about
Yoga Behind Bars (YBB) uses the power of yoga to create stronger communities
Founded in 2007, we are Washington State’s only nonprofit organization offering yoga and meditation classes behind bars to dedicated youth, women and men.
Our classes
With 18 weekly classes in 7 facilities, Yoga Behind Bars provides thousands of youth and adults in our community a path to positive change, sharing tools that work. Physical freedom may not be possible at the time of service, but inner freedom is.
Leadership and service
As a national leader in our field, we serve the specific needs of our students and empower them to take responsibility for their own well-being. All of our certified teachers volunteer their time to teach, and receive additional training from Yoga Behind Bars to work with our students. Built on a foundation of volunteerism, YBB currently has 2 staff members; a full-time Executive Director and part-time Development & Communications Director. We have trained more than 100 teachers to share yoga behind bars.
The Ripple Effect
At Yoga Behind Bars we believe in the ripple effect and innate goodness. Every student has a family waiting outside. On the day they re-enter civil society, they will have tools to help them succeed instead of recede. Our programs facilitate social change from within each student. Through our classes we spread awareness, compassion and hope.
