floor, a broken faucet dripping in the background, and a simple bed with a worn-out mattress. The scales of justice are prominently displayed in the center, symbolizing the legal challenges faced by prisoners. The bold text overlay at the top reads 'DEPRIVATION ISN'T JUSTICE,' emphasizing the message of the image.
A former prisoner walks towards a hopeful horizon, embodying his mission to create positive change through the Citizens for Social Awareness and Response (CSAR) initiative.
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A PRISONERS QUEST TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE WORLDTending The Peace

Kevin Tower is serving a life sentence in the Michigan Department of Corrections for the double murder of his father's brothers. Despite his circumstances, Kevin is a deeply spiritual and generous person. He is currently an honors student at Delta College and hopes to eventually earn his Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA).


Citizens for Social Awareness and Response (CSAR) is a model developed by Kevin to reduce the number of crime victims and incarcerated individuals through innovation, prevention, education, and healing. The model proposes that social support agencies and law enforcement work together through early identification of "at-risk" individuals. CSAR envisions a nonprofit that bridges the gap between these systems—offering both support and oversight.


The initiative would utilize software that maps familial and communal ties—similar to genealogical databases, but in an active, real-time format. Combined with geographic data, mobile apps would be used to educate and monitor the wellness of at-risk individuals. These apps would be accessed not only by those individuals but also by members of their family and community, creating a network of support. The apps would generate a risk score, allowing for early referrals to support services before someone reaches a crisis point—whether due to mental health issues, substance use, or potential criminal behavior.


Kevin was inspired to create the CSAR model after learning he may have autism—a diagnosis later confirmed. He recognizes that autism played a role in his own challenges with life management skills. His uncles, the victims in his case, were themselves socially vulnerable individuals. The goal of CSAR is to reach people like Kevin and his uncles early, offering mental health screenings, educational tools, life skill development, and consistent support through app-based contact. The model aims to create a social safety net by activating family and community ties in proactive and meaningful ways.


Kevin is also actively involved in advocating for mental health and criminal justice reform, striving to help build more compassionate and effective systems. More about his work can be found at tendingthepeace.blog or footstepsofpeace.org.


Footsteps of Peace is a new podcast developed by Kevin that brings spiritual teachings into everyday life. Through this platform, he hopes to inspire others to improve their relationships and overall well-being by applying timeless spiritual principles.


In addition to being a writer and social media advocate, Kevin is an amateur artist and poet. Above all, he is a kind, generous, and deeply spiritual individual who has studied spiritual direction for many years.


If you would like to contact Kevin, you can use the secure email service at JPay.com, or write to him at:


Kevin L. Tower

No. 253542

Saginaw Correctional Facility

9625 Pierce Road

Freeland, MI 48623

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