We’re Reimagining The Criminal Justice System

Yoga Behind Bars (YBB) is the only nonprofit organization in Washington state dedicated to bringing yoga and meditation to prisons, jails, and detention centers. Our programs promote rehabilitation, help to build safer communities, and contribute to reform of the corrections system. Since 2008, we have equipped thousands of incarcerated men, women, and youth with the physical and mental tools to change their lives from the inside out.

Let’s Break this Cycle of Suffering.

The United States is the world largest jailer. Since 1970, our prison population has grown 700%. The effects
of this prison boom have been concentrated among the poor, immigrants, people with mental illness, and people of color.
We are committed to break this cycle of suffering by giving people behind bars the opportunity to heal their
trauma, reduce stress, and promote safety while in prison and once released.

The United States is the world largest jailer. Since 1970, our prison population has grown 700%. The effects of this prison boom have been concentrated among the poor, immigrants, people with mental illness, and people of color. We are committed to break this cycle of suffering by giving people behind bars the opportunity to heal their trauma, reduce stress, and promote safety while in prison and once released.

An International Leader in Trauma-Informed Yoga.

Training people to work with populations impacted by trauma, we offer a comprehensive 17-hour program
in Trauma-Informed Yoga to address the unique challenges faced by populations impacted by trauma, especially
incarcerated people. All of our 65+ instructors generously volunteer their time and have completed at least 200 hours
of training. Beyond Washington state, our methodology is being used in Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, West Virginia
and even Kenya. As an international leader in yoga service, we were the first program in the nation to offer a
Yoga Teacher Training for inmates.

Training people to work with populations impacted by trauma, we offer a comprehensive 17-hour program in Trauma-Informed Yoga to address the unique challenges faced by populations impacted by trauma, especially incarcerated people. All of our 65+ instructors generously volunteer their time and have completed at least 200 hours of training. Beyond Washington state, our methodology is being used in Colorado, Maine, Nebraska, West Virginia and even Kenya. As an international leader in yoga service, we were the first program in the nation to offer a Yoga Teacher Training for inmates.