Heart Mountain
Prison Project


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Women's Prison Program Expands!

 

Under the inspired leadership of Heart Mountain teachers Diana Lightmoon and Russell Brown, the meditation/yoga class at the Women’s Prison at Grants, NM has expanded to a full day of practice every month. The change resulted from the women’s strong commitment to do more intensive practice, and we were happy to oblige. 

 

“I have learned from the dedication and commitment of the prisoners, and have seen remarkable changes in many of them.”

-Diana Lightmoon

The program expansion was made possible by the generosity of the Frost Foundation. Our other programs would not exist without the sponsorship of the Pond, Gumbo, Rex, Prajna, Walbridge and Santa Fe Community Foundations, in addition to the kindness of our many friends.

If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, please click on the “Contact Us” button. Thanks!

Our Purpose and Mission


Drum-making at the Santa Fe Juvenile Facility

 

For the past six years, Heart Mountain Project (HMP) has provided non-denominational meditation and awareness programs to adults and juveniles in Santa Fe and greater New Mexico correctional facilities. Originally under the fiscal sponsorship of the Upaya Prison Project, HMP incorporated in April 2003 and qualified for 501(c)(3) status.

Prisoners are the forgotten members of our society. If our community is to become whole, we must care for the whole of our community. Our goal is to interrupt the cycle of addiction, violence, and incarceration in New Mexico.

 


Doug Booth (front row center) with Santa Rosa Inmates

 

Our State has one of the fastest growing prison populations in the nation, according to the U.S Department of Justice. Last year saw a population increase of 11 percent, while the national average was 1.5%. We need creative alternatives to warehousing our 5,500 inmates.

Meditation assists in anger and stress management, according to recent studies. HMP programs are designed to reduce the "revolving-door" of recidivism (73% in New Mexico and 67% nationwide), by giving inmates the tools to address their problems and stay out of prison. Our juvenile program provides early intervention with positive, confidence-building skills for the general population and Native American youths-at-risk.

The philosophy behind our work is that prisoners have three options for dealing with the feelings of anger and frustration that led to their incarceration. They can continue to act them out violently, repress them with drugs or alcohol, or learn to understand and manage those feelings, while learning new and positive skills. This third option forms the basis of the work of HMPP.