We’re Reimagining The Criminal Justice System

Most people in prison and jail suffer from chronic and complex trauma, stemming from early adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Yet there are very few programs and resources offered to safely integrate this unresolved trauma. This is where we come in. 

People who practice yoga in prison, are less likely to return upon release. Yoga Behind Bars is committed to stop the cycle of trauma-stress-prison. We give youth and adults behind bars restorative, effective tools and opportunity to recover, grow, and prepare for their return to our communities. Over half of our programs are for youth, the other half for adults.

Our instructor team of volunteers and incarcerated teachers offer yoga in prisons and jails all over Washington State. We teach at all levels of custody, including mental health units, solitary confinement, and special veterans units. Our work is about recognizing and affirming the humanity, potential, and capabilities in us all. For us, yoga is the vehicle to self-understanding, well-being, resilience, and freedom from the inside out. Peace is an inside job.

An International Leader in Trauma-Informed Yoga.

Over the next three years we will continue to engage in community building and education events to drive awareness and inspire people to advocate for criminal justice reform.