Did you know that the Missoula jail has a yoga program thanks to a Missoulian who has a passion for helping inmates release tension?

The program is called Freedom on the Inside, founded by Miss Erin Giefer. Her mission is to provide basic yoga instruction to people incarcerated in the Missoula County Detention Center. The idea started with bringing yoga to a small group at our local jail, and has grown by leaps and bounds.

Many of those currently incarcerated are veterans, homeless, mentally ill or have experienced mental trauma. According to Lieutenant Jeff Rodrick, training supervisor at the Missoula County Jail, they have noticed a great decrease in the amount of incidents & situations among the inmates since the program started. The staff has noticed that offenders are more calm and relaxed after their yoga sessions.

Yoga Behind Bars, which is Seattle's jail yoga program, is coming to Missoula to host a trauma informed teacher training for local students and members of the public. Freedom on the Inside is currently fundraising $5,000 to make the training free. Learn more about how to make a tax deductible donation here, Erin and her crew thank you in advance for your kindness and interest.

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