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.

OUR

MISSION

On The Inside empowers women to change their stories.

Through breathwork, 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.

WHO

WE SERVE

We believe….

in full-body healing through dialogue, embodiment practices, writing, and creativity. We share artwork, stories and poetry written by women and youth inside prison facilities.

in full-circle work; women that once were in prison become leaders in our work on the outside and then serve back inside communities they once were housed in. Breaking down the barriers that keep us apart, creating a space for hope, repair, and reunification at every step of the way.

we aren't our mistakes. We are always becoming more of who we are.

looking back allows us to move forward. Our mistakes don't define us, they show us how to step into our futures.

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.