CORE100 partners with Marion Prison
An important part of the work of the Appalachian Center for Civic Life is creating and managing partnerships between community organizations and courses at the college.
One of the CORE 100 courses offered this fall is partnering with the Marion Correctional Treatment Center. Megan Hamilton’s Mind, Body, Spirit Connection course is all about mindfulness practices and bringing those skills to life. Megan’s students have the opportunity to go into the prison and practice yoga and other mindfulness techniques alongside the inmates.
A typical visit is structured in the following way: students and inmates begin the practice with a mindful moment. Next they participate in group meditation and yoga and then conclude with a reflective moment on how they feel.
According to Jeramiah Hampton, the Recreation Therapy Supervisor, “Mind, Body, Spirit Connection was approved by the VADOC Mental Health Steering Committee/Headquarters as an ‘Evidence Based Program,’ the first college/university partnership of its kind in the state of Virginia.” Hampton has seen great results in the health and wellbeing of the participating inmates.
CORE 100 student, McKenna Woody (class of 2027), speaks highly of the course and, although she didn’t know that the course would entail the partnership, she is glad it does as it has helped her become more in touch with herself and the community.
Hampton also noted that, “it has increased inmate participation, decreased violent outbursts and behavioral issues, while also boosting morale, pro-social behaviors, and overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being.”
The overall impact of this program has been the ability for students to connect with each other and community in a meaningful and mindful way.