Insight Garden Program

Nineteen years ago, IGP had the audacious idea that through the simple yet profound act of building a garden behind a prison wall --tending to it, learning about it, connecting to the healing power of nature--that this small revolutionary act could and would create real and lasting transformation. Now, 12 prison gardens, a robust reentry program, and many thousands of IGP graduates later, the positive effects of this radical idea have been born out over and over again. Conn...ection, restoration, understanding, and a gardener’s faith in ‘beginning again’ -- these are what ground IGP’s work and carry us forward. 2nd chance, 3rd, maybe even 4th? No matter, we’re in it for the long haul. Check Insight Garden Program featured in the Merced County Times https://bit.ly/3e0edZK #secondchancemonth #InsightGardenProgram #restorativejustice

Connecting to self, community, and the natural world is what IGP’s all about. And we so love to see this in action! Jezekiah spent 25% of his young life incarcerated. Just released, he’s excited to pursue higher education and to build his gardening knowledge and skills. IGP Reentry Manager, Gunner Johnson, picked Jezekiah up from OH Close Juvenile Facility last week, took him to his new home, and connected him to both financial aid opportunities, and to long-time IGP partici...pant, Mahluli Miller. Having served 36 years of a life sentence, Mahluli now has a successful landscaping business and has agreed to be a mentor for Jezekiah. So great! We’re excited to support Jezekiah’s re-entry journey and greatly appreciate Mahluli’s commitment. Again--connection makes all the difference. Please join us to welcome Jezekiah home! Pic 1: Jezekiah arrives at his new home Pic 2: Shopping for some clothes Pic 3: Mahluli & Jezekiah at lunch after working on some maintenance work for the grounds at Crossroads Church in Carmichael, Sacramento. #InsightGardenProgram #ReentryMatters #RestorativeJustice #SecondChanceMonth

IGP Reentry Staff Really Go the Distance! This past weekend, IGP Reentry Coordinator, Arnold Trevino, joined former IGP participant, Alvaro, and his family on a camping and fishing trip on the Tule Indian Reservation. They hiked, adventured through the mountains on 4-wheelers, and found a good fishing hole where Alvaro and his 5-year old caught a trout each while Alvaro's wife caught three! Later that night around the campfire, stories, ‘smores, and the simple pleasure of be...ing in nature with friends and family capped off a sweet day. Welcome home Alvaro! #restorativejustice #SecondChanceMonth #ReentryMatters #InsightGardenProgram #nature

Connecting to Nature - A Human Right for All Please join Insight Garden Program Co-director, Karen Hsueh, and other Blue Sky Funder Forum partners for the first Rethink Outside: Stories and Strides Webinar of 2021. With a lens on access to nature as a basic human right, Karen will share IGP’s work helping to connect people in prison to self, community, and the natural world.... Other panelists include: Yanira Castro, Outdoor Afro Rose Brusaferro, Backyard Basecamp Elyse Rylander, @outthereadv Free and open to all! Register at bit.ly/2QvtA4i #environmentaljustice #socialjustice #insightgardenprogram #restorativejustice

Last week we celebrated Starkeisha’s freedom after 13 years of incarceration! She was so happy to be out and ready to begin her life. IGP Reentry Coordinator, Arnold, was there to greet Starkeisha early Tuesday morning at Central California Women’s Facility. The two of them then drove down to Bakersfield to meet with IGP Women’s Reentry Coordinator, Lily @lilybug83 where they all got to enjoy a great lunch and conversation together before heading to Star’s new home. Welcome... home Starkeisha! #cjreform #reentry #restorativejustice #criminaljusticereform #insightgardenprogram #reentryprogram