A Whole Person Wellness Initiative to Reduce Recidivism and Crime in Kansas City 

Blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Yoga, and Meditation to improve emotional regulation, stress management, and long-term behavioral change.

The only municipal yoga and justice-focused programming in the nation.

Innovative programming that is not being implemented anywhere else on a municipal level.

The “Prison Yoga Project” is the closest comparison targeting state prisons

Why “Healing Justice” Matters

  1. Set Kansas City Apart - As a leader in comprehensive wellness-based diversion program, this model places Kansas City at the forefront of justice innovation.

  2. Innovative programming that is not being implemented anywhere else on a municipal level. The “Prison Yoga Project” is the closest comparison targeting state prisons. 

  3. Led by specialized Kansas City resources, uniquely trained for this type of instruction

  4. Addresses the root causes of repeat offenses: unmanaged stress, trauma, and emotional dysregulation through somatic experiences and changes in ways of thinking

  5. Evidence Based & Cost Effective: 

    1. CBT-based interventions show an average 25% reduction in reoffense rates (Lipsey et al., 2007).

    2. CBT programs generate over $7 in public safety benefit for every $1 spent (WSIPP, 2018).

  6. Aligns with public health models for rehabilitation over punishment

Healing Justice is currently in pre-implementation, targeting a start date in January 2026.