By Marybeth Redmond for Vermont Public Radio online

The task seemed daunting. Design a stress-reduction program for some of the more challenging female inmates at Chittenden Correctional Facility. Specifically, those acting out, or not engaged as quote “good citizens” on their…

Congratulations and thank you to all those involved in this great program!!!

What about going a step further and setting up jobs, living situations, sponsors for those released so that the community who supported their graduation could give them a helping hand if and when they get out so that they will be able to be functioning members of society again.

Why do we keep prisoners in jail after they've reformed their lives completely? Who is that…

from USA Today, January 17, 2012

but her daughter's killer was hurting, too. They slowly built a bond cemented in a need to understand each other and heal.

They exchanged hundreds of letters and phone conversations. And now, after two…

By Kate Olson for PBS, May 10, 2013

KATE OLSON, correspondent: For most of its 160 year history, San Quentin has been known as a tough place to do hard time. But over the past two decades, this has begun to change.

Thanks to thousands of engaged citizens…

Today as I approached the Supermax prison, overhead was a crystal clear bold blue sky, a gentle cool breeze enveloped me, and the razor wire glistened in the warm morning sun.  I felt settled and good as I entered the prison entrance and was met by my favorite correction officer who greeted me with a smile and…

By Shannon Dininny, Associated Press, May 12, 2013

Six inmates, each shackled and chained to a chair,…

Feelings of guilt and hopelessness can put extreme pressure on prisoners. In one German prison, inmates are discovering a new sense of calm with regular meditation that also prepares them for life on the outside.

By Jen Mulson for The Gazette, April 30, 2013

There are a handful of yogic paths, and karma yoga is known as that of selfless service.

I've met several yoga teachers this year who are practicing karma yoga in our local criminal justice system. They are teaching prisoners and…

This morning at the supermax was a study in contrasts.  Upon entering the prison there were two correction officers in uniform holding semi-automatic rifles. They were waiting to start their shift at one of the security towers. They cordially greeted me and I felt their warmth yet feared their…

One day at San Quentin State Prison, I was walking down the paved ramp towards the yard to my destination, the education building.  I like walking down this leisurely quiet route verses the stairway, which seems so abrupt and crowded. I admire the greenery on the side of…