Basketball, Books, and Better Choices | Mesa News

Mesa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 18, 2026 · 1m

Dana Burns, a former inmate turned activist, is revolutionizing juvenile detention with her “Shoot Your Shot” program—where basketball hoops and life lessons collide to empower teens with communication skills, optimism, and the belief they can change their futures. Inside Durango’s facility, participants earn shots at the basket by mastering positive self-talk, choosing healthy friendships, and navigating life’s challenges through tailored worksheets and books. With personal experience fueling her mission, Burns and A Permanent Voice are proving that community investment, mentorship, and…