I can’t lie, when I first started attending Men Creating Peace, I was 100 percent resistant. I felt like I didn’t need to be here and I for sure didn’t feel like an abuser.  I had the typical attitude of a person not yet ready to expose, accept, and heal his toxic traits.  There was even a time or two when Devon, the facilitator suggested I find another program.  He said if I felt so strongly that I didn’t need to be here, then maybe I should leave.  But I couldn’t do that. With probation and C.P.S. on my back I had no choice but to stick it out.  Over the course of a year and with a few rough sessions in the beginning, Devon was able to break through my resistance.  Attending the classes and actually doing the work helped me realize that the most important relationship, the one I had with myself was toxic, unhealthy, abusive, and worse of all it wasn’t with me.  It was with who I thought I was, an image I had created to protect myself from the world, an image that was doing more harm than anything else, to myself and my loved ones.   Now with only about a month worth of classes left, I can’t express how much the class has helped me progress into a better person to myself and others, a better partner, and a better father.  I have even re-unified with my one-year-old daughter gaining full custody.  See, the program is not about shaming abusers, making us feel embarrassed, or kicking us when where down.  It’s not even about learning skills to be a better partner while in a relationship.  It’s about opening up and identifying with yourself on multiple layers.  It teaches you how to slow down in the moment, gather yourself, and make healthy and positive decisions. It offers the foundation to build a healthy, loving relationship with who you truly are, you true self and not your hitman image.  The skills and knowledge I have gained from my sessions with Devon has helped me overcome difficulties, not only in domestic relationships, but in life as a whole.

My name is Edward Martinez and I can honestly say Men Creating Peace is the reason I’m still here today. When I was released I just picked the first DV program I could find to get my 52 weeks done and over with, but now I believe I was meant to join MCP and to meet Devon. I never thought I was the problem and that the way I acted and the things I did were normal. That it was ok because “Men get angry, men don’t let anyone disrespect them, they are allowed to be violent because it’s the way I was raised and it’s all I know “ After Listening and learning from a group of facilitators that truly care and make you feel safe enough to be open, going through the 3 stages and learning about my hitman, the male role belief system, and doing the exercises it opened my eyes to all the violence and abuse I had committed and some I didn’t even realize I was doing. They taught how to heal and to forgive and how I can break the cycle of violence and to find my authentic self. And for that I owe them more than I can ever repay them in one lifetime. Thank you Devon , Eddie and Scott.

Before working with Devon, I struggled repeatedly with lashing out at my kids and wife.  Behaving in a punishing, emotionally withdrawn and cruel manner.  In our year of one-on-one work together Devon helped me to understand some of the underlying causes to my behavior and through the Men Creating Peace educational material I understood much more about male perpetrated violence as a whole.  We also worked together with my partner to build check in practices and agreements on a daily and weekly basis. These action steps were very helpful in making positive behavioral changes over our year together.  I would highly recommend Devon Gaster and his organization Men Creating Peace to any man who is struggling with anger/abuse and is ready to do the work to get better.

I completed Devon’s 52-week Domestic Violence program, and it was one of the most transformative experiences of my life.  If you’re even considering taking this course, let me tell you—Devon is the person you want leading the way.   Not only is Devon an incredible instructor, but he’s also an amazing human being.  During one of the hardest periods of my life, Devon became a trusted source of guidance and support. He didn’t just teach the material; he delivered it with an immense amount of compassion and care, making sure that I felt seen and heard. His wisdom and empathy made all the difference, and I walked away from each session feeling more empowered and hopeful than the last.  The things I learned from Devon went beyond what I could’ve imagined. It wasn’t just about fulfilling a requirement; it was about real, personal growth. This program didn’t just change my outlook—it changed me as a person.  The 52-week program was pivotal in my life. I’m forever grateful to Devon for his guidance, his kindness, and his unwavering support throughout the entire process.