JUSTICE SYSTEM
YOGA PROGRAMS
​"Prison is a metaphor for life,
where we cope with circumstances beyond our control in an unforgiving and uncompassionate environment."
-Mike Huggins
Our justice-system–focused trauma-informed yoga programs are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals who are incarcerated or involved in community supervision. We integrate yoga, mindfulness, and breath-based self-regulation skills into a structured curriculum that supports rehabilitation, personal growth, and community well-being.
​
Our approach is evidence-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible to all physical abilities. The goal is not to create expert yoga practitioners, but to equip participants with practical tools they can use for the rest of their lives.
PROGRAM GOALS
ENHANCE SELF-REGULATION
Develop skills to manage stress, impulses, and emotional triggers.
PROMOTE PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
Improve mobility, posture, and sleep while reducing anxiety and aggression.
FOSTER SELF-AWARENESS & ACCOUNTABILITY
Encourage reflection, personal responsibility, and positive decision-making.
SUPPORT SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY
Provide skills that help navigate the challenges of rejoining the community.
Honoring the Legacy of
Transformation Yoga Project
For over a decade, Transformation Yoga Project (TYP) was dedicated to bringing trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices into prisons, reentry centers, and community programs. Through thousands of classes, teacher trainings, and partnerships, TYP served as a pioneer in making yoga accessible within the justice system.
​
In 2024, Transformation Yoga Project formally concluded its organizational operations. While the nonprofit has dissolved, its mission and impact live on.
The training and advisory activities that began with TYP now continue through MDH Advisors. We remain committed to advancing trauma-informed, justice-focused practices by:
-
Developing and delivering yoga teacher trainings tailored for justice-involved populations
-
Advising organizations on best practices for implementing mindfulness and movement-based programs
-
Supporting leaders and practitioners who want to integrate trauma-sensitive approaches into their work​
Our focus has shifted from direct service classes in facilities to training, consulting, and capacity-building — ensuring that the ripple effect of TYP continues to grow.
Continuing the work through MDH Advisors
What Stays the Same
​
-
Mission: Supporting personal transformation and healing for individuals impacted by the justice system.
-
Approach: Trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that honor dignity, agency, and community.
-
Impact: Continued service in prisons, jails, recovery centers, and reentry programs.
Moving Forward
​
The heart of TYP lives on with MDH Advisors with the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and transformation — and that yoga and mindfulness can be powerful tools in that journey.
What is Trauma Informed Yoga
and Transformation Yoga Project?
