INMATES SPEAK

Testimonials from Inmates: 

“My participation in your program has helped me deal with my feelings of anger, sadness and grief.  Meditation practice helps me to clear my mind of the daily challenges of prison life.”  
O.C. from Santa Rosa prison

“It’s great to see how calm and happy the kids are after the classes with Heart Mountain.  The Native American chanting gives them a real sense of pride.  We need these programs!”    
Chris Sanchez, former Director Santa Fe Juvenile Detention Center

‘I want to thank you for the photos.  I must admit that it's been a long time since I've seen myself smile like that!!  I've been tryin' for a long time now to [make] changes things in my life.  Mostly it seems like an up hill battle that I'm never gonna win.  I talked to my ol' man tonight.  And he's proud of the changes he's seen since I started doin' yoga and meditation.  I can tell ya that I don't see it.  But I'm gonna keep on tryin'.  Well, take care and see you guys next month.” 
Inmate at Western New Mexico Correctional Facility, Grants, NM

“I just wanted to write you and thank you so much for your time, thoughts, and instructions over the weekend that you spent with us.  It was an experience that was so wonderful that at times I have trouble describing it.  There were feelings and emotions that woke up in me that I didn't even know were asleep…. I find that getting my mind back has been the best thing that has happened.  That was something that didn't happen all at once, it has taken time…” 
Inmate at the Guadalupe County Detention Center, Santa Rosa, NM

We are proud to include the following letter from Carl ToersBijns, Deputy Warden, Western New Mexico Correctional Facility, which attests to the excellence of our project outcomes:

“To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to provide a letter that expresses our support of our Meditation/Stress Reduction program. Since its implementation, we have experienced many positive things… that include: A reduction in misconduct reports and activity; a calmer atmosphere for both staff and inmates (both noise level and electronic interference); a cleaner, more sanitized living environment; [and] improved communications among staff and inmates… The program has been a voluntary program that has already created a waiting list since its implementation that indicates that inmates are seeking a more passive atmosphere during their individual incarceration time.”