In 2022, thanks to funding from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation (HSFF), CMBM launched Hope and Healing for Indiana Prisons, marking our first initiative behind prison walls. Developed in partnership with the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC), the two-year project is designed to teach mind-body skills to both incarcerated individuals and prison staff.
Our first in-person workshops were held on September 8, 2022, at the Indiana Women’s Prison, and were attended by more than 54 incarcerated women. Sessions were led by CMBM Founder and CEO James S. Gordon, MD, and CMBM Faculty Member Sabrina N’Diaye, PhD, LCSW-C, with support from Madeline Welch, Program Manager, and Raquel McCarthy, Project Manager. CMBM and the Simon Family Foundation hope this program will serve as a model for prisons in Indiana and across the United States.
Over the course of the project, we trained a cohort of 80 participants—40 IDOC staff and 40 incarcerated individuals—to facilitate Mind-Body Skills Groups (MBSGs), lead workshops, and work with both staff and offenders. The comprehensive training included 10 days of in-depth instruction on the science and biology of stress and trauma, as well as 15 evidence-based techniques designed to calm the physiological stress response and build resilience.
In 2023, the program expanded to include incarcerated men and prison staff at Plainfield Correctional Facility. This phase began with an introductory workshop led by Dr. Gordon and Dr. N’Diaye, where participants were highly engaged and eager to learn. In August, a cohort of incarcerated men completed CMBM’s Advanced Training Program, preparing them to share mind-body skills with others. In parallel, staff from across the IDOC system have participated in CMBM’s online Professional and Advanced Training Programs and have been leading groups with both staff and incarcerated or detained individuals.
These skills were also shared more broadly with additional IDOC staff and incarcerated individuals at the Indiana Women’s Prison and the Indiana Youth Camp Men’s Facility. CMBM conducted online mind-body medicine workshops for IDOC staff at the 2023 Annual Parole Conference and through the Indiana Criminal Justice Association.
The impact of the program has been profound. Incarcerated participants’ resilience levels increased dramatically, rising from the bottom 25% to the top 25% of the American population. Participants also reported higher levels of optimism, a stronger sense of purpose, and greater meaning in life. Staff members described becoming more compassionate toward both colleagues and those in their care.
Six months after the training, 80% of incarcerated trainees were still practicing soft-belly breathing at least twice a week, and 71% continued practicing mindful eating at least twice a week. Many described the training as “life-changing,” with 63% reporting daily meditation practice and meaningful lifestyle changes.
Despite logistical and operational challenges—including staff shortages, inmate transfers, and facility lockdowns—we successfully adapted and delivered the majority of workshops. We are especially grateful to Amy Rollings, Director of Mental Health for IDOC and a CMBM Certified Alumni, who spearheaded the creation of a video bank of mind-body techniques. These videos were distributed on IDOC tablets for incarcerated individuals. The Herbert Simon Family Foundation generously extended the grant period, allowing us to navigate these challenges and sustain the program’s momentum.
Our goal is to expand Hope and Healing for Indiana Prisons across IDOC and into other correctional systems, ensuring its long-term sustainability and impact.
I can honestly say this group has been an eye opener, helped me more than any group program I’ve ever been in. I suffer from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and have serious anger issues. Before I started these classes I didn’t know how to handle my emotions, feelings. Since I’ve attended this group, my mental state of mind has changed. I now have learned different ways of handling issues from my past. I am now more open to talking about issues I’ve not really dealt with before, in a positive way…this class has made me feel better about myself, happier, and has made me a stronger woman.
Impact
- 925+ individuals were directly impacted by these workshops.
- 71% of incarcerated trainees were still practicing meditation six months afterpost the training.
- 80% were still practicing soft-belly breathing at least two times per week six months after the training.
- Incarcerated individuals reached the top 25% of the American population when it came to their resilience score.
- Individuals who were a part of the workshops shared their experience and skills with their friends and family.
- 66 trainees brought CMBM’s model to 136 incarcerated individuals.
- Trained staff expressed greater compassion towards towards their colleagues and those in their care.
- Both inmates and staff experienced a significant improvement in their mental health and a reduction in anxiety, stress, and depression.
Funding generously provided by:
