HEALING HAPPENS
FROM THE
INSIDE, OUT
Our in-person and virtual programs create safe, rehumanizing spaces for women in prison to explore and heal through creative expression and movement.
On The Inside uses creativity to connect, heal, and empower incarcerated women.
Through shared stories, movement, and art, we create spaces where women can be seen, heard, and transformed. Our work builds community across the walls, linking women inside and outside through weekly circles, creative exchanges, and ongoing dialogue.
We believe creativity saves us, healing happens together, and change begins when every woman has a voice.
OUR
MISSION
WHO
WE SERVE
What We Do:
Our in-person and virtual programs offer prisoners a safe space for sharing and healing through creative expression.
We provide a springboard of thought-provoking prompts to explore pain, and offer creative outlets to facilitate healing through release.
We mentor women upon their release from prison with care packages, support groups, and programming for them and their families.
A Brief History
of On The Inside
Founded by Nikki Weaver, On The Inside began with one class and a belief in the healing power of creativity and connection. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2020, our work has grown from a single room to facilities across the country—and now the world.
In our first year, a 15-member international board launched programs in three states, offered eight class series, awarded scholarships, published our first collaborative book, and opened our creative space.
By year two, we expanded into Wyoming and Nebraska, offered weekly classes and creative newsletters to hundreds of women, and built a global community including formerly incarcerated women and supporters from six countries.
In year three, we served women and youth in six facilities, employed facilitators in five states (including two formerly incarcerated graduates), deepened our outside programs, and received regional and national foundation support.
By year four, we reached our first international facility in Australia and welcomed more returning students into outside classes, strengthening the bridge between inside and outside communities.
Today, our mission remains clear:
to use creativity, community, and storytelling to connect, heal, and empower women on both sides of the wall.
Our Stories
From art supplies to full-family resources
Every dollar makes a difference